Southbound
After the road trip to North, Plata y Siete decided to have a trip that's really, really out of town: a vacation out of Luzon. And so, when Haggeo saw the promo offered by Cebu Pacific February last year, he didn't waste any time and booked us our flight to Cagayan de Oro right away estimating the school's term end. He reserved us September 24th to 29th round trip last year and guess what? It was PERFECT!
Plata y Siete Goes to CDO
Since the promo flights are limited to a number of provinces, the gang chose a place where no one of us haven't been to and somewhere out of the North. Haggeo and I have been to Palawan, Leander already went to Iloilo. Some of us thought that since we already went to the Cagayan of the North (Cagayan Valley), then it is only proper that we go to the Cagayan of the South (Cagayan de Oro). So, Playa y Siete decided to go to CDO.
No one of us had ever been in Mindanao. It was a first for us. We thought of the activities we could do in there. Neil suggested that we do rafting which was recommended by a friend. We wanted to climb a mountain, too. Then, we thought that we should maximize the 4-day-trip and came up with 4 main activities; namely, a major climb, visit the falls, white water rafting, and enjoy the beach.
I researched and found out that the only activity we could do in Cagayan de Oro City is white water rafting and beachineering. The nearby mountains are located in Bukidnon or Gingoog City and the falls are all over Iligan City. Hence; I made a way for us to do everything in four days.
The Itinerary
I took time in making the itinerary. It took me two months to finally finish it. Haggeo proposed that we start doing the activities that're far from the city. Thus, I made the itinerary that way. I arranged everything, and contacted the people I could. I posted it 1 month before the trip which was a little late because the group needed to finalize the budget. Each of us were already saving for the trip, though.
This was supposedly the IT we would've followed. Improvisations were done when we arrived there.
We had to follow the itinerary as much as possible and be on time for everything. Most of the time, we slept on the vehicle on our way to the next area; may it be bus, van or motorcycle. That way, we accomplished many things before our flight back to Manila.
Day 1: White Water Rafting
The rafting is actually done in Cagayan River which is located at the boundary of Bukidnon and CDO. I looked up for the rafting outfitters and was referred to Kagay Outdoors by Viajero Outdoor Center. Since we were tough but not hard core and we have a schedule to follow, we chose the Mid Section which was 4 hours river run with 24 rapids.
I am a dragon boat paddler so I was confident to do the activity. Most of us were worried because they don't know how to paddle. But when we started rafting, it was easy-peasy for everyone. Our guide was an excellent teacher, jester, motivator and trivia-quizzer. We were laughing all the time and going down the rapids was not scary at all.
Day 2: Mt. Lumot Dayhike
We were originally going to climb Mt. Balatukan; however, upon arriving at Gingoog City, we learned that there was an encounter between the military and the New People's Army in the mountain. So our guide proposed that we climb Mt. Lumot: the Mountain of Souls. He also arranged everything already and didn't tell us because he thought we might get scared.
We were quite disappointed upon hearing the news and were much more disappointed that we won't reach the summit according to him. Because our plan was only a day hike, we won't be back before dark and might be late for our trip back to CDO City if we proceeded there. It turned out, reaching the Camp Niel Perez was enough for us. We enjoyed the hike, talking about anything under the sun (Metaphorically speaking, since the weather at the mountain was cloudy and rainy.)
Day 3: The Ultimate Road Trip
After the climb, we chartered a van back to CDO City because there were no bus in the terminal at that time and we have to get back to CDO for us to travel to Iligan City: the City of Majestic Waterfalls for our next adventure. We were met by my friend, Ian to show us the WinGrace Dormitory where we'll be staying the following night.
Supposedly, we would be taking a bus to Iligan but were attracted by the offer of the barker and rented a van to Iligan City. We used it for our optimum journey. We were planning to go to Ma. Christina Falls as well but we weren't able to because it was suddenly closed due to the recent bombing incident in Davao. (Click here for news.)
1. Mimbalut Falls
Our first stop was the Mimbalut Falls. We had a little problem finding it because unfortunately, our driver don't know where it's located. Finally, we did and we were the first ones to be there. The falls were awesome but we decided to swim on the next waterfall.
2. Tinago Falls
Tinago in Filipino language means "hidden". This waterfall is one of the most amazing cascades I have ever seen hidden in canyons. The blue green water that sometimes appear aqua was very relaxing to look at and very cold and comfortable to swim in. We also arrived here early and enjoyed the quiet view before people began swarming.
3. Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape/Seascape
To make up for the unavailability of Ma. Christina Falls, we dropped by at the Initao-Libertad Proteccted Landscape/Seascape, had a quick tour and photo op as per the suggestion of our driver and his wife.
4. Divine Mercy Shrine
We saw this enormous Jesus, the Christ statue from the high way going to CDO City when we first arrived in Laguindingan International Airport. After the little detour earlier, we thought we could have another and stop by the Divine Mercy Shrine even for a moment. And our driver allowed it.
We were buzzer beaters because the shrine closes at 6 in the evening and we arrived at the location quarter to six, already. The ladies had to wear skirts and the men wearing sleeveless or undershirt needed to war a poncho-like garment before coming in and we had to hurry because it was becoming dark already. We had to climb a lot of steps up the shrine. We were exhausted but it was worth it!
Day 4: To the beach!
It was the last day. We spent the night at WinGrace Dormitory where Ian stays. We were up late playing cards, category games, singing and drinking. On the following day, we checked out of the dorm, bought pasalubong and went to the beach.
We went to MarVilla Beach in Opol to chill. We enjoyed the beach as well as the view because there were only few people present. We drank and played, swam and brayed. We savored our despedida (farewell) party because we were about to go home back to the city.
We stayed until late afternoon, packed up our things and headed to the airport. I went back to CDO City to accompany Dave and Gabriel in buying requested pasalubongs from their families and to see Ian off.
This trip was one of the most unforgettable events in my life. Problems arouse such as Erik not contacting us a few days before we leave because of personal and financial issues, worried parents because of the bombing incident in Davao, change of mountain because of the encounter and etc. but we passed through that and we enjoyed the trip. I know I'm the only girl in the group but I know I belong. True friends, my brothers, my another family, and my knights.
Message to the Reader
You could do everything we did for less than $ 150 per person (airfare not included). You may think that it's dangerous in the southern part of the Philippines but don't always believe the news. Never generalize. The northern Mindanao is safe and many people are willing to help you if they can. I admit that the wars in Southern Mindanao are quite taking its toll but it shouldn't affect the neighboring provinces. Gosh. I hate wars. I suggest you go with locals and guides if ever you visit remote areas to avoid mishaps.
I hope you enjoyed reading and do visit the Philippines in the future. Resteem and upvote! Follow me @krizia and check my previous post about the adventures of Plata y Siete here.
Wonderful post!
Thank you for commenting @evalight! I appreciate it, greatly.
lovely story and pics!
Thank you @paolobeneforti! I'll continue to do my best in the future. Follow me for more! 😊
already following ;)