Onboard the Indigenous Motorelas of Mindanao

wandergirl (58)in #travel • 6 years ago (edited)

_{MOTORELA: Where can this take you? (Credits)}

I had a business trip this year. This gave me a chance to visit 3 different cities in Mindanao - Cagayan de Oro, Davao and General Santos. Before reaching these places, I wondered what could be something in these urban areas that would be unique from my hometown, Cebu City. I already knew that Cagayan is known for pastel, Gensan for tuna and Davao for durian, yet I was still filled with curiousity. I tend to overthink things and I barely slept the night before our flight.

Satisfied Curiousity

When we arrived in our first destination, Cagayan de Oro, I found something interesting - a 4-wheeled vehicle that is powered by a motorcycle. This public transport is called the MOTORELA. It was different from tricycles that I usually see in Cebu. It has four wheels instead of three, which makes it look more similar to jeepneys.

Motorized tricycle, or simply tricycle is in fact a motorbike and sidecar, is an indigenous form of the auto rickshaw and is a common means of public transportation in the Philippines. Wikipedia

_{CEBU TRICYCLE: Typical 6-passenger tricycle in Cebu}

The Motorela was invented in Cagayan de Oro by a mechanic named Raphael Floirendo Sr. in 1964. Motorela comes from the words “motorized” and “caritela”. CDO Guide

_{MOTORELA: Can't believe this mini-jeepney can carry up to 10 passengers}

This mini-jeepney is spacious that it could fit 10 passengers. Like jeepneys, it has a door at the rear and two doors at the front part. The driver is in between two passenger seats. Two benches are at back of the driver, that is on the left and right walls of the cab. Four passengers are to sit on each side, making them face each other. It has wide windows that lets the wind easily pass through. A motorela is basically a motorcycle enclosed in a cab.

_{10-SEATER MOTORELA: Like Motorelas in CDO, Davao has also a 10-passenger tricycle}

As we went from city to city, I noticed that the Motorela in General Santos City, was a bit smaller than the ones in Cagayan de Oro and Davao. Gensan's Motorela could only fit 6 passengers. Two front passengers and four at the back. The driver was no longer in between the front passengers. Instead, he was already at the left side of the cab.

_{GENSAN MOTORELA: This mini Motorela can carry only 6 passengers}

The Motorela Experience

After we landed in Laguindingan Airport, Misamis Oriental, rode a coaster to Cagayan de Oro (CDO) and took a Motorela around the city, I found myself feeling at ease. Maybe because I felt comfortable talking in Visayan dialect or the people were just naturally hospitable. No wonder CDO is called as City of the Golden Friendship.

_{LAGUINDINGAN AIRPORT: The stillness of the place makes me forget this was an airport}

Our Motorela ride was relaxing. I was able to put my bag on the seat since we were the only passengers. The cool wind playfully whipped my hair. Thank goodness I didn't have someone beside me to be blinded by the sharp ends of my hair.

As we got nearer to our office, I noticed people near the church preparing for something. I realized that this day was the annual Traslacion of the Black Nazarene. I felt blessed to witness such an event.

_{TRASLACION: Catholic devotees took part in the procession for the Black Nazarene (Credits)}

When we finally reached our office in CDO, I was amazed I got a chance to meet the people I only communicate through phones or emails. Sadly, we didn’t have much time to go out and bond with them. What's ironic was that we were staying in a hotel surrounded by restobars and people enjoying the night. We had to sleep early and be ready for our morning flight the following day to our next destination.

As we left the office trying to find a place to eat, the Motorela driver somehow took us to a city tour and showed us around Plaza Divisoria, the heart of the city. He asked if we still had time to roam in CDO. He mentioned names of popular spots and I hurriedly looked them up on my phone . I was bummed we didn't have much time to stay in CDO. I would definitely go back and take an adventure trip!

_{CDO ADVENTURE: CDO's adventure spots that I missed going (Credits)}

Work as our main purpose

_{CAPTAIN PHILLIPS: Remembered the movie on our way to our warehouse}

With the Motorela being a slight distraction, I think we deserved a pat on the back for still focusing on the main purpose of this trip - Improvement.

One of the objectives of our travel was to check our colleagues' knowledge on the significance of cleanliness and sanitation in the company. In food manufacturing, it is important to keep a keen eye on these things. For this short time with them, I hope they learned a lot from the knowledge and experiences we shared.

_{CAUGHT IN THE ACT: Last task, need to finish even if my eyes are watery}

Places I Should Have Gone To

When I remembered the places the Motorela driver proudly invited us to visit in CDO, I also thought about making my bucket list for Davao and Gensan.

Davao City

Mount Apo
Mount Apo, other than being the highest peak in the Philippines, it is rich with bodies of water and home to over 272 bird species, 111 of which are endemic to the area. (Wikipedia)

_{MOUNT APO: Highest mountain in the Philippines (Credits)}

Island Garden City of Samal
Samal Island is not part of Davao City but it is only a few minutes away. The island has waterfalls and white-sand beaches, perfect for unwinding and isolating yourself from the busy city life.

_{SAMAL ISLAND: Home of the Badjaus (Credits)}

Durian Farm

_{DURIAN: Got its unique smell and taste people got crazy about (Credits)}

Davao is the largest producer of durian in the Philippines. I'm not really fond of the strong smell of the durian, but I do like to eat the durian candies and tarts. For unlimited durian experience, you can visit Parotza Durian Farm.

_{DURIAN by Kublai Millan: Represents the Lumads, Muslims and Settlers in Davao}

General Santos City

_{SOX: Soccskargen Region(South Cotabato, Cotabato City, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City)}

General Santos City Fish Port Complex
Since General Santos City is known for its tuna, going to the General Santos City Fish Port Complex is a must-try. As a bonus, it is an ISO 9001-certified port, which means it is systematically managed and quality-certified!

_{FISH PORT: Tuna-all-you-can (Credits)}

Sanchez Peak
If I could return to GenSan, I want to go trekking and camp at Sanchez Peak or the Balakayo Mountain. It is located in Sitio Balakayo, Barangay Olympog.

_{SANCHEZ PEAK: Refreshing view from the highest peak of Gensan(Credits)}

The Finale

_{FLIGHT HOME: Felt excited we're going home at last}

As we were aboard the flight headed back to Cebu, I was already longing to sleep in my bed with the familiar scent of my sheets. I admit the trip was tiring, but what's more important was that it was fulfilling, as we were able to accomplish the goals we set. As a bonus, I was able to relax, go around and learn something about the cities, even just for a few days. These are experiences I could not normally do by just sitting on my office chair.

I'd like to end with a realization I got while riding the Motorela in this trip. It is something we are all familiar with:

"It's not about the destination, but the journey."

A worthy life is a journey of adventure, discovery and service to others. Enjoy the ride.