Dahilayan Adventure Park: Second Time Around

Going to Dahilayan Adventure Park will more than an hour from Cagayan de Oro. It is best you visit the Park on a weekday. If you only have the weekends, set out really early. The Park gets crowded with tourists on peak season. 

You will pass by Del Monte's pineapple plantation. A sea of pineapples as far as the eyes can see. Every time we visit, we stop halfway to take in the sights. I probably won't ever get over how picturesque it all is: a sea of pineapples, pine trees and sleeping mountains half-covered in fog as the backdrop. 

This is my second visit to Dahilayan Adventure Park to date. I noted a lot of improvements ever since my first visit. A new hotel, Pine Grove Lodge greeted us on our arrival near the entrance to the park. The design reminded me so much of the cabins we stayed in Baguio only bigger. This is good news to out of town tourists. They never have to travel more than an hour back to Cagayan de Oro. However, it's really pricey. One night stay will cost you more than Php 3,000. But there is a cheaper alternative, especially for groups, The Ridge Camp. Good for big families and friends. 

Weather in Bukidnon recently turned bipolar; it could be hot then it rains cats and dogs! When it rains, it fogs and it'd be really cold. Be prepared to bring jackets and umbrellas. 

I dream of having just a small cabin and wake up to this view each morning. Imagine spending your afternoons on your veranda looking out to luscious greenery as far as the eye can see with a cup of coffee and a good book to curl up to. *sigh* Look at my bro! Sooo, adorable! 

While waiting for the food, hanged out in their playground. There were a few kids and he had no one to play with. I was happy to oblige as you can see. 

I will never ever dine in this restaurant again. Food was terrible and overpriced. And bad service too.

Paul and I tried out their bungee since he chickened out on the Zorbit. I wanted to try rolling inside a huge ball down the hill with him. Apparently, my brother is not as adventurous as I am. He veers away from any adrenaline-inducing activity. 

We had the buggy ride too since Papa didn't allow Paul to ride the ATV himself. We'd be driving through rough roads, blind curves and steep downhill road tracks he figured it's unsafe. I felt Paul's disappointment he wanted it so much. But oh well. At least he rode by my side and barked instructions on HOW TO DRIVE, WHEN TO STOP AND WHEN TO SLOW DOWN. LOL. I just gave him that the satisfaction coz he enjoyed the feeling of being in control so much. 

I'd love to go back again with more family and friends in tow. Spend the night there and share stories around a bonfire on a chilly night. 

Will you go with me next time? 

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Initao Forest Park

Ah, the beach; one the many things I constantly miss about home. The accessibility to Mother Nature. Anyone can decide last minute to head to the beach just to watch the sunset.

When I got back home, I made sure I dropped by sans dipping in its cool waters under angry Mr. Sun.

We were initially heading towards Midway Beach Resort the popular white sand beach resort in Initao, Misamis Oriental but when we arrived to a flock of people playing by the shore (apparently there was a big, big family reunion) we decided to visit, Initao Forest Park and do some trekking.

Walk around towering trees, with some older than you are. You hear birds chirping as if singing you a welcome song. You hear the flap of their wings as they play, flying from one tree to another. You hear sounds of other creatures too.

Here overlooking the ocean. I just watched a kid cliff jump! Crazy. I wanna try but I'm afraid I'd drown or most probably hit head on rocks below. The idea of cliff jumping though is one for the books. Must do that somehow someday.

Got down closer to the beach. 

Oh yeah, you can opt to go explore the caves. Yes, caves. I was with folks, and they are not as adventurous as I am so we went off to visit the centennial tree. 

The tree's roots are huuuuuuge. I know it seemed pretty old to me but sometimes I wonder, how they came to know of its age? Dad said, the rings. But I saw no ring.. Hmmm. If you know, let me know. Just curious. 

And here we are, heading back to the car. A blurred family picture of us walking. 

If you wish toe visit, Initao Forest Park is an hour away from Cagayan de Oro. From the airport you take a taxi to Bulua Terminal. Fare will cost you around Php 350. One way airconditioned bus to Initao will cost you Php 120. Inform the conductor that you will alight in Initao Forest Park.

Entrance fee is Php 10 for adults. You can camp if you want just bring your own supplies. The other side of the park across the road offer tree top adventure with zip line meandering from tree to tree for Php 250 for the entire package already. Cheap, eh?

I am against camping in the forest. Scary. I suggest heading to Midway Resort, camp by the beach under the stars, be lulled with the soft waves crashing... 

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Paul for President!

I received a random text today from my Mom saying my brother is Class President. I had to laugh out of amazement and disbelief. My brother? A Class President? Didn't see that coming. He's thirteen but he's still as childish as he was at 9 years old. I often worry but hearing he's taking this responsibility, I hope he becomes more mature. 

I love you, bro! I got your back, no matter what. 

And Ate is proud. I've always have been. 

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Trip Back Home

I had my long break last week. After months of being away from home, I was so psyched and excited to fly that I had to leave the office early to 'prepare' coz I know when I get off that plane, my baby brother (who's inches taller than I am now) will be looking for his boxes of Krispy Kreme. 

I am the family's eldest and unica hija, pretty explains why the entire family's very protective of me. So even if I could very well find my way home, hey picked me up the airport. The moment I got in the car I felt home immediately. I was also glad our Strada's up and running after Sendong. We dropped by SM Cagayan de Oro to eat breakfast since I havent had any. 

At home, Papa prepared a sumptuous dinner. He knew I missed his cooking and boy was he right. I had grilled Bangus and shells!!! YUM. It's been months since I had any. You see, Bangus and shells are my favorite. We always have that for lunch every Sunday before I moved here in Makati. Gahd, dinners like that make me miss being pampered. Being an only daughter and having two parents who adore me, do have their perks. 

We went off to Pryce Memorial Gardens to visit my grandaunt and my great grandmother since it was my grandaunt's birthday. Weird huh to celebrate one's birth when they're dead already. But we Filipinos have that sentimentality and we pay respects every time. We had difficulty lighting the candles since it was so windy. My hat kept flying off. 

After saying a short prayer, my brother played with the wind and had his plane soaring. I watched it soar over the sprawling, green grass against the blue skyline. The sound of rustling leaves and swaying trees seemed like a lulling music in this peaceful place for the dead. Now I know why my grandaunt specifically wanted to lie her remains there.

Paul was still having fun flying his plane when Mama called us back in the car. We were still heading to Initao Forest Park for a stroll. More on that when I get back.

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Thirteen Years

My review days required me to be away from home for nearly five months. On my first week, I cried. And there were those days when I have waves of homesickness. My only consolation was to talk about them everyday especially more on funny stories of my little brother. When they finally came to Manila to fetch me, my little brother is not so little anymore. He's become taller than me by an inch! And he's only thirteen! He's become more handsome. His once smooth forehead already has tiny pimple breakouts. I can't believe this was the baby I carefully held in my arms. Gawd. Okay, I'm getting more mushy. 

We celebrated his thirteenth birthday in Kimono Ken. It's a Japanese restaurant located in SM Mall of Asia. My mother and I are more adventurous when it comes to food but my Dad is not so it took us some time to convince him to try Jap food. Good thing he did when I mentioned ramen coz I know he loved the one we tried in HK's Ocean Park. 

They served this first. They call this Oki Maki, I think. Note to self, take notes. It was cold, sweet and delicious. My entire family enjoyed having it as an appetizer. Even my hard-to-please Dad nodded in approval. 

I did not like this one. I think it had some herb that was too much to my liking. This is also the reason why I am wary of Thai food.

Kimono Ken has arguably the best tasting Chicken Teriyaki I have ever tasted. My brother devoured it in minutes. The one at the left is Beef Teriyaki. Can't say much coz I didn't have any. My brother and Dad ate it all before I had the chance. 

I had Gyudon. And a type of ramen I forgot what. They had big servings. Mine was good for two which explained why I had a hard time finishing it all. I was already so full I feel my stomach would burst any minute and I'm not kidding! Good thing I had a loose printed top on.

When we were about to bill out, Kimono Ken's service crew and floor supervisor (whatever he's called since he's ordering people around) clapped their hands and sang a Japanese song which I presume to be Happy Birthday in Japanese. Like, duh! He was given a free ube ice cream with a tiny candle to blow. My brother was all smiles, he was obviously delighted! And I must say, the service was very satisfactory. They serve fast. They anticipate your needs. And everyone's cheery and friendly. 

Will I revisit? Definitely yes. My Dad liked it. He's the kind of man who sticks to native cuisine and for me to see him eat like this... 

without a word of complaint? Kimono Ken made it clear to Dad that Japanese food is delicious and that prices indicated were reasonable! 

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