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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Cartwheels in Subic

Last weekend, I went to my first ever company outing. To be honest, I had high expectations. For starters, staying in a really expensive room for two nights and tons of activities designed to get one know other colleagues from different departments and branches. Sure there were games but I still huddled close to my comfort zone. Contrary to what many believe, I am no good with meeting new people. Personally, I suck at it. So I need a more non-awkward, laid back setting that help shake things up and meet new friends like fun, engaging games. 

Longest line. Like, hello? And, um, sand sculpture was fail since it rained. 

Good thing, all that went away, as soon as we got to settle to our rooms. I was pleased to note two double beds. Camayan Beach Resort ain't bad after all. I wonder how much it cost our company for each room...

So anyway, food was average. I give the resort a grade point B for it. 

But, I really, really enjoyed myself with Ocean Adventure! Remember the movie Flipper (the dolphin starring alongside Elijah Woods)? Some of his equally playful and intelligent friends were there. And like him, they were adorably cute! I watched the dolphin show thrice; each time I was overjoyed like a little kid. There were sea lions too. Equally adorable lot. 

My colleagues and I had early dinner and jumped in the waters for a night swim. We had fun playing with the angry waves. We stayed close together and met the huge waves. I screamed in happy panic wave after wave. It was a lot of fun! 

I spent the next day kayaking. I was pretty nervous since it was my first time ever. And then of course, the JUMP SHOTS. Tons of it. And cartwheels on the beach. Wow, I still know how albeit it looking pretty lame and wobbly.

I pretty much enjoyed my weekend. I am building new relationship with all these fun people at work. I am glad I have them at work. I find it very important that I get along with the people I work with. Under intense pressure, stress and mental exhaustion, all these take the backseat when you have them to laugh with. 

And with that, thank you God. You always put me in a good place. Always. 

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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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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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The Fort Santiago

We continued our brief trip to the 1800s in Fort Santiago, which was by the way, just across Manila Cathedral.

I was so thirsty I had to stop by a store to buy water. By the time I got to the entrance, my friends were already browsing through a number of tourist-y hats. Cute and cheap. 

Not bad for 120 bucks. 'Twas originally priced at 200 but we haggled it for a 100 'til the vendor said with finality, 120! I learned a lesson that day, haggle for half the price then inch higher to what you really intend to pay for the item. 

There's a large garden with fountain at the center of Fort Santiago. Great for picnics. We did not go there to lounge though, we immediately started retracing Jose Rizal's steps to martyrdom. 

The entrance leading to another courtyard. Inside is Jose Rizal's detention cell, dungeons, Rajah Sulayman theater and a museum in honor of the famed hero. 

Don't you think it looks very imposing? After centuries, it still exudes an aura of authority. It stands tall and proud, like a person who's not used to getting NO as an answer.

That is Jose Rizal's detention cell with his footprints. His steps are pretty narrow. We marveled at this thought for awhile and argued at why it was so. One reasoned it was because he was a short man but I disagreed. If these were the last steps I'll take in my life, I would absolutely take my time towards death. Period. 

The sneak peek of the dungeons. Cold stone walls. Dark and scary. I refuse to linger at these parts of Fort Santiago since it gives me the creeps. The souls of the innocent of the people who was detained and put to death, I heard, still lurk there. Brrr! I took one shot and quickly hurried away.

We went to all the places indicated in the brochure. We were so tired after walking and snapping photos. We stopped by this open area overlooking the Pasig river. It must have served as a lookout for enemies or a docking port for merchants. I dunno. All I know is, this part of Fort Santiago must have been beautiful back in the days. But at the moment, sad to say, the view right across are only unwanted and crumbling buildings.

We resumed to walking and found this quiet spot with red bricked walls. The need to channel ANTM struck us almost in unison! :)

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