Cagayan De Oro - Camiguin - Bukidnon Tour 2016

I promised myself that this year would be a year filled with adventure for me and it seems that everything fall into place. For this year's company team building, we went to Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin and Bukidnon for the duration of 4 days. During my four day visit, I appreciated the rich and unspoiled natural wonders, coupled with a rural culture that is barely tinted with excessive modernity.

Touchdown Cagayan de Oro at Laguindingan Airport

Our first stop if the Divine Mercy Shrine located in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental. It is one of the sought after pilgrimage site in the country. Statue stand at 50 foot tall. You have to walk at least 200 steps in order to get closer to the statue. 

I'm told that the Sunken Cemetery is beautiful during sunset so we need to catch the ferry to Benoni Port.

Our ferry boat. From Balingoan Port to Benoni Port

Touchdown Camiguin Island at Benoni Port

I fell in love with Camiguin at first sight! I love how Camiguin is untouched by modernity(even my smart bro doesn't work so it took me a long time to finally get a signal). Too sad about my trip to Camiguin is that there were so many place that I want to see, (Katibwasan Falls, the Giant Clam Sanctuary, and Mantigue Island) but because of time-constraint I wasn't able to visit them.

For reference, blow are the map of Camiguin Island. I'll definitely come again. 

Among the places that I visited are:

• Moro Watch Tower

The interesting fact about the Moro Watch Tower is that it was built to keep the Moro pirates away from the pillaging. During the early days, the villagers were always on lookout for pirates because of rampant pillaging and looting. Now, only small portion of the ruins were preserve, the rest were converted into school.

• Sto. Rosario Church

Sto. Rosario was one of the oldest church in the Philippines, but - it doesn't look like it. It also one the unique church because its interior is made up of bamboo and driftwood.

• Old Gui-ob Church Ruins

This church was destroyed in 1871 during the eruption of Mount Vulcan (Old Volcano).

The ruin interior of the church

Old Bell Tower

Welcome to Camiguin

• Sunken Cemetery

Driven underwater by the eruption of Mount Vulcan, the whole cemetery was submerged. The large cross was later built to commemorate the remains of the departed loved ones.

• White Island

A strip of inhabited land that is mostly made up of coral. The day was gloomy and overcast and yet the island offer peace and tranquility. 

• Pool Chasing
• Sto. Niño Cold Spring

• Soda Swimming Pool

Soda Pool got it name because of the taste of it water.

• Ardent Hibok-Hibok Hot Spring Resort

• Tuasan Fall

We need to get back to Cagayan de Oro and ready ourselves for the next itinerary.

Next stop on our trip is Bukidnon. Bukidnon is a landlocked province that is located in Northern Mindanao. It is a haven for outdoor adventure enthusiast. Sadly, I was only able to go to Dahilayan Forest Park to experience the Drop Zone.

Acre of acre of lands and pineapple plantations were seen while driving up to Dahilayan.

• Dahilayan Adventure Park

And now we prepare for our extreme adventure, first on the list is to conquer the longest running zipline in Asia at 840 meters.

And while I'm at it, why not also try the Dahilayan's Drop Zone? Think I can do it on 120 ft? Let's see.

I enjoyed everything that this Park has to offer sadly because of time constraint again, we need to be at Del Monte Clubhouse for lunch. 

That's one big steak!

After a full meal, we are now back again to Cagayan de Oro, at this point I really really want to rest so that I can prepare myself for Cagayan White Water Rafting. 

Till my next adventure!

To My Person

Dearest Doggie,

Today I found myself crying when my cousin carted you off in a small cage. You are on your way to Baguio - your new home. I wish with all my heart that you will stay with me, after all I was supposed to bring you to grooming service. 

I fell in love with you the first time I saw you. You were in green sando then sitting atop the mantle. I kept eyeing you in case you decided to jump and fell down. I wanted to hug you, but I resisted myself, knowing that you aren't mine. But then, my brother brought you to me and it look like I am holding heaven in my arms. The first night, you slept on my bed. You were fast sound asleep, maybe because you were tired because you were taking in your new environment. I heard it was stressful for the dog. I decided to take care of you. I brought you to clinic to received your deworming and doggie shot. I take care of you through it all. I even brought you your squeaky toy so that you won't bite me. 

You were so easy to love. You like my hugs so much. When I came home you keep on jumping begging me to cart you off.  You listen when I talk to you. Wake me up in the morning just so you can have your morning routine. We watched television together. 

I will miss you so so much.  Hope they will take good care of you over there. I am praying that you will have a healthy, long life. 

Love,

Series

Posing for the camera!

First De-worming. Behave!

Playing with your green thingy

Smile! You don't like to walk much, do you?

First night together.

After you received your first doggie shot

LDR Diary #3

This "waiting game" is bringing out the worst in me. Who said long distance relationship is a breeze? Nah. The words of those who survive long distance is a big fat lie! My experience with long distance relationship is excruciatingly painful (because you weren't with each other side), and emotionally draining. It was also time consuming. Between the two of us, I was the one who always makes adjustment to whatever situation we are in. I have to be content with myself that one day we'll be together and what he is doing is for the betterment of our future. 

How do I cope and make our relationship fun despite the distance?

Communicate. Never ever let the days go by without communication. When on video call, always wear your best smiles. Any whining must be suppressed. When there is something you want to talk about (i.e. expectations) talk to them about it, don't let them guess, keep it straight-forward.

Take Photos. We have this ongoing project aptly named "Half you. Half Me". We will take photos of ourselves then combine it into one. Just take a picture, be it the food you cook. The activities you do.

Me Time. Never ever wait for your significant other to call you. Always have a date with yourself first. It will never do if you just sit there and do nothing. Go and conquer the world, keep yourself fit and healthy and learn something new.

Long distance may not be easy but it can tell you a lot of thing about a person who was in an LDR relationship. Just always remember that if and when you survive it, it will all be worthwhile.