Cagayan de Oro Days 3-4 (Camiguin)

We arrived earlier than expected at Balangoan pier, north of Cagayan de Oro. From there we took the 30-minute ferry to the island of Camiguin. We could have taken the three hour ferry from Cagayan de Oro but a huge group of students beat us to the punch. The waiting area was small and soon became cramped with waiting passengers. Worse, the bathrooms rankled. It was better to use the cleaner facilities aboard the ferry.


Around 30 minutes after departure we arrived at Camiguin. We had brunch at the nearby J&A Fishpen Resort and Restaurant fronting the man made lake. Their specialty is fresh seafood. Of note is the quaint way they disguised their sinks.


With full bellies, we embarked on a tour of the island. Our first stop was the Watch tower in Guinsilban, a 15 minute drive from the pier. At the top one could see a wide expanse of sea. It may not look like much but one could imagine what it must it was like over 400 years ago looking out for Moro pirates.


A short drive later we arrived at Santo Niño Cold Springs. Look closely and one could see fish in the pool. We weren't brave enough to swim; we did dip our feet in to see how cold the water was. It wasn't freezing but still pretty cold.


We then moved on to the Bura Natural Soda Water Swimming Pool, where one can swim in soda water. We tasted the water and, indeed, it tasted like a carbonated drink (of course without the sugar).


Moving on we went to the church ruins at Old Catarman. All that was left of the church were the walls when it was destroyed by a volcanic eruption. A new chapel was put up -- which we thought at first was part of the ruins.


The Sunken Cemetery in Bonbon was also the result of the same volcanic eruption. All that one can see is the cross that juts out of the ocean.


Our next stop was the Camiguin Walkway. It is said to reach near the top of the volcano but it would have taken about an hour's hike. Along the way are statues depicting the way of the cross. We wanted to see what was on top but the prospect of a long trek and the pouring rain discouraged us.


Tired and wet, we checked in at Paras Beach Resort. After a change of clothes and downing refreshments (welcome drinks courtesy of the resort), we boarded our vans for our next destination.


Katibawasan Falls is a majestic sight. One could feel the power of the water as it tumbled down to the bottom. And it was cold too. We also tried a local treat: fried lumpia wrapper with coconut syrup drizzled on top -- a combination of sweet and salty.


We finally took a dip in Ardent Hot Spring, geothermally heated water that comes from underground. The pool second from top is the warmest. It was nice to relax in the warm water after a hectic day of travelling.


The following morning found us riding a bangka on our way to White Island, a sandbar of white sand. It is recommended to go in the morning, when the tides are low, as the "island" becomes submerged during high tide.


Back to Paras for a quick breakfast and shower before heading to the pier. Three hours later we were back in Cagayan de Oro. We ate at Kagay-ayon in Limketkai mall - we weren't about to leave CDO without tasting ostrich. Then dessert at the one of the local yogurt hubs, Kiwi Swirl.


Sadly it was time to head back to Manila. If we had more time, a trip tot he caves would be on the itinerary, and possibly a look at the old excavation site of the earl settlers of the area. Things to do on the return trip!

Cagayan de Oro Day 2

An early start and a 2-hour drive had us at the zipline park in Bukidnon. There were 3 ziplines in all, with the longest at 840 meters. We weren't able to try the other activities (such as ATV rentals, horseback riding and Zorb ball) because we had to back in Cagayan de Oro by 1pm.



We then had an early-ish lunch at the Del Monte Clubhouse. The steaks were good and the pineapple juice was unlimited (It was a pineapple plantation after all).


Another hour and a half of travel and we were at Bugsay Rafting, two blocks from Divisoria. (Bugsay in the local dialect meant paddle.) We changed into our swim gear and boarded the jeepney. It took about an hour to get to the launch point.


However, there is no bathroom at the launch point. Either you ask a favor in the nearby house or else do your business in the river. XP


Be prepared to get soaked! Not to worry as there are showers at the end point. Twenty minutes later we were back in the city.




After getting our things at the Bugsay office, we proceeded to Lokal Grill formerly known as Only In Cagayan. (By this time we noticed that the Cagayanons love grilling their food.) Pictured are the Seafood Kare-Kare and Turon.




After dinner made our way to Divisoria and had some dessert at another grill joint, Jonie's Grill. (They REALLY like grilled food). Their Mais con Hielo and Halo-halo were good, using very fine crushed ice. We then walked back to the hotel to get much needed shut eye.

Cagayan de Oro day 1

Arrived at Cagayan de Oro at 7:30am. Given the choice, we would have gone straight to white water rafting. We had to wait for a couple of cousins coming in at a later flight. We therefore spent the rest of the morning (and afternoon) touring the city.


Gaston Park: This was the site of a Filipino defeat against the Americans in the Filipino-American War, where around 200 Filipinos perished in a "surprise" attack against around 80 Americans stationed in the American barracks beside the old church. The surprise was foiled when the Filipinos shouted their battlecries before heading into battle, enabling the Americans to gear up for the assault. Incidentally, Arthur MacArthur Jr., the father of Douglas MacArthur, was stationed here at that time.


Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral, the oldest church in Cagayan de Oro, rebuilt three times over the course of two centuries. The first one was destroyed by fire, while the second was bombed during World War III. The cathedral also houses the remains of the two archbihops of Cagayan de Oro.

This cross is all that remained of the second incarnation.


Of note are the stained glass windows depicting the Way of the Cross, made over a century ago and shipped from New York during the church's last reconstruction.

The Wandering Cross that toured the surrounding municipalities in 2000, hence its name.


Outside the church we came across this banana vendor. It was grilled bananas with margarine spread and sprinkled with sugar. Not quite like the typical caramelized bananas in Manila, it had a bit of a salty taste to it.


We then proceeded to Divisoria, more or less the city's center. They have a Bonifacio monument, which is also where the bones of the heroes of the only Filipino victory against the Americans are buried. During weekends the roads would be closed to give way to the weekend night market. At night there are a few entrepreneurs selling clothes and other ukay items. There are also massuers for hire.


After a 10-minute drive, we arrive at a fenced area in the port area. This is the monument that commemorates Douglas MacArthur's escape from Corregidor. After disembarking from the PT boats on this spot, he headed to an airstrip in Bukidnon to board the plane bound for Australia.

Lunch was at Thai Me Up. Of note are the spring rolls with cucumber wrap and the fruit juice with diced fruits. The rest of the food was decent but not spectacular.


The municipality of El Salavador was around 45 minutes from Cagayan de Oro. Oddly, there were three other times when El Salvador was a city but its cityhood was stripped because of revenue issues. Our destination was the Shrine of the Divine Mercy, the site of a 40-foot statue of Jesus with two rays (signifying blood and water) emanating from his chest. Its construction and the land it's on was funded by donations. Of note is that females are required to wear skirts. Men in shorts are also required to wear a skirt. For convenience's sake, guests are given skirts to wear over their clothes.

One can get to the top of the statue, the rays are actually steps leading up. However, one has to endure a 30-45 minute talk of doom and gloom from a member of the Divine Mercy before one is allowed to go up. They don't allow celphones and cameras at the top, and the only thing at the top is the holy euchrist.

Located below the garden is the stations of the cross. Howver, this is the only station that had real life statues. The path going down is a bit difficult to traverse.
It has been said that the water that comes from their deep well has healing properties, and is free for everyone. Colored candles may be lit as offerings. The different colors signify the different aspects of life: career, love, etc.


A 20-minute drive from the Divine Mercy had us at the Ostrich and Crocodile Farm.

The ostriches actually come up and watch you. They seem friendly but our guide told us that they could kill a man with one peck of their beaks.

Ostrich eggs are surprisingly durable. A grown man can step on it without it breaking.

Ostrich at 1 week old. We were allowed to pet and hold them.

After the full day, we were finally able to check in at our hotel, Maxandrea. After a bit of rest, it was time for dinner.


Penong's is a local grill house a block from the hotel. Their specialty was Chicken Inato (like Inasal). Be warned that the jumbo size doesn't look much different from the regular size. Do not order the pork belly, unless you like your food drowned in salt.
We had coffee and dessert at Coffeeworks beside Xavier University, a block away from Penong's. We wandered a bit around Divisoria, buying needed supplies, before heading back to the hotel.