A SPECIAL DAHILAYAN ADVENTURE

                As I was trying to come up with an article about wonderful vacation spots here in the Philippines, I remembered Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. It boasts to have Asia’s longest dual zipline. Actually, I’ve been there twice. I was able to bravely experience the long, longer, and the longest ziplines in June 2010. Indeed, it was an awesome adventure! I felt like I was flying! I wished it never really ended... flying then was amazing!

 

A photo taken in Dahilayan back in June 2010.

                 However, my second trip to Dahilayan was more fun and was more memorable. I was with one of the most special persons in my life--- my Mom.

Me in Dahilayan on June 2012.

My one and only Mommy posing with the animal figures in Dahilayan.

                    Supposedly it was a summer outing with my branch mates. But since we were allowed to bring with us our loved ones, I chose to bring my Mom with me. (Perhaps I can also again bring her along during our next branch outing. Haha!)

 

Hand salute? Haha!

                    She is my bestest friend in the entire universe! We were like sisters. No generation gap at all, despite the 3 decades age gap :-)

                           Best buddies

During that trip, I discovered the childlike nature of my Mom. I never expected her to be that game and that adventurous. Even though she is hypertensive, she managed to ride and enjoy the Luge (one of the must-try rides in Dahilayan). She even raced with me! The joy in her eyes was indescribable. Her ear-to-ear smile can spell her amusement. Have you ever tried racing with your Mom? It's one of the most fun experiences in life, I tell you.

My Mom is truly amazing, and simply wonderful.

 That trip to Dahilayan could not have been that special if not for her. She was my buddy, my photographer ( she loves taking "stolen pictures", it amuses her) , my cheerleader, my playmate, my choreographer, my best friend, my sister--- my incredible mother. Whew!

 Dahilayan Adventure Park is Cagayan de Oro’s favorite destination. Your trip to the City of Golden Friendship is regretfully incomplete if you will not be able to visit there. It’s just around 2 hours away from Cagayan de Oro. The trip in going there is all worth it when you reach the Forest Park.

                    Go with your friends, your officemates, your families, and loved ones. Various rides and attractions await you.

                      Their ziplines are world-class. Their Luge is exhilarating. Their panoramic view is breath-taking. Dahilayan is absolutely a great destination here in the Philippines!

Giving tribute to our mothers should not just be done once a year. A mother is a mother 24 hours  a day, 7 days a week.  I have long realized how blessed I am to have a mother like my Mom. She’s simply one of a kind. She’s beautiful inside and out, and truly special. A brilliant teacher, a doting wife, a caring sister, a thoughtful daughter, a good friend, a perfect mother.

I LOVE YOU MOM! HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY!

AND TO ALL THE MOTHERS OUT THERE, HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!

Come Again to CAMIGUIN

Come again. These two words are usually associated with the place named Camiguin. It’s not my first to visit this place, but my girlfriend’s.

What to bring?

1. Awesome camera
2. Map
3. Swim wear
4. Money (of course)

The trip could have been less expensive if we stayed on a friend’s place, unfortunately our friends are in cdo. But we found a nice play inexpensive place to stay.  

Day 1

We left cdo with an hour and a half hour bus trip to Balingoan. From Balingoan to Camiguin an hour and a half ferry ride.

We took “habal-habal” to Jasmin by the Sea, where we planned to stay.

The room was about around 7mx8m and it has its own bathroom, lamp shade, table, and cabinet for your clothes. It was originally priced at P600 per night, but since we stayed for three nights, they gave us a P100 discount. They have single motors for rent for P350 per day, we rented it for three days so they gave it for P300 only.

For our three days, we spent P250 for the gasoline and we already rounded the island with that.

Our first stop: “Katibawasan Falls”

Since we were just within the vicinity of Mambajao, our second stop was in 1914, where the best halo-halo in camiguin is served.

We took the first half of the island heading north to west. Next stop was in Walkway to the Old volcano and station of the cross.

We started trekking at around 2pm and the sun was flaming hot. We reached the 10^th station and decided to stop.

Next stop, Old Church Ruins.

Then we headed to Soda Swimming Pool. It’s not really a place to visit, but because we were near, we decided to stop and swim for a few minutes.

On our way home, we stopped by the Sunken Cemetery. We wanted to go to the big cross, but it’ll cost us P100. It could be cheaper if there were four since the banka can accommodate 4 pax. Since we didn’t cross, there was a guy who offered us to take our pictures. I was amazed how good they are in using dslr cameras. They know how to adjust and even taught us poses.

We ended our day with a pizza near our place (I forgot the name).

Day2

I woke up early, so I decided to take pictures of the view.

We took our breakfast then we headed to Phivolcs. It is on the top of Mambajao.

Then we started to round the island again, this time we routed west to south.

We went to their ostrich farm.

Then to Sabu Dam.

We stopped by Lagoon Bistro.

The place was very peaceful and relaxing. Near the bistro was the Camiguin Zipline.

Then to the Giant Clams Sanctuary.

You can dive or snorkel to see big clams of different species. They have very good guide. They have the “youth” and “cute” guides. The cute guides are the grade school kids. They speak very good English and they know a lot about clams.

We had our lunch there.

Next stop? Sto. Nino Cold Spring.

After the cold spring, we headed home taking the route from west to north.

Before ending the day, we went to Ardent Hot Spring, a perfect way to end the day.

Day3

The next day, we had friends who were also in camiguin and decided to go with them to White Island.

After White Island, we headed back to our room to rest.

We used our last day just doing nothing.

At around 4pm, we headed to mambajao market to buy Vjandep Pastel for pasalubong. Left the pastel in our room then spent the last night at Ardent.

The following morning, we left Camiguin.


The expenses?

143- bus (one way)
170 - barge (one way)
500 per night - room
300 per day - motor
100 per day - gas
not more than 30 - entrance on resorts


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