Nothing beats a road trip especially if you are in a foreign place. I guess, one of the most exciting things to do in Mindanao is to hop into a bus at one point and arrive at different other destinations. Its accessibility, convenience, and widened road outweigh the perceived eerie feeling of terrorism.
Although I couldn't forego the thought of danger, I am one optimistic traveler. Once in my lifetime, I hitched a ride from Kota Kinabalu (after a solo hike in Mt. Kinabalu), Malaysia with a stranger driving a van going to Penampang. A 5-hour travel excited me while talking at him about my travel adventures. So what made the difference now that I am staying in Mindanao - the land of promise and hidden gems!
"At Dahilayan Nature Park in Cagayan de Oro" |
I was staying in Davao with my relatives when I eagerly went with my students from Davao to Cagayan de Oro. It was a 12-hour drive with a stopover in Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon. In other words, the journey was a stunning ride of mountain ridges, intestine-like winding road, and DOLE Pineapple Plantation not to mention the laughter and insights I learned from my students.
While in Bukidnon
They call it BUDA or Bukidnon-Davao Road, a shorter distance travel in Buda ushers every vehicle in between mountains. The road literally "sliced" the mountains into half for a speedy travel from Davao to Bukidnon and onwards (Cagayan de Oro). The iconic Philippine Eagle statue stood mightily at the boundary giving travelers a significant symbol of Mindanao. Additionally, Buda is also known as the basket capital of Mindanao where fresh fruits and vegetables are at par with Baguio City in the Northern part of the Philippines. Souvenirs are also sold at the vehicle stopover.
"That Baguio Feels because of these Pine Trees" |
The Winding Road and the Mountain Ridges
My students' jokes woke me up around 6 in the morning while looking at the scenery. An intestine-like road which went higher and higher while the morning breeze went colder greeted me. I could see pine trees lining up, green mountain ranges and at the other side was a deep ravine. I must be somewhere else other than in the Philippines - a sight to behold! Its richness is an indicator of a preserved Gaia - lush and abundant.
A change of scenery was another unbelievable sight. We were driving through the DOLE Pineapple Plantation. Yes! I couldn't imagine that this road trip could really take me places I only dreamed of while I was still in Cebu City. Despite the misinterpretations from people who haven't lived in Mindanao, I am one traveler who drank to its culture and sweetness. Again and again, Mindanao never disappoint me lest cause me harm. It is continuously showing me her beauty - her magic in, general!
The High Ridge in Cagayan de Oro
After all the transactions we had in the morning, the group decided to chill at the mountain top. Like Tops in Cebu, the High Ridge CDO offers a great panoramic view of the city especially during the night. The cool breeze truly reminded my Cebuana spirit - carefree and adventurous. The place is also a wonderful place to contemplate. I, for one, realized that it was barely 2 days before Christmas of 2019. So much had happened to me that year, a career shift, my transfer in Mindanao, and my students who later on turned into friends. It was that first time that I was so away from my comfort zone - leaving my family in Cebu, and venturing out a new career in General Santos.
"We had these cakes from our P100 consumables" |
"Stayed at this cafe while waiting for my companions" |
"At High Ridge CDO and my then students who turned friends" |
Finally, I tapped myself of being independent and decisive. I couldn't ask for more! My Christmas on 2019 was one of the happiest I ever had.
P.S.: Just finished this article on my First Day of Isolation in a COVID-19 Facility. Yes! You are reading it right! I am on health crisis this time, and I would really say it isn't easy to be away from your family lest living with this deadly virus. I hope everyone to be well and be extra careful. Further, I ask everyone reading this blog to pray for my COVID-19 Response Team and me for a fast recovery.
I am going to Cagayan de Oro in a week or two, hope we can do collab reviews. Nice write up! More more more! Am a new follower here.
ReplyDeleteYey! I am excited to do a collab with you. But until I'd be out from this Isolation.
DeleteI have travelled CDO last year and got to experience BUDA amaze by the mountains and trees. It's was so naturesque 😍
ReplyDeleteIndeed, right? Everything in Bukidnon is just so wonderful! The Baguio down south of the Philippines!
DeleteTime moves so fast. I never thought that it was already a year ago. Thank you for this miss as it gave me a flashback on how extremely excited I was during the trip. Stay safe always ��
ReplyDeleteIt was one heck of experience for all of us four! Thanks for tagging me along and I knew it wasn't so easy for you guys (Noel included) for being drivers! Sleeping pretty lang kami ni Kris ha...
DeleteJek,
ReplyDeleteYour journey in CDO made me recall that one happy summer back in 1994 when I went there to attend a cousin's wedding. IT was just so memorable and so bittersweet that I plan to go back there as soon as I can. And yes, Bukidnon is just a must on my bucketlist the moment I can fly back to PH!
Thank you for making this post more than a recollection, but something that I can reminisce and look forward. Always.
JL! First of all, thank you for dropping by sa ako blog. Hehehe! Makahappy! Although I haven't venture Bukidnon 360 degrees, I could say na usa jud ni xa akong gusto mastayhan (maybe a month here na laag). Heheh!
DeleteSee you soon!
Oh wow. I miss going to Cagayan de Oro. It's been years since I've been back there because we sometimes celebrate Christmas there. I hope to be able to see more of what CDO has to offer!
ReplyDeleteHi, Jullian! Likewise! I want to see CDO more. I only had the chance to be there sa City Proper but not sa ilang attractions. Hope to be back in Mindanao.
DeleteI'm sorry to read the last part. Your independence is inspirational living away from your family. But I must admit that I always enjoy your travel. It's not something I usually encounter especially when travelling to places that are perceived to be dangerous due to the presence of armed groups. Please get well soon. Praying for your fast recovery.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the sweetest messages I have read on my 8th day of Isolation. My travel experience is one of the reasons why I am fighting against COVID-19. The thought of adventure, of meeting great people (Strangers), and the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature are my daily pills of inspiration. Thank you so much, and I will recover...
DeleteAnother item on my bucket list, CDO! Once everything normalizes, next destination would definitely be Mindanao.
ReplyDeleteFor sure! Looking forward to your Mindanao adventure, Margaux. Mindanao is truly a stunning beauty! A hidden gem...
DeleteGosh reading posts like these make me miss traveling and riding buses.
ReplyDeleteBut I hope you get better soon, Anj. Take care!
Oh, Angel. Sending my prayers and love to you and your team. Please recover fast. You just took me to an amazing adventure with your vivid memories of that wonderful trip but then brought me back to reality towards the end. I don't know how to feel now. Please get well and sending virtual hugs.
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you for sharing your roadtrip! I've been to Dahilan and I think I you convince me to go back and explore more.
ReplyDeleteAlso, praying for you and your team's fast recovery.
I’ve never been to CDO but we had a plan and was cancelled due to the pandemic. Once we can travel there I will surely get back to this article.
ReplyDelete