Road Trip to Cagayan de Oro and In-Between Mountain Adventure

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.