Cagayan de Oro will always be
close to my heart.
It’s my grandparents’ hometown,
it’s where most of my relatives are from my mother’s side, I’ve had memorable
summers there as a child, not to mention, I got a taste of grown-up life there.
Plus, the nightlife has something to offer the locality.
What I love about Cagayan de Oro
is the good food that goes with the pride of the City of Golden Friendship. For
me, it’s cowboy country because it’s where I first got to experience
gastronomic delights in the urban landscape, and also well-loved, savoury
flavors like steak in Del Monte Clubhouse in Bukidnon. As for the city proper,
I’ve drooled about Baby Back Ribs and whatever side dishes that goes with it. I
admit, Baby Back Ribs is a rarity back here in Zamboanga, more so if it has to
be done right.
I have yet to encounter a good
place that serves delectable baby back ribs in Zamboanga City, but I already
know where to go when I’m in Cagayan de Oro.
Now that I’ve gotten ahead of
myself already, here’s my mood board for an upcoming travel with C. I’ll be
pleased to show him around, and also make more memories for the Holy Week this
year.
1. Divine Mercy Shrine, El Salvador
It only makes sense to visit the
Divine Mercy Shrine in El Salvador before actually entering the city itself. EL
Salvador is a coastal town in Misamis Oriental. Devotees travel to offer
devotion in this quiet place. What makes the shrine stand out is the 50-foot
image of Jesus Christ overlooking the area. I’ve been here even before the site
was completed, as our relative was the former mayor of the town. She shared
with us the many stories and miracles that devotees witnessed through the
Divine Mercy. I’d also like C to see the place for himself.
2. White Water Rafting, Macahambus Adventure Park
Ahhhh, white water rafting. I’ve
done it before in Macahambus. I did promise C to take him there. But I’m just
going to take him there and wait for him at the pickup point lol. I did say it’s
an experience that should not be missed, but I’m the kind of person who’s not
going to do it again lol. Once is enough I guess, lol. Also in Macahambus is the
gorge where a jungle walk is possible, as well as zip line. And for the braver
visitors, spelunking in the cave.
3. Steak in Del Monte Clubhouse, Bukidnon
Driving along long stretches of
pineapple plantation can make one hungry, especially if it feels like it’s in
the middle of nowhere. This is where a perfect lunch of medium rare steak comes
in. Most visitors visit the clubhouse not to tee off at the golf course, but to
enjoy steak at this iconic landmark.
4. Dahilayan Adventure Park
Dahilayan is a
great place to unwind, and there are a lot of things to do for families and
friends. An overnight stay at Pinegrove is a beautiful experience, waking up in
the morning to a sprawl of pine trees. There’s also the zip line, ATV and
python walk to try out. Of course, if exercise is what one needs, there’s more
to do all around the place as well as chilling in the café too.
5. Seven Seas Waterpark, Opol,
Seven Seas is
sort of a new feature for travelers headed to Cagayan de Oro. It’s in C’s
itinerary and of course, I’m curious as to what’s to see there as well. Perhaps
it’s a fulfilment of a childhood dream. Time to pack those rash guards and tons
of SPF!
I can’t wait
to unwind and experience new adventures with C next month!
