Destination Diary: Cagayan de Oro

We sort of have a hangover from CDO. We’re even talking about going back before the year ends. I mean, CDO is always there but still seems so far away. CDO is always our second home, because there’s family left and right, it’s safe and I know the city very well. There are always grandmothers, aunts, cousins and uncles happy to see us, sometimes invitations for lunch, dinner and whatnot never end.

I don’t kid when I say that the City of Golden Friendship can take pride in food (hello, cowboy country), sweet smiles and courteous people. Besides, CDO is like a touchdown for steak, ham, baby back ribs, scrumptious desserts and salads.

When we were kids there were always places to roam around in; my childhood had so many stories involving being chased by geese in some uncle’s farm, mishaps on a relative’s lawn, being peed on by an orangutan while seeing the circus, and so on. Every single time we’re in town, something funny is bound to happen. But we keep coming back, for as long as there’s family and food involved. 

 

If On A Road Trip, Enjoy Lechon By The Seaside In Timoga, Iligan

One advantage of going on a road trip is having full control of time and deciding which stops to take. By the long stretch of Iligan’s seaside in Timoga, there are restaurants selling lechon by the kilo, fish and stews. Here’s where we pull up in time for lunch, dig into grilled fish and puso (steamed rice wrapped in coconut leaves) and eat with our hands. If only one can indulge in a siesta after such a hearty lunch by the seaside, but there’s still miles to cover before finally arriving in….

…S&R, Where Else?

Because my parents have a membership card and the giant pizza is not to be missed, the shopping can be either the first order of business or not. You know I’m always into ice cream but I’m very much aware that I can’t take the freezer home.

Mommy strikes a pose but my Dad's thoughts are obviously elsewhere

Seven Seas Waterpark

Just passing by the parking lot, we already heard screams coming from the park and C and I glanced at each other. But we were there to enjoy the place, so we went on to see what it’s like to experience Seven Seas Waterpark with a splash.

C had stories to tell after trying out that insane capsule drop and the four-story slide. Yes, let me repeat that: four stories. I can personally only tolerate the kiddie pool but for the braver ones, you can go on ahead and jump off. The park has a café, restaurant and lots of picnic tables surrounding the pools and slides, the environment is clean. It’s best to be early and to maximize the time in Seven Seas.

High Ridge Restaurant

It takes guts to get to high ridge in a car, I’ll tell you that. Because the road is steep and there's no concrete yet!

But one can be rewarded with good food and a view of the city at sunset in High Ridge Restaurant. It’s a place to enjoy some quiet family time, have some blueberry cheesecake (C’s all-time favorite) and then look through the coin-operated binoculars with a 5-peso coin.

Don't mind these guys, they aren't even drunk.... 

Bigby’s Baby Back Ribs

I can say that C has good eyesight because he spotted Bigby’s from a distance, and we’ve gone back to Bigby’s for lunch ever since. I have to admit that it’s love at first sight for me with baby back ribs and make it a point to enjoy it every time we’re in CDO. It’s like an unwritten obligation to allow yourself to indulge in this helping of baby back ribs, and it feels like a holiday.

Divine Mercy Hills

Fresh from the island paradise of Camiguin, we headed on to Divine Mercy Hills and to join the many Catholic devotees in prayer of the huge Sacred Heart of Jesus in El Salvador. There were processions left and right, and it was a solemn afternoon for all.

Looking back, it seems like all we did in CDO was eat.

But I have no regrets. We caught up with family, took a break from work and then went on to experience Camiguin.

Right now, CDO is still in our subconscious, we’re thinking of going back but trying to find the right time because despite all of the things that we did the last time we were there, I still want C to experience the adrenaline-rush side of CDO and to visit Bukidnon. 

Well, knowing my family, we’re a bunch of indecisive people who just might be enabled one way or the other. Ciao! 

Cagayan-Bukidnon Travel Mood Board

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!