Go for Cagayan De Oro: White Water Rafting

First time to set on foot in Mindanao. 

Thrill.  Adventure. Fun. Excitement.
All of these are the things we experienced last Feb 27-29, and it all started in Whitewater Rafting, Cagayan De Oro.

Blame it with the CDO-Bukidnon-Camiguin trip of the family and friends. Until now, I cannot move-on. Gusto ko na bumalik agad-agad at itry ang extreme with hulog/lunod factor! At hindi pa rin ko makapag upload sa FB. hehe
  
The 3d2n staycation ay katas ng napurnadang flight back to Manila on the last day ng family from Coron trip last year. But I considered it blessings because we were able to avail the Travel Fund and experienced such adrenalin rush brought by the White Water Rafting in Cagayan De Oro!

Our flight was early as 4:15am. Most of us did not sleep nor had even time to nap. We reached terminal 3 at around past 2am. Take note, too much to my disappointment I forgot my Tripod at the cab! siengot lang! Hay...sayang. Excited kasi. Grrrr!

Although Cagayan De Oro was among those hardly hit by tropical storm "Sendong" last year, still it does not stop us to visit the said province in Mindanao. Sayang ang "miles" noh!

From Lumbia airport, it was still early so we grabbed our breakfast first to those pile up Carinderia (eatery) at the left side corner of the airport while our chosen host to this adventure (Kagay, the Cagayan de Oro's Premiere Whiterwater Rafting Voyages) is waiting for us.  

Jeepney service by Kagay. 

Kagay (which means river) offers not only a higher level of adventure and safety but also a different kind of memories/experience! That is why, even we were all FIRST TIMER, we availed their Advance Course wherein it would lasts from 3 to 4 hours. 

Kagay operates for 6 years now.
Kagay offers: Beginners
                        Advance
                        Expert/ Extreme White Water Rafting!

Why is it called WHITE WATER? 
Water naturally flows downhill because of gravity. When it constricted, it pushes in from the sides and sides and sides and speeds up. Speed also increases when the gradient gets steeper and obstructions makes the water swirl around as the flow tries to find the best way to follow gravity. Each of these events causes rapids and the resulting turbulence churns the water, resulting in "WHITE WATER." 

Originally, rafting was the last itinerary but we opted to put it first in line. Along the way, our guide showed us what does the water looked like at ang nakita namin from the bridge ay kulay kape gatas na ilog! This was due to typhoon Sendong. Hopefully, the city continue recovers from its tragedy.

So hold your breath

Be ready to get wet, but

don't taste your muddy sweat .... :)

Keribels mag pose kahit kabado :O

Safety first of course! 
Once the gears are all set in (life vest, helmet, paddle), we go right away for the briefing. Let me tell you, this briefing closely freaked me out and almost, made my mom to back out! It was led by Kuya Joel at masahol pa ang takot ko dito kesa sa actual rafting! Yabang naman...hehe. Honest to goodness, it was a scary briefing! (OA ko noh!)

 Hindi halata sa mga muka namin na may masaya, natatakot at aral na aral ang briefing!

Though I knew, most of us had nearly acquired nervous breakdown when we finally absorb that this thing that we were about to going through is dreadful one, we still able to pursue it! Kaya tara na nang matapos na! Hahahaha! (That was the thought at the back of my mind). Yes, indeed when you did not listen on how to do it right, you might considered it dangerous adventure. 

STARTING POINT

Advance course: Estimated time 3 to 4 hours/ 17 kilometers/ 24 rapids. GO.Go.GO!

 Let us start this, before we all start thinking to back out!

We were blessed of a very fine weather then..

We would not let our fears interfere our long waited trip to C.D.O

Honestly, all of my fears and apprehension were gone after a few rapids...

We were divided into two groups. Maximum no. in one inflatable boat is about 6 to 8 persons. On our boat, we were six (6) two of them were the guides. Another boat consists of one guide and that is Kuya Joel, the great!

While on water, do not forget to follow instructions given by the guides:
1. Forward -  my favorite!!!
2. Backward
3. Stop (favorite ni Ronnel) hihihi.
4. Buckling In - (lock one's feet) By tucking them on the boat, the passengers can avoid from falling. (An automatic gestures for all of us). Pag ngawit na ko, nilalabas ko paa ko para makahinga naman. ")
5. Hi5!!! - For every succeed rapids, and for not falling from the raft, we shout hi5!! (Kapag nalagpasan ang unos, hindi malulunod!)

Guide: Shouting, "Forward"! Two strokes!
Me: Nel, Forward daw.... paddle! 
Here comes the big waves....
Ronnel: "Sorry, Che ang lakas ng alon. Hindi ko kaya!" Hindi ako maka paddle". 
Me&Nel: bwahahahahaha! Stop na nga lang! Sabay kapit sa handle..

Kitang kita ang ebidensiya oh Nel.. FORWARD!!

STOP! Cool down

Hi5!!

Hi5 to the max!

Wala kaming shots ng backward eh.. Oh hindi lang halata...hehe

In the middle of the wide river, there was once particular moment when our boat suddenly stopped and rotate facing backward, kinabahan ako bakit. Buti nalang our two guides were best maneuvers. There was just this rock which apparently stuck in to our boat. 

Taas kamay Nel.. Kapit na kapit ha.

Cagayan River is one of the rivers draining the northern central part of island of Mindanao. The river has its headwaters on the  Kalatungan Mountain Range found in the central part of the province of Bukidnon.  

Rapids are formed by three factors - constriction, gradient and obstruction. Ano meaning, alamin niyo nalang!

 

smile lang kami...wala yang rapids na mga yan!

Rapids, pede relax...teka, san na sila dito.. waaaah. losers!hahaha

ENJOY nga lng!

It was such a breathtaking experience/view!

 "Discover the thrill of nature at its wildest! It has everything that makes a memorable experience with awesome roar and power of water cascading over rocks and boulders."

Saraaap! More rapids....

Advance o Extreme?

Rapids attack!

Spell ADRENALIN RUSH

Pag nilalamon na ng rapids ang boat, makikita mo ang different facial expressions :)

There were times during still water, we just enjoyed watching great scenery of Cagayan River

A_S_T_I_G

We have no dull moments, guide keep on wento kahit minsan di na namin maintindihan.. hehe

Still water runs deep, right peeps?

And there were series of calm waters, our guides (two boat) required us to stand up, wasn't it crazy but we did and it was hilariously, dangerously hell funny experienced!!!

Whoooo!! Ang galing ng mama kong tumayo ay, nakaupo pa la siya, si Trel nalang..kitang kitang nakakapit pa rin!

Can't help but shout na whooo! While gripping tightly at the handle of the boat! Nel, umiiyak!!!

One of the tricky part of the course

Oh, ingget kayo sa the MOVES namin noh...

Ang galing ng guides, they were able to maneuver right away when we're about to hit the huge rock! 

The challenge, you have to lean your body backwards to be able your boat to pass swiftly and safely to these big rocks.  Thanks for the helmet!

Ayun na nga! Sumayad na eh...hehe, but still controlled by the " 3G" great guide guys.

enjoying the falls

nice one guys.....

see the boulders around the river?

Let your strength and endurance be tested by the harsh rapids

Presented also during the trip was the variety pictures of plants in C.D.O, extraordinary rocks/ boulders 

Our guides have techniques so that the rafting journey would be memorable. They let us go down from the raft and enjoyed each other's company while having some pictures and while we were all submerged to the color brown surface of the water...

un oh, parang mga kalabaw lang. hehe

Sendong, really affects rafting industry in the area. The water turns into a muddy color. Big boulders were actually crushed into a smaller rocks and it lessen harsh water which is more enjoyable for visitors!

Amazing rapids but you will not win over us!

the mere sounds of the running water, keeps my heart a bit.. (kanta?)

It was tiring but SUPERB one!!!!

At 11:30, we successfully at the ground again, sound and kicking with NO ONE FALL out of the raft! It was really an adventure of a lifetime. It all made more special, more thrilling and more exciting when you spend it with your love ones!

Hep Hep, HOORAY!! HI5!!!

Sabi nila, mas cool kung may nahulog (I think so, that would be alot happier though), pero okay na rin yun. After all, we prefer FUN and a SAFE trip!!

Things to bear in mind:

1. The Cagayan River has two important sides: Facing upfront, the Cagayan is always at the left side while the Bukidnon is always at the Right side.  (to further explain, please try the rafting, hehe).
2. Whitewater rafting has a certain risk factor. SAFETY is of the greatest importance! All rafters truly need to wear the helmets and life vests in all time.
3. Follow instructions from the guide
4. Do not swallow the water, otherwise.... Eh napanganga ka while the rapids hit your face. ok lang yun! hehe
5. Relax if you ever fall, just go with the flow. 
6. Wear something light and which you can protect from sunburn. (or sublock) The journey would take until 4 hours, under the heat of the sun. Bring aqua shoes, or any comfortable shoes. Kami nga nelas lang. hehe7. Bring water with you. Long hours of dry mouth is not good to your system. You need some liquid.
8. Sum up all your valuable things. Be sure to lock it up so you won't shock when your stuffs get lost during the whole period that you do rafting. 
9. Trust your guide and team mates! (in short, teamwork)!
10. Enjoy the scenery and the whole adventure!!! Hi5!!


Enjoy the Video..Special thanks to all our guides and all KAGAY team..!
Cheers!

 

CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEXT STOP: DAHILAYAN ADVENTURE PARK, BUKIDNON

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BLOG&ME: Double Celebrations

It was an idle moment for me and my blog for almost a month now....

Maybe, nag-aadik ko.  Hibernated. Weaken. 

Sorry for that duma the moves missing in action ko...

(Chos lang, in short nag iinarte!)

Seriously, I want to come back while saying "Thank you for 20 more years YOU just added to my life". And "Thank YOU for a 2-year blog". Though my blog has been running quite a bit slower this year, I am still able to catch up if time permits.

B.L.O.G

Too much smitten of pictures and the stories behind of those has been my passion. This is why, hmm, obviously I came up with this (beautiful) outlet.  I just love blogging and share everything I know to others. Not to mention, able to get friends through online. 

It would be happier if I get older than today, I'd still be able to B.L.O.G. Kahit may rayuma at arthritis na mga daliri ko. hehe

Thanks for being at my side in two years. Much as I'd like to change link as rountriPinay (FB) but can hardly say goodbye yet to mitchlists where I became more comfortable with. (mag jowa lang). Happy Anniversary to you Mitchlists!

Bday meditation :p @ Camiguin

Snapshot in Pineapple plantation, Bukidnon

B.I.R.T.H.D.A.Y

Just wanna share, tutal birthday ko naman pagbigyan niyo na ko.

 Every time my born day comes, I always initiate to say to anybody else I know that "It's my bday, you should greet me." . Ganun talaga ko. Gusto ko so much greetings. Kahit wala ng gifts (pero pa na rin syempre) okay na sa aken.. Oh guys, hindi ako nagpaparinig. Share lang. :)

I received advance birthday gift na rin nung nag CDO- Bukidnon-Camiguin trip kami ng family with friends last February. And that was so awesome tour! I will post it one of these days...

3d2n staycation

Special thanks to mama and papa, kasi obvious din kaya ko nandito sa mundo at nagmamaganda dahil sa kanilang dalawa. Muah!muah! Yabyu!

Ahead of me is a basket of challenges so I better start and be prepared and face which ever comes my way! 

Note to self: Kapag dumaragdag ang taon sa ating buhay, it does not mean you stop dreaming kasi impossible pa na maabot mo yun due to age but instead, always think that, that ONE YEAR is additional way to improve ourselves and to learn something new! Always think that IT IS GOING TO BE BETTER!!!


Till next post: CDO-BUKIDNON-CAMIGUIN TOUR

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2012: The 17th International Hot Air Balloon Festival

It doesn’t take much to make me want to visit a place.  It's been last year since I fall in love with the experience of knowing to witness such gigantic balloons soar up in the blue skies.  What was hard for me is finding the right person to join a road trip with me and will definitely can handle the situation whatever happens because this is my first time. I just wanted to EXPERIENCE and ENJOY with not so much expectations, no vivid plans. Just wanted to have fun :)

I have invited at least 3 persons but they all refused to join due to some prior commitments. Good thing, there is always a super friend named, Badet. I have texted her the night before the event. But she told me that she cannot make it in the morning. So hindi ko na siya kinulit pa. But on the following day, on the day itself, I texted her again asking to join me kahit sa hapon, pumayag siya! hehehe. So sa mismong araw na yun, hindi siya prepared. (Hindi masyado). harharhar!

Sorry my dear, you caught quite off guard but I'd never regret that I have invited you, you make it more memorable though. 

Hot air balloon of SM, first balloon which fired up

This annual event is held once again in Clark, Pampanga. Just 2 hours drive from Manila.  Organized by Captain Joy Roa and PIHABF executive director.  Yearly, thousands of spectators have traveled and photographed gigantic colorful balloons in Clark airfield. This is one of the most highly anticipated events almost coincide with the celebrations of the Valentine's day in the Philippines which shouldn't be miss out!

Our official pass. Tickets are available at the gate P200.00

The event started at around 5:30 in the morning and will be jam-packed by visitors with their cars by then. If you doesn't want to get caught in a long stretch of traffic, the best time to catch the colorful Hot Air Balloons lifting up in the sky is to travel between 2am to 3am from Manila. But since me and Badet agreed to go in the afternoon, we had no time to rush.

Paragliding exhibitions 

We were so excited. I don't really know what to expect. I guess, we're both clueless kasi hapon na. hihi

We enjoyed various kites in the air

When we arrived in Clark airfield, I immediately noticed numerous kites in the air. So in nearly 4pm,  this is what to expect. No more hot air balloons. Just kites. But still, I can't help but smile everytime I turn my head up. I felt like a kid all over again while dancing in the tune of the wild wind... Even we're kinda late, it still worth it to witness such. Hindi ako magkandatuto mag picture!!

Different colors and sizes of kites exhibitions

While waiting for the night glow, me and my friend stirred up to different stuffs. Like having a couple of ASTIG poses with the army...hahaha. I was a bit shocked that there were really uniformed army who allowed taking pictures with them. (artista?) There was a band, a few static army displays, booth and different military vehicles. Siempre, hindi namin ito pinalampas. ..papavoom! I wonder if they're all real military troops. Puro sila busy sa picturan eh. hehe peace po mga kuya :)

Clark Air Base is a former United States Air Force base on Luzon Island in the Philippines, located 3 miles west of Angeles City, about 40 miles northwest of Metro Manila. Clark Air Base was an American military facility from 1903 to 1991.

Enjoying the military jeepney

Ang ineeeeet ng time na to though windy.
Suggestions: Do not forget to bring with you the ff:
Shades,
Umbrella,
Water,
Hand sanitizer,
Sunblock,
Comfortable foot wear
Chair, and mat. (very useful)


Mini Hot Air Balloons worth 150 to 200 each


When we jumped off the bus in Dau, we immediately eyeing to find this miniature hot air balloon. But when we finally saw it, we were disappointed that it is costs 200 for the biggest one. Ay, hindi tuloy kami nakabili. Budgeted lang kami that time eh. (kurips lang talaga). Next time nalang Badet, bili tayo sampu! hehe..  Natutuwa akong talaga sa miniature na to, very colorful, eh what more of seeing real hot air balloons being inflated up in the air, I bet it'll be more awesome! 

Ang dami talagang tao. 
Ang saya ng ambiance! 

For the past 15 years, PIHABF has been an extremely successful events that attracts spectators both local and international. Aside from the display of plethora of multi- colored hot air balloons, the festival also featured a number of expedition events such as skydiving, flag jumps, small plane fly-bys, fly-ins, kite making and many more. 

I wanna try this someday..nyek kailan kaya!

More of aerial activities with different characters

It was past 6pm when we finished our merienda (slash) dinner.
If you worry about the food to eat, well there's alot of food stall in the area. I think a hundreds. Char! OA. Pero madami talaga, kaya nga kumain kami sa hindi pa nakakainan ng mga tao sa Manila, Shakeys. hehehehe. There were actually 50 -plus food concessionaires who served delectable foods then. 

Kites are available for sale kung gusto mo

Gotcha!

lt was 6:30 when they started to inflate again the hot air balloons.

Most of the visitors were at the front of the fence already. We just have to struggle going nearer the viewing area just to see a lot better of the hot air balloons getting inflated. This was the time I realized that next year, chair is something very essential to get a better view and picture! 

Initially inflated balloons

Pampanga's Lanterns

They say that Clark Airfield is just perfect to launch such events because the area is large enough and the wind is favorable especially during February. But unfortunately, that time the wind is too strong that made all the balloons deflated.  I think that time there were 3 or more balloons which supposed to be fired up beautifully; so they opted to show us the Night Glow instead which probably bored me a bit despite they showcase some best of Pampanga's giant lanterns. Eh, we were expecting of the hot air balloons pa sana that night. :( 

Next year, we told ourselves to get back here as early as 5am. Best experience if you're with your family and love-ones. Just don't forget to bring jacket and mat to laid back while watching fun flying activities....and most important lesson I've learned, wag makisabay sa mga taong pauwi especially kung commuters ka lang, ang HIRAP sumakay. Punuan ang jeep! You will be suffering from a long walk. So better if you plan ahead. Be here with your wheels. Less hassle.  

Special thanks to you Badet for joining me this trip. Our first time indeed and bonding! Sa uulitin. Ayaw ko na maglakad ng malayo ha..hehe. Bobo moments came in my mind again. lol

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