White Water Rafting in Cagayan De Oro

1. What is white water rafting?

White water rafting is paddling on a raft through a river's rapids. There are different type of rapids that one can ride on. They range from Class I rapids which are the easiest to ride (very few waves or obstructions), Class II or III rapids which are somewhat more challenging (medium-sized waves, some maneuvering required to steer away from rocks), to Class IV rapids which are quite difficult to navigate (fast currents, large, powerful waves and narrow passages).

The Cagayan de Oro river is undoubtedly the most popular place for white water rafting, and here you can choose what type or river course you'd want to ride on.

2. Which one is the best white water rafting company in Cagayan de Oro?

According to Milo Dahilan, who is an accredited DOT (Department of Tourism) guide, the best White Water Rafting company in Cagayan De Oro is Bugsay Rafting. 

All of Bugsay's equipment are top-of-the-line and ordered from abroad. Their raft, in fact, have been especially customized for them, in their signature sky-blue color.

Bugsay's river guides were taught by expert foreign river rafters, and their training requires them to navigate -- all by themselves -- the "Extreme" river route. 

This would explain the scars that I saw on their arms. This alarmed me at first, but then they explained that the route we were taking was the Beginners trail -- and that an 80-year old couple had gone on it, and came out fine.

3. What are the different river courses offered by the Bugsay Rafting Company?

The package includes a pick-up from the hotel 

We took the Beginner's course which is 3-hours, with a boodle lunch at the half-way point. You'd think that three-hours is way too long to be floating down a river, battling rapids. But you know what they say, time really does fly when you're having fun. 

Besides, there are long stretches of just enjoying the beautiful scenery. Twice, our boat glided towards fresh spring water spilling on the side of the mountain, and there took a refreshing shower.  There are times too, when you can jump off the raft and float along the river. 

4. What should I wear?

Regular shirts are fine, but a rashguard is recommended. I for one, wore a Nike dry-fit shirt and that worked out fine. Strapped sandals or aqua shoes are recommended, but if you're riding the Beginner's route, a pair of flip-flops should be okay.

There's a small shack selling arm rashguards at the starting point in Sitio Aura, Barangay Mambuaya. They cost Php 50-100 for a pair,

5. What should I bring?

Bring sunblock, but of course put some on in advance. Bring a towel if you want to dry off, but the jeepney ride back to your hotel should dry you out considerably.

Cameras can be placed inside the dry pack provided by the guides -- but they are no use if the boat flips over. In the Beginner's trail there's no flipping involved so our cameras were safe.

6. What should I expect?

Our guide began his briefing with the question "Sino dito 'di marunong lumangoy?" ("Who here doesn't know how to swim?"). 

When two in our group raised their hands, the guide grinned and said "Good luck sa inyo ha?" ("Well good luck to the both of you!")

Of course he was kidding. Everybody had life vests on, and you will float even if you don't want to. 

We were also taught how to hold the paddle, how to paddle, what to do in case someone (or you yourself) falls out of the boat, and other life and death matters. Then he instructed us to just enjoy ourselves. 

Afterwards, he divided us into two groups (around five to six people each). With our helmets and life vests on, and paddles in hand, we got on the raft.

At first, we floated slowly down the Cagayan de Oro. Whenever our guide Arman commanded us to "Paddle! One, two, three!" we obeyed instantly. 

Soon the first rapid was upon us, and as the boat tilted and swayed, there was much splashing of water and shrieks of laughter.  After the excitement died down, we tipped our paddles up in a high five that marked the successful conquering of a rapid.

The thing about white water rafting is that if it's your first time, the natural fear would be that every rapid that you cross might flip your boat over or smash you against the rocks. But this was the beginner's trail and we had very skilled boat guides with us. There was nothing to fear, and soon we were eagerly looking forward  to the next rapids.

At the half-way point of our three-hour river ride, we stopped for a boodle lunch set up by our guides. They flipped a boat over, and  there arranged adobo, liempo (grilled pork belly), shrimp, grilled bangus (milk fish), lots of rice and pineapples.

The food bloggers in our group hastily took photos of our feast. Later on, the Canadian man who had joined our group admitted to us that he had watched this process with amusement, and thought to himself, "Have these people never seen food before?"

All in all, we rode  14 rapids -- some small, some big, some -- but all of them invigorating. In between these there was the stunning scenery of the rocky river walls and lush vegetation plus the wide open space ahead of us, with its serene mountain views. At certain parts where the water was calm, our guide urged us to jump off the boat and enjoy floating down the ice cold river.

Tips:

-Hold the paddles such that they are out of the boat and near the water. Have a good grip on them too, keeping the T-grip of the paddle covered by your hand the whole time.

-When you jump out of the boat to float on the river during those times the guide says you can, keep your mouth closed. You will first plunge into the water before you life vest pulls you up. One of the members in our group swallowed quite a bit of water because she had not been expecting this.

7. When is the best time to go?

From January to June, the ride is quite hot and the water is low, making the maneuvering a bit more technical. During the rainy months of July to December, the water is higher and the rapids are more challenging.

When we went in September, the temperature was quite hot, and so our guide would periodically dump water on us to  help us cool down. 

Towards the end of our trip, there was a bit of a rainshower which made the ride a bit chilly.

Also, the water was brown during this time (but clean, since this was just soil from the mountain that had been washed down), and it was quite cold.

                                      

8. What about taking photos/videos?

If you have an underwater/waterproof camera then by all means, bring it. But you can probably only take photos during the calm parts of the river. 

In any case, one of the river guide rides on a kayak and positions himself at the various points of interest down the river trail, and he documents your entire white water rafting experience. You can have the CD of your adventure for an extra fee.

Resort Review: Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin

Location and Reception 

This resort is just a 10-minute drive from the airport (see map for relative location). The grounds of the resort are quite lovely, with a well-tended lawn in between the nipa hut-rooms, and swaying coconut trees dotting the grounds.

The reception area features an interesting ceiling installation made entirely of halved coconut husks, prompting our guide to exclaim, "Ilang bahay kaya ang hindi nabunutan dahil dyan?"

There's also a proud photo display of celebrities who have stayed in Bahay Bakasyunan. They also included the celebrity's room number, so you can say you can stay something like,"I stayed in Christian Bautista's room!" 

Rooms

Bamboo bungalows  line one side of the resort while newer A-frame cottages, line the other.  

The "Cluster A" rooms are the ones with the best ocean views from the mini porch, and they are nearest to the pool area. I stayed in Room 120,  which was right beside the mini Day Spa.

It's a deluxe room,  with walls made of rattan, and it had a single bed and a double bed, with the usual hotel amenities -- cable TV, telephone, and hot /cold shower.

There are several wifi networks scattered throughout the resort, and their different passwords are thoughtfully provided on the room's desk.

The nearest network to my room was the one at the Mini-Day Spa, and though it worked fine, it was a tad slow.

If you're a light sleeper, there's a good chance you'll get roused from sleep by the unholy crowing of the roosters in the wee hours of the morning. While I usually don't appreciate waking abruptly at 3 am, this time I actually welcomed this, as we had a 5am call time for our White Island adventure.

Food

We ate here twice. First was for lunch, which was served al fresco on a long table facing the ocean. They served surol (native chicken in coconut milk, with oregano, and chili),  squid, fish, shrimp and vegetables. 

We ate the buffet breakfast one morning -- pretty basic fare -- eggs, longganisa, fried fish, rice and fruits for dessert. I didn't like that their orange juice is powdered, but I did love their sikwate (hot chocolate).

Facilities

There's a cute mini Day Spa located in a hut, and there are basic  gym equipment also inside a hut. A pool table is also available at the game room.

Tours

The hotel can fix up a tour for you, which include Katibawasan Falls, the hot and cold springs, and other top Camiguin sights. 

They can also facilitate an island hopping tour which includes White Island and Mantigue. But if you would rather go at it on your own, you motorbikes and bicycles for hire are available too.


To check the room rates and make other inquiries, here are the contact details of Bahay Bakasyunan:

Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin

Balbagon, Mambajao, Camiguin

Tel. No.: +63 (88) 387-0131

Mobile: +63 (917) 721-2798

Website: www.bahaybakasyunan.com

Email: camiguinbbc@gmail.com

Camiguin: What You Need to Know

Camiguin is a pear-shaped island lying on the Bohol sea, some 54 km southeast of Bohol. Presently, it is 248 square kilometers, only slightly bigger than the smallest province in the country which is Batanes (219 square kilometers). Truth be told, Camiguin used to be much smaller until Mt. Bulkang Daan (Old Volcano) erupted in 1948, spitting out land and lava that eventually cooled to become an extension of the island.

Travel Jump Shots

You know Youtube sensation Matt? The guy who would do his signature dance move in various exotic locations? Well if you haven't you can click this link to see this very exhilarating, inspiring video.

Many others have started their own travel traditions as well. Like that guy who takes a photo of the back of his girlfriend as she leads him all over the world. Or Philippine  model/host Bianca Gonzalez who does a tumbling shot in the various world cities she has gone to.

Jotham and I, we have our jump shots. We really didn't plan on creating this jump shot tradition. And the photos we've started with, in Korea and China are very amateurish. But we're getting better (just look at the one in Tagaytay!) And it's something to look forward to, in the trips that are to come. 

I'm posting them here today, because  I for one, could use a little inspiration to work harder, so I can travel more, on this dreary Wednesday morning.

What about you? What travel tradition will you start?  

Just after climbing the Great Wall of China at Jinshanling. 

Jotham's amazing jump shot at the Great Wall in Jinshanling.

Autumn in Seoul, especially in the grounds of the Gyeonbokgung Palace, is quite lovely.  

Sunset jump shot at Taejeongdae Park in Busan, Korea, with Jujeonja (or "Kettle" Island) in the background. 

Cold, cold day in Haeundae Beach in Busan. 

On the 14th try, we finally got this somewhat blurry shot in front of the Bird's Nest, in the Olympic Park in Beijing. 

Right across the Bird's Nest in Beijing -- the glowing Water Cube. It doesn't look it, but our faces are frozen solid at this point. 

In Haedong Yonggunsa Water Temple in Busan, overlooking the rocky ocean.

And this last one was taken in a private backyard in Tagaytay, with the best view of Taal volcano that I've ever seen. 

White Island, Camiguin

White Island, Camiguin

White Island in Camiguin was one of our stops at the media tour organized by the Philippine Tourism Board. For four days, I toured Camiguin, Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro along with other writers, bloggers and photographers. It was a wonderful way to spend the week. 

Will be posting stories and photos soon, about our Northern Mindanao adventure. 

Manila Sundance Bazaar

It's September, and for all Pinoys, you know what this means. Christmas season is here! And as we plunge head-on into the "ber"-months, it would be just prudent to get a bit of Christmas shopping done, wouldn't it? Unless you take some masochistic pleasure in elbowing your way through the crowds and braving the Manila traffic for some last minute rounds of the malls, shopping in September is the way to go. 

So swing by the Manila Sundance Bazaar at the Metrotent in Ortigas from September 6 to September 8, at 11 am to 10 pm for your September shopping here in Manila. See their featured bloggers like Break My Style's Laureen Uy, and the booths of Nudo Swimwear, and Tutum shop, among others. See you there!

Best Korean Food: Part 2

 The second part of my post on Korea's best food. The first part is here.

1. Bibimdangmyeon (spicy buckwheat noodles)

Enjoying bibimdangnyeon in an alley in Busan

Best Korean Food: Part 1

I fell in love with Korean food when my Korean friend Lucy, first brought me to an authentic Korean restaurant here in Manila. We sat crosslegged on the restaurant's floor, as a veritable feast was laid out in front of us --  kimchi, potatoes, Korean pancake, toppoki, tossed spinach, beef brisket, fish cakes. 

You could say my fondness for Korean food is quite reactionary. Raised in the greasy, fried, heavily-smothered-in-thick-sauce of Filipino cuisine, Korea's relatively healthier fare was a welcome change. 

And so one thing I was greatly looking forward to for our Korea trip last  year was the food. And the country did not disappoint. From street stalls, to 24-hour eateries, to market restaurants, Korean food is just so amazing -- (mostly) healthy, delicious, flavorful, and just so inventive. 

I want to write about them all, but decided to concentrate on a dozen or so. Here's the first five: 

1. Hoddeok (sugar nut pancake)

Let's Eat Alley's hoddeok or sugar nut pancake which is so warm and toasty is the perfect autumn snack.

Beyond Boracay: 10 Philippine Places Worth Checking Out

The fact that the Philippines has 7,107 islands means that there are just too many nooks and crannies of breathtaking beauty that can be discovered. 

The country particularly specializes in the off-the-beaten path, the secluded, and the sublime. 

Check out these stellar spots scattered all over the Philippines, and remember that paradise awaits the better informed. 

1. CAMOTES ISLAND, CEBU

photo by Kat Martinez 

Sneak Peek of Resorts World Manila's Cinderella

Every little girl has, at least once in their lives, dreamed of becoming a princess. There's nothing more magical to any girl, than the idea of wearing ornate ball gowns, living in a beautiful castle and finding one's very own Prince Charming.

Which is why Cinderella is such a well-loved favorite. It's such a feel-good story -- this helpless, poor young lady whose fate turns all of a sudden, which eventually leads to her Happily-Ever-After.

Because it's a story that has endeared itself to millions and millions of readers, both young and old, Resorts World Manila has decided that after Kaos, and The Sound of Music and The King and I, its next musical production will be, Rodgers and Hammersteins' Cinderella.

5 Not-To-Be-Missed Treasures at the National Museum

It's a shame that not more people visit the National Museum. They need to get over the notion that museums are old, stuffy and boring.

Certainly, the National Museum is quite old. It was once the Insular Museum of Ethnology, National History and Commerce, and on its steps Manuel L. Quezon himself declared the onset of the Philippine Commonwealth in 1935. Its two major buildings housed entirely different things back then. The National Art Gallery was once the old Congress building, while the Museum of the National People used to the Finance Building.

But now, these two neo-classical structures have undergone renovations that have transformed them into bright, airy, modern spaces -- the first step in making the museum more accessible to the public.

And if you read on, this museum is anything but  boring. Some its most interesting displays include sunken treasures, the oldest skullcap in the Philippines and even a "cursed" painting. Here is a list of ten things that would make your visit to the National Museum, anything but typical.  

The Spoliarium by Juan Luna at the National Museum 

1. Spoliarium

Every Filipino schoolchild grew up learning about Juan Luna's  Spoliarium. They are taught that it is a magnificent painting, one that bested many other European entries during the Madrid Exposition of 1884. They would then see a photograph of this painting in their history textbooks, which --  as Filipino textbooks went -- would almost  always be in black-and-white. It would also be tiny  -- postcard-sized, at best.

And so, to behold this masterpiece, in all its gigantic,  4x7-meter glory, is truly breathtaking.  "It is more than a painting, it is a book, a poem" -- so goes a newspaper review, one among many  in Madrid, Paris and Barcelona, marvelling at the Spoliarium.

Juan Luna, who was as much a painter as he was a political activist, was able to capture the Philippines' struggle against colonial Spain through his vivid and compelling picture of men dragging other bloodied men across a dungeon a floor, as spectators looked on.

Jose Rizal, during a speech he delivered celebrating Luna's triumph said, "[The Spoliarium is a symbol] of our social, moral, and political life: humanity unredeemed, reason and aspiration in open fight with prejudice, fanaticism, and injustice."

See for yourself what Rizal was talking, when you go to the National Museum. You won't miss it -- it's the centerpiece in the Hall of Masters, located on the ground floor.

Beautiful Peoples' Passports

I wish I looked as beautiful  as the ladies in their passport photos. It's quite marvelous how photogenic they are.

John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy

Q&A With A Miss Universe

Here is an excerpt from an interview I did with former Miss Universe and current Ballet Philippines President, Margie Moran.

Moran has a list of accomplishments that is as long as it is varied. "I've become Miss Universe, I completed a master's degree in Rural Development, I did a TV show, I did a movie, I published two books, I  produced  a documentary, I was in the hospitality industry, I worked in advertising, I worked in the arts, I worked with the poor... my spectrum is complete!" Moran enthuses.

All of this is remarkable, given that Moran was just 19 when success came knocking at her door. We've heard of one too many young people these days who've risen fast and fallen faster.

Moran credits her family for keeping her on the right track. "I had to promise my father that I would finish college. Because when I won Miss Universe, I was only in first year college. I think education is very important in giving you the foundation of a good future. So I finished college. And many, many years after I took my masters as well, in rural development from the University of London," she shares.

That she has led a good, full, and we can even say, charmed,  life is an understatement. But Moran takes it all in stride. She has the relaxed confidence and  easy grace, of a woman who has indeed learned to reign in her universe.

Aside from the many roles that she has played over the years, there is one more that she can't wait to fulfill. "The only thing I'm looking forward to now is having a grandchild," she laughs. Good thing her elder daughter, Monica, is getting married next year.

"I hope it's soon, " Moran smiles. "I don't want to be an old grandma."

 View the whole article by clicking this link. 

Manila's Moment

Manila is now more than just a jump-off point to the island destinations that the Philippines has to offer. The city is buzzing with its countless developments -- business districts, city parks, suburban food streets, massive casinos, and, in true Filipino fashion, small pockets of calm and charm. This often-overlooked city in Southeast Asia is stepping out of the shadows, and everyone can sense it -- Manila's time to shine is now.  

The New Kid On the Block

There was a time when the Philippines was something of a joke -- the sick man of Asia just as recently as 2003. But look at it now -- a irresistible wave of revival has swept  throughout the nation. The country has had two investment grade upgrades from  international credit ratings agencies, Moody's and Fitch. It has clinched a spot on the hot lists of travel magazines like Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and DestinAsian. International stars have recently graced  local and international events here, or have flown in, to simply swim in our beaches (Sarah Jessica Parker appearing for the opening of the newest mall, SM Aura, Vin Diesel  hosting  the Asian premiere of his movie Fast and the Furious 6, and TV star Emily Van Camp from Revenge, enjoying her beach vacation in Amanpulo, Palawan).

DestinAsian magazine with beautiful Bianca Elizalde on the cover

Celebrating National Hamburger Month: 4 Burgers from the U.S.A.

The month of May is ending this week and I didn't even know that it's suppose to be National Hamburger Month! Maybe because something like National Hamburger Month is such an American thing to celebrate, that small Asian girls like me don't know what the big deal is. 

But I was browsing the website of Conde Nast Traveler, and I saw their article recommending their burger choices for this occasion. 

Then I remembered that my boyfriend, Jotham, had practically eaten his weight in burgers when he flew to California this May for a cousin's wedding. So I thought, why not put together a list of his burger meals, plus his expert's opinion on each?

So here they are, in all their thousand-calorie glory, four burgers to celebrate National Hamburger Month. 

1. In-N-Out Burger: The Classic 

In-N-Out double double cheeseburger and animal fries.

Travel Icon: Audrey Hepburn

I don't know how  to justify posting photos of the lovely Audrey Hepburn on a travel blog. So I chose photos of her, where she appears to be out and about, traveling, or starring in a movie set in an stunning city

Audrey has made several places iconic because of her movies or the time she has spent there. There's Rome for example, where she lived for a bit of time with her second husband and son. And of course, Rome was  the setting of her enchanting movie, Roman Holiday, for which she won an Academy Award for best actress. 

She is also very much a patron of Paris -- she has famously said that  "Paris is always a good idea." The romantic comedy, Paris When It Sizzles, is set in the city of lights, and stars her and William Holden. 

Last, but definitely not the least, who can forget the timeless opening sequence of Breakfast At Tiffany's, where Audrey gazes at the famous jewelry store's display window on New York's Fifth Avenue, while munching on a bagel. 

So here's to Audrey Hepburn, to timeless fashion, and to lots and lots of traveling! As the theme song of Breakfast At Tiffany's goes, "There's such a lot of world, to see!"

Bangkok Hostel: Saphaipae Backpacker's Hostel Review

We stayed in Saphaipae hostel for a three-day Bangkok getaway with family. This hotel is rated as one of the top backpacker's hostels in Bangkok, and it's not hard to see why. Great location, clean, comfortable rooms, a hip, modernist aesthetic, and best of all --  it is very, very affordable. 

1. Location

One of the best things that Saphaipae hostel has going for it is its location. Situated in Silom, it is far enough from the crowded chaos of Bangkok's main streets (like Khao San), but near enough that the Bangkok Train station is just a five-minute walk away. It is also easy to hail a cab from the hotel's front door, plus, there are a variety of different restaurants and shops that are accessible in the area.

Photo courtesy of  Saphaipae Backpacker's Hostel Bangkok

On My Birthday: 31 Best Travel Memories

Today I turn 31. So I decided to do a post about 31 of my favorite travel-related memories. As I recount them fondly, I recognize God's hand in each and every one of these, and I praise Him for his graciousness in blessing me with the the beauty, joy, thrill, peace, amazement, that each of these has brought to me. 

Here's to the years ahead of discovering more and more of his goodness, his faithfulness and his love. 

1. Climbing the snow-covered Great Wall of China. 

The Great Wall of China at Jinshanling

Three Days In Bangkok

One of my Twitter followers, @maydelarose who is flying to Bangkok in June, and she asked for a Bangkok write-up. So what follows  here is the itinerary that my family and I followed, when we flew to Bangkok in 2011. Hopefully, she can pick up an idea or two from this recounting. 

In  the original Thai, the name of Bangkok is Krung Thep or -- "City of Angels."  Plenty of visitors to the city use it as a jump off point to many of Thailand's beautiful beaches. But the city itself can also be the main draw, as it is bursting with great places to eat, sprawling shopping complexes, exquisite temples, and a people known for their sunny smile. Just be on your guard to avoid the street-corner scams, and everything should be heavenly, here in the city of angels.  

DAY 0

Touchdown at the swanky Suvarnabhumi Airport

We left Manila on a 9:35pm Cebu Pacific flight and landed in Bangkok at around 12 midnight. Bangkok's airport is very, very impressive, and looks every inch what an international airport should look like. Opened as recently as 2006, Suvarnabhumi features a high-speed rail link and five alternative routes to the city -- so you don't have to get stuck in traffic.

Suvarnabhumi airport photo courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org

Photo of the Day: Camotes Island in Cebu, Philippines

I think it was on that trip to Club Noah Isabelle in Palawan in 2007 (now reborn as Apulit Island, of El Nido resorts), that then Tourism Secretary Ace Durano mentioned to us, that the best beach in the Philippines for him is -- Camotes Island in Cebu.

My sister and her boyfriend were blessed to have stepped on Camotes' virgin shores, and soon she will be sharing her story on this blog.