This time, standby pahuway ’sa kadali si bike as this summer’s quite different yet exciting as I’m heading to Central Mindanao to join the Mindanao Food Appreciation Tour / the 1st SoCCSKSarGen Summer Safari.

Last May 29 at 3AM,  fellow CDO Bloggers Jovelyn, Rubelito, Edward, Venus, Eldie, Elva and Michael were already at C7 convenience store in Divisoria. I was a couple of minutes late from a college reunion but we managed to leave CDO at around 4 and enjoyed the whole morning in Bukidnon’s long and winding road.

Along the way, as we enjoyed the overlooking views, the left rear tire unfortunately caught on a shallow but rough hole in the road causing its edge to jagged a bit and got flat. Fortunately, the surroundings were cool enough for us to take pictures. Chiq and the rest excluding Mike, went on ahead and reached Seagull Resorts, some meters away from where we had a flat tire. In less than an hour, we managed to go back on the track as we descend from the cozy Bukidnon to the warm Davao.

We headed to RANCHERO GRILL for lunch and of course, meet Davao Bloggers.

The Davao leg of the Mindanao Food Appreciation Tour was highlighted by a meet-up between Davao and CDO Bloggers at Ranchero Grill. - brendelbalaga.com | Photo by Lyle Santos

We introduced ourselves as others already have known each other from the previous meet-ups and events like the recent Mindanao Bloggers Summit held in Cagayan de Oro. While having our conversation, we also enjoyed the delectable foods served at RANCHERO such as these restaurant’s bestsellers – Seafood Vegetables, Isda sa Miso (Tiyan ng Bangus), Karagatan, Pinapugon na Liempo, Ranchero Ribs, Garlic Chicken, Seafood Kare-Kare, Seafood Platter, and Pancit Canton.

When you visit Davao City, don’t miss to try out RANCHERO GRILL located at Tionko corner Arellano Street. Pwerteng lami-a gyud sa mga pagkaon!

After lunch, together with Davao bloggers, we took an aircon bus, then traveled 3 hours to the highly-urbanized General Santos City. One caught my attention as I gazed the wide beautiful plains is the majestic Mount Matutum as its imposing cone shape dominates the landscape of General Santos to Koronadal City.

Ice Castle Experience will open soon. Experience the luxury while staying in General Santos City.

When we arrived at GenSan, a van took us to the hotel, thanks to MAYOR JUN ACHARON.  We stayed at ICE CASTLE EXPERIENCE, the newest hotel in General Santos that will open SOON! We’re very grateful to the owner REY BILLENA for ICE CASTLE EXPERIENCE to be the official home of the participants of SOCCSKSARGEN BLOGGERS’ Soccksargen Summer Safari from Cagayan de Oro and Davao Cities.

Not far from the hotel, we headed to PACMAN SPORTS BAR. We had a great time playing billiards, looking at awesome pacman items and posters, sipping drinks, enjoying the mouthwatering cheese sticks, tasty garlic chicken, and the one I couldn’t stop eating – the succulent beef sizzling sisig!

It’s time for our dinner so we have to leave the sports bar to our next stop – LE JARDIN ARNEVEL. Yes, tinuod! Wala pa mi nanihapon ato. We’re surprised to see lots of luscious foods at their poolside such as chicken barbecue, sinugbang panga, crabs, guso, kinilaw na malasugue, and lechon baboy! Lupig pa man ang ga-piyesta!

photo by Lyle Santos

The feast continued as we went to Donna Mae Congson’s PIYESTA KTV and RESTO BAR to meet the SoCCSKSarGen bloggers. There were really a lot bloggers and foods (kaon na ’sab!) and the place was di mahulugang tuna! I tried Piyesta’s Jell-O Shots and Gayuma. I can’t describe the idea but it’s really creative and unique. It’s my first time to put a large syringe in my mouth with jelly alcohol in it. Not sure if it’s the right description but I will never forget my experience there at Piyesta. Naa na pud lechon from Mayor Jun Acharon! Next time, I’ll try Piyesta’s kurasticks, sizzling ubol-ubol, and tuna buntot!

photo by Lyle Santos

Aside from the kainan and injections, we all introduced ourselves – some are simple and short, while others went so on and so forth. There were  a lot of conversations not just between bloggers but also among tweeters and plurkers. Recharged, together with some  CDO and Davao bloggers, we went outside to explore the place. I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign. So the CDO Bloggers, with the participation of Jun, we performed our disappearing act to those people who made the event successful.

It’s already late and still a lot of excitements to happen on the next day. So we bid our good night to other bloggers and went to the hotel. But before that, we went to a convenience store beside Pacman Sports Bar and spotted The Destroyer Manny Pacman Pacquiao playing billiard. Lucky enough to get close as it’s my first time to see him in person. Though we didn’t bother to go inside, Rob manage to take some jabs.

Day 2 will follow shortly…

Please enjoy the video while waiting.

Missy Bon Bon Breadshop. A hip, cozy, relaxed, world class artisanal breadshop serving healthy, freshly made bread onsite with unique fusion interpretations of local bread products, gourmet comfort food, custom gelato mixes and a selection of freshly brewed coffee.

April 24, I missed the cross-country mountain bike ride to Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental. It was a bit frustrating but not until I found out the best way to spend the day – hit the sweets at the newest breadshop in Cagayan de oro City — Missy Bon Bon Breadshop. I’ve been hearing a lot about this breadshop lately from a lot of people who lined up during the opening of Missy Bon Bon Breadshop main branch in Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Mall. When I got there, I was surrounded by tasty-looking breads, delicious pastries, and the talk-of-the-town gelato!

My tasty and healthy breakfast at Missy Bon Bon

Tasty pastries and breads

Tambay at the patio with CDO Bloggers

CDO Bloggers with Sir Henrik Yu of Missy Bon Bon Breadshop

Missy Bon Bon Breadshop is located at the corner of Rosario Drive, Limketkai Center – just across McDonalds. They also have a branch at the 2nd Level of Robinson’s Place Cagayan de Oro.

Missy Bon Bon Breadshop

Read some of my friends in CDO Bloggers about their Missy Bon Bon awesome experiences as well!

One thing that surprised me was that the serving of their breakfast is twice as ordinary.. – Ding

Over-all my breakfast at Missy Bon Bon was a delight and I would definitely go back there for more of their food and most especially more of their best gelato. – Edu

I have to say the tomato side dish is just heavenly! I wonder if we could just order additional side dish. hehehe. I might try and check it out next time. I just loved it. – Sanasanz

It was indeed a yummy experience for us at Missy Bon Bon with all their different bread selections, sweet desserts and sumptuous meals to satisfy our cravings. Best-sellers to try out are the sweet potato bread, blueberry cream cheese, fish curry bun, guava chiffon and the super soft and fluffy Missy Bon Bon whole wheat bread loaf. – ChiQ Montes

Cagayan de Oro Rotating Brownout Schedules for March 11 to 16, 2010.

Please find below the load shedding schedule(5 hours DAILY rotating brownouts) within the CEPALCO service area for the period March 11 to March 16, 2010 (Thursday to Tuesday) due to the continuing power supply curtailments imposed by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines [NGCP] all over Mindanao.

Again, CEPALCO would like to caution customers that the actual switch off and switch on time may vary from the announced schedule depending on the actual load curtailment level imposed by NGCP on CEPALCO on a day to day basis.

Schedule of Rotating Brownouts in Cagayan de Oro City

GROUP A Areas

1. Greater portion of the City Poblacion along and bounded by Hayes St., Mortola St., JR Borja St. including S.Daumar St., Aguinaldo St.,
2. Along Pabayo St.; including portions of C. Pacana St., JR Borja St., Gomez St., C.Taal St., T.Neri St., Abejuela St., Hayes St. and Gaerlan St. from Pabayo St..
3. Hayes St. from corner A.Velez St. towards City Hall area & Burgos St., along T.Chavez St. from Burgos St. up to Tiano Bros. St. – including portions of Tiano Bros. St., Rizal St., Capistrano St. from Hayes St.; and; Dolores St..
4. Along Burgos St. from T.Chavez St. up to corner Gomez St. including portions of Abejuela St., T.Neri St., Cruz Taal St. and Gomez St. from Burgos St..
5. Surroundings along Mabini St. from corner A.Velez St. towards Capistrano St. up to corner Gomez St. including portions of Tiano Bros. St. from Mabini St.; Yacapin St. from Capistrano St. towards Burgos St.; and; C.Pacana St., JR Borja St. and Gomez St. from Capistrano St.
6. Along Pabayo and T. Saco Streets from Dolores up to T. Saco /16th Street Nazareth; greater portion of Nazareth; greater portion of Ramonal Village.
7. Greater portion of Macasandig, all of Tibasak, all the way to Taguanao.

1. Portions of Camaman-an near and including the San Jose and St. Vianney Seminaries, greater portion of Camaman-an proper towards Bontong, Bolonsori up to Upper Camaman-an and Hayes Subdivision including Tipolohon.
2. Part of Limketkai Center, Lapasan including Mc Donalds, PNB and Allied Bank.
3. Along Recto Ave. from corner Agora Road towards the new bridge including COCACOLA Plant & Osmeña Ext..
4. Portion of A.Luna St. towards all of Mabulay Subdivision including portion of the Provincial Capitol and Provincial Hospital Area.
5. Medical Center area along and bounded by Capistrano St., Echem St., A.Velez St., and Recto Ave., including all of Consolacion.
6. Corrales Ext. from Recto Avenue towards most of PPA area.
7. J.Pacana St. from Recto Avenue towards all of Macabalan area.
8. All of RER Subdivision Phases I & 2 including Dolores compound; towards Fortune Express Shop along Maharlika Highway; including all of NHA-KSS Subdivision and portion of Bayabas near Manila Broadcasting Radio Station.
9. Greater part of Bulua from Bulua Rotonda towards all of Iponan.
10. Greater part of Patag including Calamansi Drive, Apovel subdivision, Terry Hills subdivision and Anhawon, Bulua area.

GROUP B Areas

1. Portions of Carmen: along vicinities of Villarin St. towards portion of Canitoan-Pagatpat Road; including Cathedral School of Technology, Golden Village, City Hospital-DOH Area, COWD reservoir and Seriña St. from Villarin St. down to Madonna and Child Hospital.
2. M.Suniel St. from Villarin St. down towards portion of Mabolo St.; including Matilde Neri St., Dabatian St. and Cagayan de Oro College area; and; portion of Lirio St. area.
3. Portions of Upper Carmen, including SM CITY; PRYCE HOTEL; SPUM & SEARSOLIN.

1. Portions of Natumulan down to Casinglot, Tagoloan.
2. All the Barangays of Bugo, Puerto, Tin-ao, Agusan, Tablon, Baloy, Cugman, Gusa, and greater portion of Lapasan.
3. Portions of Lapasan-Camaman-an road from Recto Ave. towards Limketkai Commercial Center including Grand Caprice Restaurant.
4. All of Osmeña St. and portion of Cogon Market Area including Roxas St. towards portion of JR Borja St.
5. Upper Gusa, Indahag, Malasag, FS Catanico and Balubal.
6. Agora Market area including Gaabucayan St.
7. DMPI plantation, MENZI Agri, etc.

1. Portions of Upper Carmen, Upper Balulang and all of Brgy. Lumbia including; PNR Sawmill, Shop and transmitter; Pueblo de Oro, Camella Homes, Xavier Estates, Xavier Heights, Xavier High School, La Buena Vida, Frontiera and Montana subdivisions; CAA-BAT Lumbia Airport & Rio Verde.

GROUP C Areas

1. Along Hayes St. from Camaman-an towards V.Roa St. up to corner J.Ramonal Ext., including Pinikitan, Adela, Balangiao area, Quirino St. and Yacapin Ext.; portions of Macasandig, XU Grade School areas.
2. Along J.Ramonal Ext. from Sto. Niño, Cogon towards V.Roa St., R.Chavez St. up to Corrales Ave. corner A.Luna St.; D. Velez St & Yacapin St.
3. Along Corrales Ave. towards FICCO, Nazareth, including Yacapin Street Towards Capistrano St..

1. Greater portion of Carmen along Lirio St., from Trinity St., towards Oak St., Max Suniel St., Vamenta Blvd, up to cor. Jasmin St. including Waterlily St. and the Carmen market area.
2. Along Mabolo St. from Lirio St. towards corner Rosal St. including portion of Marigold St. .
3. Portions of Carmen: vicinities along Vamenta Blvd. from Fernandez St. towards greater part of Ilaya including: portions of Ipil St. and Mahogany St. from Fernandez St.; Madonna & Child Hospital; and; Seriña St. from COA towards Gumamela Ext.St., Guani Coliseum (former O.Roa’s) and Maharlika Police Station.
4. All of Macanhan, Carmen towards all of Lower Balulang.

1. Portions of T.Chavez St. from Corrales Ave. up to Tiano Bros. St. including portions of A.Velez St from Hayes St..
2. Portions of Carmen along Yacal St. towards Lirio St., Vamenta Blvd., Waling-waling St. upto GSIS area including Ferrabrel St., Mango St. and portion of Rosal St. and Marigold St.
3. All of Kauswagan proper, Bonbon and Bayabas.
4. Isla de Oro.
5. Along Montalban St. from near Tiano Bros. St. towards Burgos St., del Pilar St. and Magsaysay St. including portions of Macahambus St. and Abellanosa St. from Burgos St..
6. Portions of A.Luna St. from corner Corrales Ave.; towards vicinities along A.Velez St. upto corner Mabini St. including portion of: Makahambus St. from A.Velez St. and Tiano Bros. St. from Macahambus St..

1. Portions of Natumulan, greater Tagoloan proper, all the Barangays of Baluarte, Pulot, Sugbongcogon, and Gracia, Tagoloan
2. All the Barangays of Sta. Cruz, Mohon, Sta. Ana, and Sto. Rosario, Tagoloan including Kimaya, Villanueva.
3. All of Villanueva and Jasaan, Misamis Oriental.

We hope all CEPALCO customers & the public in general will be guided by this announcement.

Thank you.

Released by:

Marilyn A. Chavez

Senior Manager Customer & Community Relations Dept.

For more info, please visit their website cepalco.com.ph

Last year 2009, a group of Kagay-anons dreamed of having a unique way of cooking the usual pizza. All of us have deep appreciation of  foods. So it was natural at the same year, we discover our very own WHITE SAUCE PIZZA with delicious flavor and combination which will suite the taste of our fellow Kagay-anons. – Pizza De Oro

Kagay-anons! The new and locally home made white pizza is here! Pizza de Oro offers the highest quality white pizza in the city and you’ll sure love it!

Try out Pizza de Oro different pizza flavors!

De Oro Overload P110.00. Order now. Contact 0915-4430-588

Hawaiian Ham and Cheese P90.00. Order now. Contact 0915-4430-588

Tuna P110.00 only. Order now. Contact 0915-4430-588

** NEW FLAVORS!! **

Longga de Oro at P100.00 only. Order now. Contact 0915-4430-588

Garden Fresh at P100.00 only. Order now. Contact 0915-4430-588

Overload Supreme at P130.00 only. Order now. Contact 0915-4430-588

Pizza de Oro serve from phone to your office with no extra charge at affordable prices. For pizza emergencies, call them now!

Pizza De Oro now has different yummy flavors to choose from:

• De oro Overload – P110.00
• Hawaiian Ham and cheese – P90.00
• Tuna – P110.00
• Gardens Fresh – P100.00
• Longga de Oro – P100.00
• De Oro OVERLOAD SUPREME – P130.00

For inquiries/deliveries, contact 0915-4430-588.

The new and only white Pizza in the city, with crispy crust and yummy fillings. Enjoy Pizza de Oro at your office or home.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is the size of your pizzas?
   5 x 10 square inch, 8 slices. Good for 2-4 persons!
2. What time are you available for deliveries?
   We deliver from 10 AM to 7 pm
3. How much is the minimum delivery?
   No minimum order.  :-)
4. Where is Pizza de Oro located?
   Currently based in Cagayan de Oro. We will post info soon about our store address. Please visit our Facebook page for updates.
5. Help! This is an emergency. I’m craving for pizza! What should I do?
   Order now at Pizza de Oro hotline 088-858-4874 or contact us at 0915-4430-588

Visit Pizza de Oro Facebook page, click here to know more.

60kms+ Camiguin Island loop bike ride.

The onshore breeze strokes lightly in your whole body and the speed that feels like you’re flying, makes it truly worth why you want to do a loop ride on an island. I’ve been biking across hills and mountains, carrying bikes while crossing rivers, and feeling the rush in single-track trails, but never imagined I could spin around an island. Bike tour island destination – Camiguin Island.

September 19 2009. It was a perfect fine Saturday morning in Cagayan de Oro, together with ATTACK, we got our bikes already in our vehicles as we traveled about 50 miles from CDO to Balingoan port. When we arrived there, we parked our vehicles in a paid parking area as we grab our backpacks, pulled our bikes and headed to the ferry bound for Benoni, Camiguin. The trip took us about an hour and when we reached the port of Benoni, we rode on our bikes to the nearest carenderia and had breakfast there.

At Balingoan port, in a paid parking area. Unloading bikes from our vehicles.

On our bikes, heading towards the ferry bound for Camiguin.

The Acquaintance. We’ve finished our meals and started the trip to our first stop – the capital town of Mambajao, Camiguin. On our way, we met a group of bikers heading in opposite direction. They call themselves COBRA or Camiguin Off-road Bike Riders Association. They’re friendly and even joined us as we headed our way to Mambajao, which is about 10 miles from Benoni. When we passed by Mahinog Public Market, some of us started to tease each other and went on a race, competing like a battle between bike clubs. The fun race ended at Pare Ventures and Trading bike shop near San Nicolas Parish Church in Mambajao, took a drink/rest, and met some of the local bikers. We stayed not too long and thanked our new friends as we pedaled up to our pit stop which just a couple of meters away from the bike shop – the Villa Paraiso Resort.

At Mahinog Public Market with COBRA

Journey to the Black Mountain. We left some of our things at the resort. Our ride for that day just got started and our next destination – PHILVOLCS. The road up to the PHIVOLCS observatory starts straight mid-town Mambajao, passing through Villa Paraiso Resort and climbs about 2 miles. The road is sheltered and ascending wasn’t that tough even if most parts are very steep. For about half an hour, we’ve reached the observatory and enjoyed the overlooking view of Mambajao below. We were still not satisfied with the view and decided to climb more and explore what’s waiting for us up there.

We met another COBRA biker and he was kind enough to guide us up to the black mountain or as the local call it Mt. Itum. As we went higher, the air became cooler and thinner but managed to push through while staring at the amazing slope of Mt. Hibok-Hibok and the taking a glimpse at the white island behind as we slowly ascending on our bikes. It took us about an hour when we reached a small town at the top. We took a rest in a store and enjoyed some cold softdrinks and breads. It rained for a while as we were having conversation and a man was playing on a homemade stringed instrument. We were listening to it as we enjoy the peaceful nature and simple life in the surroundings. We almost got carried away when the silence was interrupted and we’re surprised to see a karaoke machine somewhere in a dark spot went on and this young lady played some dance club songs. Tsk tsk!

Ascending to Mt. Itum, overlooking white island and Mambajao.

We rest in a small town in Mt. Itum as rain cools down our tired bikes.

Sidetrip to Katibawasan. For about 20 minutes, the rain stopped. After paying for our food, we grabbed our wet bikes then slowly and carefully descend on a wet road for about 15 minutes when we saw another road to Katibawasan Falls. Our new bike buddy told us it wouldn’t take us long until we reached the falls. We took the rough, dirt road as it exits to another main road until we’ve reached the falls. We didn’t stay there too long and decided to descend back to Villa Paraiso as most of us were already hungry and need to take lunch.

Descending on a wet cement road overlooking Mambajao.

Rough, dirt road to Katibawasan Falls.

Relaxing at the Paraiso. We’ve checked in to a dorm-type room of the resort. The room can accommodate 10 people and the whole place was soothing and very relaxing. We’re lucky that there were only few people to check in that resort. We washed our dirty bikes and clothes in a faucet outside our room. There’s a large pool and we didn’t hesitate to take a dive. We almost forgot to take our lunch and decided to eat outside the resort.

Relaxing at the pool in Villa Paraiso Resort

We walked down to Mambajao market, bought seafood and hired someone to sugba our bought fishes. It’s already late afternoon when we finished our late lunch in a carenderia near the market. Then, we sat on this park near the shore, talking while eating lanzones, went back to the market to pick our sinugba. I got tired of wearing my bike shoes and bought a cheap slipper. I felt a bit relaxed as we walked back to the resort as the dark sets in.

Night celebration. We bought some beers in a store in front of the resort and continued our conversations there. We enjoyed the bought sinugba as pulutan. We talked a lot, from the stars to our rides. We talked everything under the clear, dark sky. The night’s getting colder but the fun kept us warm.

It’s already past 10 when we went back to our room. We continued the fun there and then we rest.

September 20 2009, closing the loop. A fine morning to wake up. All charged up and ready to roll! Before leaving the resort, we did some group pictorials around the place and left.

On the last day on the island, we continued our journey.

Group pictures before leaving Villa Paraiso

Very strong winds on a land slide prone area

Sunken cemetery

At the old church, a few meters away from the sunken cemetery.

Biking along near the seashore

At Benoni Port, ferry bound for Balingoan. Going home to CDO.

More pictures..

1. I really don’t know much about outdoor, can I really survive camping in the wild overnight?You do not have to worry about the wild, as far as for basic camping, you will be spending the night in a well-protected camping park.If you’re worried about spending more time beyond your comfort zone (your air conditioned room, warm house, well-lighted cubicles), do not forget that you are not camping by yourself but with your colleagues, friends, or families. The natural breeze outside can keep you conditioned, friends to warm you up, and stories that could light up not just some square-feet area but your entire life. In camping, you will not be sleeping in a big soft warm bed you have in your room but instead a sleeping bag inside a tent. Modern sleeping bags provide enough warmth and thermal insulation so most probably you can still manage your way to dreamland.  Expand your comfort zone and be open enough to give your more definition about what makes you really comfortable.
2. What to expect in camping?It isn’t about what to expect but rather, should answer why are you going for a camp? If you want to relax and have fun in the great outdoor, most probably you should be having fun and not to worry much during camping. It will become more enjoyable if you are spending it with people you want to share the experience with. If you want some time all by yourself, a short hike around the camp would be a good idea. Think about how beautiful the place and avoid negative thoughts. Think about how you’ll be able to help maintain the beauty that surrounds. In that case, you’ll get to know more about nature and the longer you’ve been into these outdoors, the more you will enjoy. A happy thoughts always lead you to a happy ending.
3. What to bring? Here’s a list that one could bring during camping, you can take out or add more items depending on your needs but I’ll be naming those which I think are essentials:
   • Tent – provide you shelter
   • Sleeping bag – takes you to dreamland
   • Roll mats / insulation pads – something to put between your sleeping bag and the tent floor, can be use when sitting on grasses
   • Fleece jacket – to keep you warm
   • Comfortable boots or shoes – just in case you want to wander around the camp
   • Slippers or flip flops
   • Pair of socks – keep you warm especially on a cold night
   • T-shirt and long sleeved shirt with collar
   • Comfortable pants, long and short pants
   • Rain coat and umbrella – to keep you dry inside during rains
   • Personal care or toiletries
   • Flashlight with spare full charged batteries
   • Pocket or swiss knife
   • Warm scarf, gloves or mittens
   • Bush hat
   • Wool Bonnet
   • First aid kit
   • Medicines – in case you have colds, flu, or allergies
   • Water canteen
   • Plastic bags – to protect your things from wet and something to put in your garbages
   • Camera
   • Notepad with pen/pencil – taking notes for documentation would be a good idea
   • Foods and water
   • Match or lighter
   • Camping stove
   • Insect repellant

Camping could become really fun when you are well prepared for it. It is very important to read the regulations in the park and must be followed at all times!  Always observe cleanliness.

I just need to point out that my experiences in backpacking (hiking and camping) have lead me to write these things which work for me but might not necessarily work for you. Enjoy your camping.
]]> http://pinoyexp.com/the-outdoor-basic-camping/feed/ 6 http://pinoyexp.com/river-trek-to-mapawa-cascading-falls/ http://pinoyexp.com/river-trek-to-mapawa-cascading-falls/#comments Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:07:27 +0000 goma http://pinoyexp.com/?p=496 The hills and mountains in Cagayan de Oro conceal trails with green scenery and white waters, ideal for mountain bikers, trekkers, and to those seekers of nature adventures! The cascading waterfall in Sitio Mapawa is one of the favorite water destinations here in the city. Getting there only requires gutsy legs and a happy face.

September 5, Sunday. It was a fine Sunday morning, temperature was enough to warm you up as I rushed to Divisoria to take my breakfast in a fast food chain. I took a hitch on my klub buddies Khokitz with his eldest son and his wife, and Dropedz as we head on the meeting place – entrance gate at Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori School, Fil-Estate Grounds in Barangay Gusa along J.R. Borja Extension.

We gathered ourselves for a short orientation by Karl de la Peña in front of Montessori and Fil-Estate entrance as we equipped ourselves with a powerful tool – PRAYER.

After a short orientation and a prayer, we started walking along J.R. Borja Ext. road, went straight ahead to Galaxy crossing section, passed by some quarry spots on the river side and hiked for about 2 kilometers until we’ve reached the starting point of the river trek.

Confident enough with my leather sandals, I didn’t hesitate to cross the cold crystal clear waters, as the current was manageable enough to allow us through it very smoothly. There were cases when some of us have to improvise their footwear by tying up with rubber band behind the ankles to prevent from getting washed out by the current and refrain them from slipping off the rocks and mud.

There were already established tracks used by the local residence so trekking was really easy. But if you really want to trek on the river ‘mismo’, that won’t be a problem too. There were times when we have to climb some slipper boulders, turned around some washed logs, vines and twigs, and even the easiest single track can hurt when you’re lucky enough to be caught by thorns from small plants. With all these challenges, such activity is guaranteed that you’ll never get thirsty while trekking.

It is quite amazing how I was not able to expect such awesome place exist near the city. For about 4 hours of walking (approximately 4,300 steps from starting point), we’ve reached the cascading waterfalls located in Sitio Mapawa.

We took our lunch near a waterfall about as high as a 3-storey building and a green (if not raining) lagoon at the bottom. On the left leads you to another set of cascades and a man-made stairs to climb until you’ve reach the area which is already a part of the Mapawa Eco Park. The actual ascent could take you to the top of the waterfall. There were actually a lot of levels on these cascading waterfalls with lagoons and somehow we’ve managed to climb up to the 2nd level only. Dito daw madalas yung rapelling at dati’y nagshoot ang Extra Challenge a few years ago.

At around 2PM, we started to pack our things to leave. The gray clouds started to show up too and we’ll still have to walk back but this time, we’re not going on a backtrack but instead, we headed west to Indahag. We’ve crossed some cornfields, picked some guavas along the way as we follow the tracks to “Torres”, a popular biking trails here in the city that exits to Camaman-an.

Special thanks to ATTACK Outdoor Club for making these things possible.

(Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines – October 21, 2009) – It’s all systems go for the Cagayan de Oro Bloggers (CDO Bloggers) as they play host to the much-awaited Mindanao Bloggers Summit 3, an annual gathering of Mindanao-based bloggers, IT industry experts, community leaders and new media advocates, on October 24, 2009 at Pearlmont Inn, Limketkai Drive, Cagayan de Oro City. Roughly 300 bloggers are expected to attend this year’s summit.

With the theme, “Mindanao: Bag-Uhon Ang Panan-aw,” (Changing The Way People See Mindanao) the event aims to uphold the beauty and strength of Mindanao, to highlight the diverse cultures and fascinating tourist spots that are uniquely Mindanao and to provide a platform where bloggers and other new media practitioners can discuss concerns related to Mindanao – all with the help of new and emerging technologies.

“Mindanao is the home of everything fascinating or in bloggers’ lingo – bloggable. Through the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 3, it is the hope of the CDO Bloggers, along with our partners and generous sponsors, that we listen to knowledgeable resource persons, meet other Mindanaoan bloggers, share and maximize all of our skills and resources and adopt tried and tested practices that can help us to fully promote Mindanao and for us to become better bloggers as well,” emphasized Chiq Montes, president of CDO Bloggers.

“Of course, we also want all of the participants to have a good time and experience the sights and sounds of Cagayan de Oro,” Montes added.

Montes said that apart from Mindanaoan bloggers, the summit will also see the participation of some bloggers from Luzon and Visayas.

Expected to grace the summit are United States Embassy’s new Deputy Chief of Mission Leslie Bassett, Atty. Adel Tamano, Agusan Lone District Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Plaza and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Constantino ‘Tinnex’ Jaraula.

Considered unprecedented in the Philippine blogosphere, a top ranking United States Embassy dignitary is set to deliver the keynote address. Bassett’s trip to CDO will be her first trip to Mindanao since assuming office in June. She previously served as DCM in Mexico.

“We are deeply honored. We’re certain that the summit participants will be delighted to meet her and we can’t wait for her to see our beautiful city,” Montes said.

Other speakers during the whole-day affair include Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Tinnex Jaraula, Agusan Lone District Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Plaza and Atty. Adel Tamano.

Google’s Philippine representative Aileen Apolo, whose talk will focus on beginners, Digital Filipino’s Janette Toral, who will discuss blog advertising and Lyle Santos, who will talk about making money online will also be present. Representatives of other blogger groups including those in Davao City, General Santos City and Zamboanga will also give updates.

After the summit proper, participants have the choice of joining either the city tour (Xavier University Museum, Cathedral, Divine Mercy Shrine, Opol Aviary, Limketkai Mall) or the whitewater rafting adventure.

Also happening on October 24, right after the MBS 3, is the Philippine Blog Awards – Mindanao awarding ceremonies.

CDO Bloggers, Inc., a group duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is the lead organizer of this year’s Mindanao Bloggers Summit 3. Previous summits took place in Davao City and General Santos City.

The Mindanao Bloggers Summit 3 is generously supported by SMART Communications Inc, Nokia, Syntactics, Inc., STI, Rafting Adventure Philippines, MakatiAve.com, Majesty Sales Center, Havaianas Philippines, OLX Philippines Free Classifieds, Clara Shoppe, ASTERISK Events and Communications, RG & K Construction, Paguia’s Cottages, ThePacificaCompanies.com, The Site, Spruce, The City Government of Cagayan de Oro, Office of CDO First District Rep. Rolando “Klarex” Uy, SM City Cagayan de Oro, Ultra Craft Advertising Corporation, Magnet Advertising, Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental and the Mindanao Bloggers community. Media partners include Papa Ardie’s Concepz, STI, ABS CBN, MOR 91.9 and HOT FM 106.3.

For more information about the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 3, log on to http://www.mbscdo.com

About CDO Bloggers

CDOBloggers or Cagayan de Oro Bloggers, Inc. is a duly SEC-registered organization that promotes Cagayan de Oro through blogging. Among the group’s goals are to create impact in society through blogging, to help promote Mindanao to the world as a bustling and peaceful land, to promote Cagayan De Oro City and Kagay-anons around the world with a sense of pride and to use blogging as a media platform.

The CDO Bloggers group is the main organizer of the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 3 (MBS 3). For more information about MBS 3, log on to http://www.mbscdo.com

For more information about CDO Bloggers, visit http://www.cdobloggers.com or send email to cdobloggersinc  {at} gmail.com

About Mindanao Bloggers

Mindanao Bloggers aims to unify the island through this exciting new medium — the way of the blog — thereby promoting deeper understanding of our different cultures and beliefs. Thus, it is hoped that this community blog will help in presenting to the world at large the true beauty of the Philippine South, as well as the marvelous diversity of the peoples of Mindanao. For more information about Mindanao Bloggers, visit http://www.mindanaobloggers.com

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FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

ASTERISK Events and Communications
http://www.asteriskeventsandcommunications.com
Mobile number: (+63) 919 238 6575 / (+63) 922 478 5218
Email address: asteriskEC {at} gmail.com

PinoyExp joins Mindanao Bloggers Summit in Cagayan de Oro

CDO Bloggers will be hosting the 3rd Mindanao Bloggers Summit in Pearlmont Inn, Limketkai Drive, Cagayan de Oro City on the 24th of October this year followed by the Philippine Blog Awards at night.

With the theme “Mindanao Bag-ohon ang Panan-aw”, this big event aims to give better understanding about Mindanao tourism, people, and culture. An event that will give us a chance to meet fellow bloggers, expand network, and of course, build friendship!

Sounds fun and exciting? Sign up for the pre-registration now!

For more info, you can visit MBS-3 CDO and Mindanao Bloggers website.

refreshing!

One good reason for a biker to join a mtbike race is to measure how well you can handle fitness and your mountain biking skills. A novice racer normally thinks of joining races for very simple reasons. It could be that he wants to have the event jersey, or got invited by biking buddies, or just simply try out the fun and pressure in it. He does not desire the 1st place and just by finishing the whole course is an achievement and plus experience.

A bike club here in Cagayan de Oro, had their 18th COMBAT Mountain Bike Competition last Sunday August 30. COMBAT is one of the pioneering bike clubs in the country. They are known to hold different races from cross-country mountain biking to extreme downhill bike race.

race route map

Starting point near Concentrix

I invited Rob to join us to witness the race and introduced him to the ATTACK group as we drove our way to the race starting line near Concentrix (formerly Link2Support) and SM Mall. Two of our klub buddies, Jomar and Khokitz were there to participate on the event. We were there to cheer for them. There were different funny conversations and while looking around I saw familiar faces too.

May kinabahan, mayroon din na di mapakali. May iba na excite, may bike na biglang na-busted. May tumatawa pero mas marami yata ang nakasimangot. Si haring araw oh.. Mainit na!

The race started around 9AM.

Preparation: Just make sure your bike is in good condition and particularly the gear worked well. Don’t worry about all that suspension and dual hydraulic disk brakes that everyone else has. Even off-road, lightness is king. [Source]

The group followed the first batch of riders (probably they’re in a touring category) as they split from us as when they turned right from the main road to the first part of the trail going to House of Hope.

steep curve corner waiting

We stayed inside the race trail mismo somewhere in Haway. We waited on the second to the last ascent knowingly that this is one of the challenging parts where a rider pushed himself really hard up to a rough rocky steep curve and refreshing ‘em up with cold water will cool them until the last ascent in Cabula finish line. Even if our klub buddies didn’t make it on top 3 as Jomar claimed the top 7 while Khokitz as finisher, nothing compares to the priceless support from family and friends.

Sa mga talunan, the race it isn’t about winning. To the champions, sus chamba!! Hehehe kidding!

Seriously, nothing compares to the experience of a race where fun, excitement and pressure is felt all at the same time. I remember the first time I joined a circuit mountain bike race last year with my buddy Matt, the tension somehow is incomparable to the tiredness after a long ride. A feeling that triggers the guts in you and when you’re there, you’re actually not racing with the other bikers but rather with yourself. You are competing against your fears, apprehensions, physical limits, and mental capabilities to prove that you can be better. The real winner is the one who tries and when he fails, gets up and do his pace, willing to finish the race.

ATTACK Madness Mountain 10, this coming November!