Tropical Storm and After: How To Help

Another ‘Habagat’ from the tropical storm ‘Maring’ affected majority of the cities and provinces in the country. I know some of you may have suffered because of this another calamity. Some may have chillin and enjoying the long vacation, some are just laughing it out because we are just happy Pinoys with pure humor even we got stranded or had to walk home.  

Just  made my day!
From humorous memes found in Rappler

If you want to extend a helping hand that’s great, though a sincere PRAYER will surely do.

Sharing a list from Yahoo on where and how to help our fellow Kababayans. 

TRUE - from Rappler

Feeders Project: Bringing Happiness to Elders

Happiness is something that you will never be found. You will create it. We are in-charge to embrace the life that we have and be happy with it. I definitely agree, but how about those who live their lives on their own, old, feeling useless and just waiting so long enough for someone ABOVE to call them when they are ready. And wondering if the people from their past remembers them and give them a visit, or just a call maybe.

Sunset reminds me of life, my past and the time that flies fast in front of me. 

That was going on my mind on my way to the Feeder’s project. A project created by my kindhearted office mates who shares the same passion. I am glad that Sol invited us to join them. We save a few bucks of our salary every pay day and settled visiting the elders to give gifts and a day of happiness.

I remember how I got lost going there by myself, and I’ll never ever trust Jeepney drivers again in Pasay (no offense! I just had a very bad experience) Luckily, I still arrived safe, keeping my poise and calming myself down first. My mood changed immediately as we are about to start.

We organized games like singing and dancing, we were the one who prepared and served their lunch on that day. Everybody was happy and wanted to participate, some were already too old to join us and some were feeling young and kicking.

Lunch first before the program

Then they showcase their talents

Some gifts to share

We had few conversations and all had almost same ending, nobody can take care of them like the institution does. Actually, these elders are lucky as the facilities are very well equipped with their needs. Elevators, own rooms, decent meals everyday, entertainment room, prayer room and big space. I am thinking that they have all the materials they need; only their families are not around.

"Learn from the people who have walked the path before you… respect them. Because someday – and sooner than you could ever imagine – you’re going to be old too."

We Filipinos are used to living with our elders, we are not used to the culture of bringing elders to a nursing home like this, seeing them happy and contented makes me feel better, they are still being loved by the sister and by each other. At least they are being taken care of. But still I prefer having their last day spent to their love ones, but if you happen to know someone, living their own, no families to take care of them, on the streets, begging, no shelter and food. Maybe you can help bringing them to a nursing home like this.  So they will find a family that will love them until their last breath.

Thank you for the wonderful experience 

Little Sisters of the Poor 
                      
50B Lancaster Street, Pasay City Philippines                                                      
Contact Info:                              
Sr. Rosario                              
0939-3751362 • (02) 832-9689 • (02) 8322915        

Note: Overdue post

Northern Mindanao Escape: Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon

Another memorable experience I had down the Northern Mindanao part of the Philippines is in Dahilayan Adventure Park. Hal and I had a semi whole day date within the trip. Two of the girls already had their early flight back to Manila and the two girls left decided to stay and just rest in the hotel. Hal and I decided to maximize the remaining 1 day and headed to Bukidnon.

Fly high in Dahilayan Adventure Park!

Going to Bukidnon from CDO is easy, From Agora terminal you will find a Van terminal that will route to Camp Philips, advise the driver that you are heading to Dahilayan and they will help you find a habal habal or will drop you off where you can easily get a habal habal that will bring you to Dahilayan Adventure Park. 

The Del Monte Landmark 

I thought it will be a short ride but it was not. Good thing I was ready for a hot and rough habal-habal ride. Though you’ll surely hurt your legs and butt, the view is amazing and the road seems endless. You’ll see the Del Monte logo which serves as a landmark and you’ll pass by unique houses (not sure if the design was created on purpose) that will really catch your attention.

Loooonnnggg ride you see?!

Cute houses we saw along... :)

We tried to ask some questions to our habal habal driver but he was having a hard time speaking Tagalog though we really appreciate his effort answering our questions.  We continued our long and endless road and we noticed we’re close upon seeing pine trees on the sides and it was getting colder.

And finally we reached the Dahilayan Adventure Park. I’m quite exhausted and the cold temperature is just perfect for me to relax. But before that, we had to try the zipline first.

Dahilayan Adventure Park Entrance

Ready for the Big - Zip!

Their shuttle will bring you to the launch point of your longest dual zipline ride experience. It’s 840M ride, 4700 feet above sea level, with speed of up to 90 kph and was said the longest in Asia.

At first I was worried with my safety but I am really satisfied on how the staff assists us and guide us properly. It’s thrilling but tolerable actually, really a great experience.

Safety first :)

Drop off point - Bitin!

The only thing that leads us there is to try the longest zipline and that’s it, all for experience. After the awe-inspiring ride, we just unwind for a while and appreciate the surroundings. And of course, picture taking. 

We realized the ride was longer that our stay in Dahilayan

One of a kind date! Worth the ride!

I wish I could show more pictures but we are quite tired to explore more of the area. We just waited Kuya to fetch us and we headed back to CDO. It was quick but memorable trip.

For thrill-seekers, I suggest you get to try all the ziplines here for fun and experience.

There are also other amenities available here such as wall climbing, rope courses, Horseback riding and ATV. You can also stay here overnight and so you can maximize your trip and avail complete package which is better if you prefer to experience all the rides.

For me, I am just glad to try the longest Zipline in Asia. Though I quite expect a bit over here, I thought it was scary but it was not. Surely you’ll enjoy especially for first timers. 

Dahilayan Adventure Park

Site: http://www.dahilayanadventurepark.com

Brgy. Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Philippines

Northern Mindanao Escape: Wet and Wild in Cagayan De Oro River

Wet and Wild in Cagayan De Oro!

One thing that convinced us to visit Cagayan De Oro is to try White River Rafting. I have this river rafting on the back of my mind whenever I hear CDO. We had Kagay team to assist us with the trip.

The Cagayan De Oro River separates Bukidnon Province, Iligan City and Cagayan De Oro City. From CDO town proper, you need around 45-60mins ride to the jump off point. Only few kilometres from the long river stretch are fit for this adventure, but it will take you hours to finish. Basic will give you around 25 rapids up to class 5. You have an option to choose, Beginner, Advance and Extreme. They also mentioned rafting at night but I guess that’s for the daredevil.

They fetch us from our hotel all geared up, we just brought extra clothes. Be prepared to get wet and exhausted.

We didn't thought our lecturer will be our guide that day :)

As we arrived the jump off point, we had a quick briefing of our do’s and don’ts. Better to listen and follow the guidelines for your own safety, and if they know that your team are equipped with the extremes, they will bring more fun to your ride. And so we begin!

First rapid - easy!

And more rapids to come

Listening carefully - we are focus you know :p

A quick turn to get closer to the falls, fit to drink - yes!

And here we go again! 

Tired yet asking for more - look at Kuya he's enjoying too! 

Oh no! 5 forward paddle... 1...2...3

High five! 

And when the rapids calm down, we can go down for a while for a quick dip

And after the calm river, here we go again...

Feeling professionals... 

Heavy paddle needed, full force!

A view from afar...

Another dip, yes...

Some more twist...

And more...

Another high five! 

And last high five before we leave...

And so here we are in the finals...

Till we meet again our great rafters:) Thanks for the fun trip :) 

And that ends our extreme ride. Sorry for the picture overload. :) After the ride, we washed up and packed up. Hal and I visited their office to get our pictures first and we get to meet the others from Kagay team. 

Surely the trip was fun and full of adventure, we didn't fail to choose Kagay to be our partner in our extreme, exciting, pure adrenaline adventure. Definitely one thing that you surely do not want to miss when you visit CDO. 

KAGAY Whitewater Rafting
http://www.kagaycagayandeororafting.com/
https://www.facebook.com/kagay.whitewaterrafting
0917.712.2323 / dankaamino@yahoo.com

Northern Mindanao Escape: Maria Cristina Falls

The famous Maria Cristina from our History Class

Another wonder of Iligan is the popular Maria Cristina Falls. I remember during my early Elementary days, my teacher in History asked us to draw some of the popular spots in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. And when Mindanao is the location, surely there’s more than one of us drawing the famous waterfalls using crayons and water color. Having this on my memory, I pictured Maria Cristina Falls in a secluded green forest in which you need to walk or climb or hike or something before seeing. I am absolutely crazy thinking that it’s still like that until now and failed to move on.

Actually we visit Maria Cristina Falls first before the Tinago falls. Realizing that it’s just along the way, we walked just a short distance from the main road towards the NPC (National Power Corporation) office. After we settled the (minimal) fee and registration, we were fetched by the shuttle and brought us directly to the grandeur Maria Cristina.

At the entrance - and we are just so up for pictures :)

Even from here you'll feel that the water current is so strong

And this is the view from the top

The power plant, still can't move on from my old Maria Cristina 

This view just shows how big and powerful it is

  It is strong and powerful and much more majestic at the viewing deck. And of course, swimming is not allowed.

Visitors are welcome on this side

So you'll get a view like this

And kulit pics like this too!

Fact:

~ Maria Cristina Falls is a waterfall of the Agus River on the island of Mindanao. It is sometimes called the "twin falls" as the flow is separated by a rock at the brink of the waterfall.
~ It is a landmark of Iligan City, nicknamed the City of Majestic Waterfalls, because of the presence of more than 20 waterfalls in the city.
~ It is located 9.3 kilometers away southwest of the city proper at the boundaries of Barangays Maria Cristina, Ditucalan, and Buru-un.
~ Well known for its natural beauty and grandeur, the 320 - feet (98 meters) high waterfall and is also the primary source of electric power for the city's industries, being harnessed by the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant. Reference:Wikipedia

It was just a short trip, we also visited their Botanical and Zoological gardens but there’s nothing much to see.

The Botanical & Zoological Gardens (with few animals)

How to get there:
- From CDO Bulua/Westbound Terminal, Board a bus bound for Iligan City - Upon arriving at the Iligan terminal, transfer a trike/Jeep and drop off at Gaisano Iligan - Ride Buru-un bound jeepneys and drop off at the junction going to Maria Cristina Falls


Note: I am quite busy for the past weeks so I was unable to update my blog. Sorry!