Accidental Lawyer: CDO-Bukidnon-Camiguin 1 (Cagayan de Oro City

On my way to CDO from Cebu , I was in high spirits as I took pictures of islands, the sea, clouds, and sky. As we passed through Bohol, we encountered turbulence due to cloudy weather. People were literally screaming (oh my God!!!), as we go on a virtual roller coaster ride.

Bohol

When I saw an island on the horizon, I knew it was Camiguin as the island can be seen in Panglao. Then came the majestic Cagayan River, mountains, and fruit orchards. I was even able to take a shot at SM City CDO as we approach Lumbia Airport.

Camiguin...White Island on the left

Murky Waters

SM City CDO

Lumbia Airport

From the airport, should you don’t have someone to pick you up, you will have to hire a cab that will charge you for P150 to P200. The cabs do not want to charge by the meter since Lumbia Airport is located in the outskirts of the city. For me, the price is already reasonable as you will have to go uphill like Antipolo and the distance I think is at least 10 kilometers.

*An option would be to hire a cab to SM City (CDO), and then take public transport to the city.

We had our lunch at Bigby’s Limketkai. The food is great, much like Burgoo’s and Rack’s, their baby back ribs is a blast. And of course, nothing beats a great meal with ice-cold bottomless soda…yippee. Most of all, it is way cheaper than restaurants here in Manila.

Clock

Twinkle, my Hunny’s counterpart in CDO toured us around the city and was a great help throughout our tour. She assisted us in looking for a place to stay, which turned out to be “New Dawn Pensionne” adjacent to the Caltex Gas Station at Velez Ave. I recommend this place for those who would want to visit CDO. At P900 a night for three persons, it already is a bargain considering that it has all the necessary amenities that one would look for. Besides, the staff is great and courteous. You may even have your food delivered from a nearby fastfood cum restaurant adjacent to it.

Lobby

A Double Bed and a Single Bed

Pryce Plaza as seen from New Dawn Pensionne

New Dawn Pensionne
Makahambus-Velez St.
Cagayan de Oro City
Tel./Fax Nos. (08822) 721776-77,
Cel. No. 09322004660
Website: http://www.grandnatures.com/

We then proceeded to the Divine Mercy, a famous pilgrimage site located on the hills of El Salvador, Misamis Oriental to which according to Twinkle, people flock to during the Holy Week. The place is about 40 minutes from CDO and may be reached through a concrete road from the Highway leading to Ozamiz City. I am not familiar with regard to available public transport in going there, but I saw a lot of taxi cabs which according to one driver would cost around P1000 to P1200.

Divine Mercy

Visitors are required to observe the proper dress code as wearing of shorts and sleeveless shirts are forbidden inside the premises. So before we were allowed to enter, the guard on duty required me to wear a skirt-like cloth. Those wearing sleeveless shirts are required to wear a “balabal”.

Hunny...look at my skirt.

Bolet and Twinkle

Serenity and peace will welcome you to the place. And the magnificent image of Jesus Christ which is the best and the tallest that I have seen so far, will make surely remind the Catholic faithful of God’s omnipotence. The manicured lawn and geographical balance of its architecture further complemented the beauty and holiness of the place. There is a stairway on the five (red and white) beams streaming from the heart of Christ. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to climb it as it was drizzling at that time.

On the way down, we went to get some spring water that is believed to be miraculous. One can easily buy plastic bottles at the religious store opposite the parking lot.

After a much sought-after nap, we had our dinner at Butcher’s Best Barbeque (BBB) near Xavier University. According to Eric, the Hubby of Twinkle, it is the favorite hang-out of students. The food is great and is very affordable. Their hot & spicy barbeque is a must. Likewise, “delicious” is not enough to describe their pork sisig.