The Divine Mercy Hills

During our itinerary planning, my boss wanted to go sidetripping to Camiguin. However, we found out that the trip would take at least 3 hrs, so since our spare time wouldn't allow it, we forego the plan perhaps next time.

On the way to the Laguindingan International Airport, Kuya Erning suggested we make a quick stopover to Divine Mercy Hills located at El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental. Yey, time to make a wish. Yes, I'm one of those who believes that whenever it's your first time to visit some church, you are allowed one wish to be granted if you pray the earnest! 

Proper attire please!  They have available skirts/shawl for donations only.

This stairs going up will welcome you to the Divine Mercy Hills.

The walk going up was such a sight of families praying together, pilgrims reciting prayer or just a group of people touring. The whole place has a solemn and serene feeling.

After about 10-15 minutes walk up- Here behold the 50-ft Statue of Divine Mercy.
The tallest Divine Mercy statue in the world! Can you believe it?

Divine mercy, please pray for us.







And I couldn't help but took a souvenir photo of me in my red skirt.

Lord, I trust in you.


At the base of the statue is a Healing chapel and that just across it lies
the Divine Mercy Church.

The mass just ended when I finally reached the topmost of the hill.
Now its time I say my wish :)

The ladies in red skirts!

After a brief prayer and wish, we made our way to the airport just in time for checking in. The whole business trip was tiresome but very enjoyable! I am so lucky that my job actually bought me to interesting places-and in Mindanao for that matter! But yes, I love every single moment about it.

Thank you Mindanao for the experience,
itsmelory (^.^)

Cagayan de Oro

I remembered wanting to stretch after almost 8 hr of sitting on the bus, finally at midnight, we arrived at Cagayan de Oro which translates to River of gold, we took a cab from Terminal to Marianne Suites. A 5 minute trip from the terminal. Finally, sleeping time. 

Maayong aga Kagay-an!

I woke up early to give ample time for preparation like the OC me even with barely 4 hours of sleep. Keri mo yan Lory. Marianne Suites wasn't so bad! It's conveniently located, WiFi signals are good even inside each rooms, the rooms are well-lit and equipped with cable flat screen TV, they have bottled water refill everyday plus a free breakfast. I joined Kuya Erning (our driver for the day)  for breakfast. By 8:30AM and we're on the road again! Next itinerary was another drop hi, talk and go to meet people, Cagayan-on's were very friendly and hospitable people!

Finally, after the morning meetings, we're off for lunch.  My boss suggested we check out Delmonte Clubhouse, ok lets! I noticed that CDO has traffic jams too, after like an hour from the city, we made it to Delmonte! 

The Delmonte Clubhouse

Is located in Brgy. San Miguel, Manolo Fortrich,  Bukidnon well known for its finest and sweet pineapples! Certainly this is a welcome sight of pineapple plantation.

Kuya Erning mentioned that half of the whole plantation was already harvested..

Some welcome drink- no alcohol please. Just fresh pineapple goodness. 
Add Php 20 if you want it bottomless! Honto?!

and surprise! to complete the meal, some fresh slices too.  

Behold the main course. Muy favorito! Superrr

I remembered Daryl once told me when it comes to steak,  get the medium rare. It takes a good chef to perfect a medium rare, but idc cause (for the meantime) I want mine well done!  The taste of sweet, tender beef in medium size still lingers on my mouth when I think of that time in DC. I can't believe I finished the whole med size, well what can I say, but delicioso, no dinner later ok ?

I needed the stroll after finishing that main course.. hehe

Back to reality now, we billed out and on the road to finish the itinerary, the full meal makes me sleepy. Haha. Sorry boss. Sayang cause we didn't get to experience the actual harvest of pineapples, accdg. to Kuya Erning, anyone is welcome to help pick up the pineapples and in return, you get to have some pick for take out! How cool! Next time maybe?

Night outing in CDO

Aaand we're so done for the  day! We're back in the hotel by 6:00. Time to relax now, but minutes later my boss called me to check the area for possible dinner. Wow, di pa ata natunaw ang steak boss, no dinner tonight for me..which of course didn't happened. I managed to convince myself that I'm not supposed to miss checking some hang-outs on our last night in the lovely Cagayan de Oro.

Funny episodes during that time. So in short, no nap at all and it's dinner time already.

Checking out Inilog Grill

So  we found ourselves along Velez St. and  went to check this acoustic bar Inilog Grill. Some live bands playing cool songs that time! I liked it,  they do new hits, acoustics and some flashback songs. Even my manager sings along. 

Chill time officially starts now. Yeah!

Never been a fan of Chitcharon, but this one's really good esp. if paired with "cold" beer. *Please don't mind the empty calories*

Ordered some grilled fish, no rice for that matter. After we finished the first order, we ordered some more. For only Php80 per order, the grilled catch of the day is worth it! Buti na lang I came along. If ever you're in CDO, the place is highly recommended!  I enjoyed the food, and the live band. It was also nice to do some wrapping up about our business trip and what's to do next when we're back in Manila, ok enough of work please. 

***

Funny  Drunken Advice

He who drinks, get drunk

He who gets drunk, fall asleep

He who falls asleep does not sin

He who does not sin, goes to heaven

So lets all drink and go to heaven.

 ***

Another day in Cagayan

Good morning! Last day today? Aww.. just when I'm all getting warmed up only in CDO, it's time to go na agad? Made a quick shopping by at Missy Bonbon / Vjandrep to buy some sweet pasalubongs for my kampon at the office. 

Missy Bonbon Pastels!

Missy Bonbon is located around Limketkai Mall, a wellknown mall in CDO. 


Good ambiance I say! 








Had some sweets in Halloween mode too! 

Read about my The Divine Mercy Hills experience


Catch up with you soon, 
itsmelory (^.^)

Sidetrip to Samal Island

Samal is an island off the coast of Davao. I found out that its a mere 5-10min ferry boat ride from Km11 Sasa Wharf, pay out of Php50 for a single entry of private vehicle! Paradise getaway in an instant! When we docked at Babak District in Samal, we paid another Php30 for toll entrance. 

Onboard the ferry boat..

The Garden Island of Samal

Samal Island or Island Garden City of Samal is arguably the largest resort city in the Philippines with 70 or more resorts in it. Samal island has various accommodations, choices of hotels, etc. We drove to Paradise Island as suggested by Kuya driver.We paid Php200 upon entrance. Mahal kayo oi, but well, this place is indeed for tourists!

Since we only have until afternoon because of time constraints, we're here for some sightseeing all for the experiene! I could say that the whole resort seemed well maintained and clean. Not crowded although I heard from our driver that its one of the most popular resort in Samal.. mostly Korean/Thai visitors lounging under the nipa huts and villas. 

We ordered some Guyabano shake and relax a bit on one of the nipa hut. Ah, nice. Must've been nicer if we could stay overnight- then I could have explored more of Samal Island but then again.. I remind myself I'm here for work in the first place! Lols. 

Enjoying the stillness and quietness overlooking the Samal beach,  the relaxing waves and the white beach was worth a quick visit.  

A truly great way to recharge after a day of hustle and bustle! 

Read about my trip to  Davao City 

See you again Samal,

itsmelory(^.^)

Jack's Ridge

During my second and short trip to Davao, a client recommended I should go check Jack's Ridge Restaurant if I want to enjoy some good food and place. Of course, curious to know about JRR, we went out to see the place! I could recall driving to quite some steepy hills as it was already late evening when we decided to go. We went into the first place we saw because of grumbling tummies...The Taklobo Restaurant. Dining al fresco style. 

The Taklobo Resto

What could be better than tuna ? 

Why of course, another hot satisfying tuna soup for tonight!

Friday night so place is so loaded with  bunch of families and tourist dining 

We couldn't get a table near the edge of the balcony for some good view  but enjoyed the fascinating night lights across Metro Davao. Not bad!

We ordered some Seafood Supreme in creamy coconut milk, but was not too happy the foods was served in a messy way, like the sauce was all over the table..sorry, OC talaga ko. 

Taste was so-so. 

but good thing this trio saved the night! We were serenaded by  this local Los Pansos.

Aaand we call it a night! 

Food was ok, but I guess it's the whole dining experience that 's worth remembering. 

Check this place if ever you're in Davao!

Read more of my Davao City adventure

Until next time,

itsmelory (^.^)

Wow Davao

I have never been to Davao City, but hearing a lot of good things about the city - I could only imagine what a nice city it must be, I didn't know, it's a lot lot more! 

Dakbayan sa Dabaw

Also known as the fruit basket of the country, we traveled roughly 2.5 hrs from Gensan to Davao. It was a rainy evening  when we arrived. We managed to get a cab to our hotel at Hotel Uno. It was the same hotel we stayed previously. Nothing fancy, only the basic commodities plus it's within the city proper so no trouble getting around. We walked around the area hoping to find an open restaurant at 9:30PM, but the rain was so much of a killjoy that we ended up eating in a fast food . We were back in the hotel for the much needed rest for the remaining plant tours tomorrow (which didn't happen because I watched TV until wee hours.)

Good morning Davao!

Quick check out and on our way by 8AM. The next few hours were engaged in meetings, site visits, discussions. I noticed that Davao people were proud locals of their city, even though they have speed limit of 60kph within expressways, they put up signages every 2Km, and visible security mobile within every turn.  

Eat at Penongs

Penong is Davao's household name, you can find it every corner of Metro Davao. They have grilled choices and vegetables!

Eating time, again.

After some good lunch, we went to our next stop before our  7 or 8-hour travel to Cagayan de Oro. Whoah! Exhaustion level to almost full, but wait..a trip to Davao City won't be complete without some sweet pomelo for pasalubong!

Where to buy?

We settled for something proven, and that's the the Golden brand,  I got 5 boxes of sweet pomelo! Price is Php 600/box and has around 6-7 pcs of Suha (depending on size). 

A much cheaper brand is Nenita's (around Php450/box). Just make sure to check each box for some spoiled or overriped Suha. So happy to found some mangosteen as well! Yes, another favorite!

Fancy some durian?

Timecheck: 330PM,  all set to CDO. Bus fare cost Php 550/head. So the next hours I was in awe of the great view like above. Somehow it feels like home. I contented myself sightseeing the uncomplicated rural life like this. Later when it was dusk, it reminds me of home and for a fleeting moment I hope I was just home enjoying a chitchat with my Pops & Moms.

I fell asleep for 2 hours because the next stop we were at Bukidnon area. The bus stopped over along the highway to one karinderia where we ate dinner before taking another 4 hour bus ride. No fun but it was a smooth ride.

Next stop: Cagayan de Oro

Read more of my Davao adventure A taste of Jack's Ridge 

Happiness,

itsmelory (^.^)