WHAT TO EXPECT IN CDO WHITE WATER RAFTING

Location: Sitio Aura, Barangay Mambuaya (starting point) and Barangay Kabula (endpoint), Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines

View Cagayan River in a larger map

The challenging but exciting white water rafting

It is dated February 14, 2011, a part of my February 11-14, 2011 CDO-Camiguin-Bukidnon Trip with my companions: Alan Valenzuela, Rome Frias, Cesar Garcia and Benedick Manalang. We were based in Cagayan de Oro City at the ancestral house of our good friend, Rome Frias. His brother, Enrique and wife, Gina, served as our hosts for food and free vehicles. Alan Valenzuela funded our round trip airfares.

Our meet-up point with the tour operator

As early as 6:30 A.M., we met our tour operator in Divisoria near Xavier University where his service vehicle awaited our group. Our tour provider was the The Red Rafts headed by our tour guide, Richard Labor with assistants: Glen Caduguan, Junjun Caballero and Roy Damasco. Maurice Cepriano and Erwin Ladaran were our photographers under the Red Rafts. Our service vehicle driver which is 35 minutes from Divisoria (CDO) to the rafting starting point was Rickson Magallanes. This was our second time to hire their services.

The tour orientation and briefing

Our package is at P900 per head (with lunch or an additional of P200) and P1,500 is the video and unlimited pictures during the whole course of the rafting. P1,500 could be lesser if the group is bigger where the cost can be divided equally among the members of the group.

The whole team

We were into two rubber boats where on the other boat were our acquaintances: Fayette Zagala and Mavy Lomibao with her friend. All of us were operated under the Red Rafts.

The rafting starting point

In our briefing, we were told that since we had opted the Beginner rafting package, it will be for a 2 and half hours course consisting of 14 rapids varying in classification as to Class II and III 1/2. Class II (easy to moderate). We will be experiencing small-to-medium-sized regular waves with some obstacles. Some maneuvering is required but passages are clear. Splashy and fun! Class III: (moderate to exciting). Numerous waves that are bigger and a bit irregular with currents that can be tricky. Big splashes and exciting rides! Obstacles require maneuvering, but the narrow passages are generally straightforward. Scouting from shore is recommended and usually required. Big splashes and exciting rides!

Experiencing the rough waters just few meters from the starting point

We have been briefed that the starting point of the rafting course is in Sitio Aura of Barangay Mambuaya and will end in Barangay Kabula, still a part of Cagayan de Oro City. Sitio Aura's opposite river bank is already a part of the municipality of Baungon of the province of Bukidnon.

Our group of two rubber boats

We stayed an hour at the briefing station since there were souvenir stores there where we bought some. I even bought there my arm's sun screen for I find it very colorful at neon green. Thus, we started the actual rafting at 9:06 A.M.

Accessories and souvenir store

Maneuvering the first rapids with fun and excitement

Though, it was our second time, we still faced the first rapids with excitement. Rome, Cesar and I were all eyes to Alan and Benedick who were just first timers of this white water rafting.

When the current becomes hostile and extremely rough

A gesture every after overcoming a rapids

Heading for the next rapids

Battling the second rapids

One of our photographers while waiting for our boats to pass

Approaching the third rapids

Highly engaged at the third rapids

Regrouping for the fourth rapids

An aerial shot by our stationed photographer

Navigating thru the fifth rapids with two companions dropped down the water

Standing ovation on the sixth rapids

Slapped by splashing rapids but managed and overcame it

The waters was still on our way to the seventh rapids

The seventh rapids was manageable

On the seventh rapids

Rome fell from the boat at the eighth rapids

Taking it easy on the ninth rapids

Sailing calmly for the next stop

Heading for the small water falls the locals call as the "Fountain of Youth"

Drinking and bathing the extremely clear fresh water from the Fountain of Youth water falls

Just resting after the Fountain of Youth water falls

Rome's second fall at the 10th rapids

Making it cool for the 11th rapids

We were all covered underwater by the rubber boat when it capsized

Unexpectedly our boat capsized and I was carried by the strong underwater current

One of the two lifeguards brought a canoe for my rescue

It is difficult to board on a rubber boat canoe

Finally I successfully boarded the rubber boat

My second fall which was at the 12th rapids and I found myself on the river bank

Carried by the strong underwater current after a fall at the 13th rapids

Benedick and I waiting to be rescued when our boat capsized on the 14th rapids

Unto the end of the rafting course

The whole group after finishing the rafting course

We finished the whole beginners rafting course at 11:34 A.M. after we hurdled the 14 rapids. The water in the river was obviously murky as it has heavily rained the day before. The current was so turbulent and whirlpools are so strong that you will be sucked at one point if not rescued, otherwise, the strong under water current will carry you away. However, our lifeguards were really well-trained to rescue us.

We ended up in Barangay Kabula with a sumptuous lunch where we stayed there until 12:30 Noon. Our group drove back home just having an ample time buying pasalubong since we had our 5:15 P.M. PAL PR 284 flight for Manila.

THE RED RAFTS CONTACT DETAILS

Facebook Account The Red Rafts

Richard Labor Mobile Number: 09351307893; Email Address: red_raftrich@yahoo.com

INCLUSION OF THE TOUR PACKAGE OF P1,500 PER HEAD

✔ Roundtrip service vehicle CDO to rafting site and vice versa
< ✔ Rafting fee
✔ Life vest
✔ Helmet
✔ Paddle
✔ Raft guide/life guards
✔ Lunch
✔ Actual rafting unlimited pictures provided in CD
✔ Video coverage of the actual rafting provided in CD

OTHER CONCERNS

There is a provision of one photographer and one videographer who are separate rubber boats. The package is a minimum of four persons.

Looking at the pictures, you will find rafting as a risky activity. However, the experienced guides provides a highly safe rafting course. Besides, the briefing and/or orientation will give you the necessary instructions. It is important to note that, it takes a teamwork skills when paddling towards one desired direction.

THE LEVELS OF WHITEWATER RAFTING OFFERED BY THE RED RAFTS

While our group availed the beginners level, the two others are Advance and Extreme.

The difference between the three is the number of rapids you are going to try. In the briefing, we were told that the Extreme Course has a different route from the Beginners and Advance Course.

The Beginners Course has only 14 rapids, whereas the Advance Course has a total of 22 rapids to navigate with. It includes some major rapids, minor rapids, and technical rapids.

If you decide to avail the Advanced Course, you will still be able to try the Beginner’s Course because it has the same river route, though much longer.

HOW TO GO THERE

Take any daily flight from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City. There are also flights coming from Cebu City to Cagayan de Oro City as an alternative route.

From Cagayan de Oro to the jump-off point in Sitio Aura of Barangay Mambuaya, a private jeepney is provided by the tour operator.

MY SECOND TIME AT DAHILAYAN ADVENTURE PARK

Location: Dahilayan Adventure Park, Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Philippines

Asia's first dual longest zipline in the Philippines at 840 meeters long and 100 meters drop

For the second time, in this Dahilayan escapade, our group was hosted by our best friend, Rome Frias and his brother Enrique with wife, Gina. We were treated with sumptuous meals and the provision of free chartered vehicle. Enrique and Gina are based in Cagayan de Oro City.

Our group just arrived the park

This trip is dated February 13, 2011 which is a part of my February 11-14, 2011 Camiguin-Cagayan de Oro City – Bukidnon Trip with Alan Valenzuela, Rome Frias, Dr. Cesar Garcia and Benedick Manalang. Waiting for my turn to launch at the 320 Meters Zipline

Launching at the 320 Meters Zipline

Riding in park's three ziplines was our first activity. We started with the 320 Meters and on its end is another launch pad for the 150 meters zipline which costs P250 only. But we opted to have the three ziplines.

In action with the 150 meters zipline

As we were done with the 150-meter zipline. We rested on somewhat an obstacle game area waiting for our companions so we can proceed to the last zipline, tagged as the Asia's first dual zipline at 840 meters long.

The obstacle activity area

On a jump shot at the obstacle activity area

From this obstacle activity area, we had a walk along the cool pine trees to the parking lot where we, zipriders are transported via 4WD Safari Cruiser to a launch tower at 4500′ ASL.

The 4-Wheel Drive Safari Cruiser to the 840 meter launch pad

The 4WD Safari Cruiser had transported us towards the highest peak of the park overlooking the majestic scenery of sprawling hills since the park itself is a part of Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park.

While waiting for my turn for the 840-meter zipline ride

From its launch pad, I zoomed through the rain forest canopy of lush greenery, foliage of trees and breathtaking views in a cool and really foggy weather coupled with occasional light shower at 60-80 kph and finally landed at a carrier-type flight deck using a special arresting gear system.

Roaming around the themed park of animals

Unlike the first time we visited this park where it offered good weather then, this time was the opposite as it was raining and fogs were thick. It was colder and limited our time having siesta in our park’s cottage.

Challenging ATV ride on a rainy weather

Since it was a rainy day, only ziplines and ATV were operating. This is the story the link of our most unforgettable ATV experience.

While at the animal-themed park

Still at the animal-themed park

The day was not favorable for stroll in the animal-themed park. We had our lunch at our open cottage almost soaked in thick cold fog. We waited there for the rain to subside.

HOW TO GO THERE

Take any daily flight from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City. There are also flights coming from Cebu City to Cagayan de Oro City as an alternative route.

From Cagayan de Oro, take the Davao-Bukidnon Highway, right on the Alae Junction, proceed 25 kilometers to Barangay Dahilayan, past Camp Phillips and the pineapple field via Mampayag. This is more than two hours drive from Cagayan de Oro City.

ATV 2011 EXPERIENCE

View Larger Map

This is dated February 13, 2011 (Sunday) in Dahilayan Adventure Park of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon with four of us who braved to take the ATV (All-Train Vehicle) experience despite of the heavy downpour. The terrain was quite sticky, slippery and wet. The four us: Alan Valenzuela, Rome Frias, Benedick Manalang and I were practically soaked in the rain as we battled the unfriendly terrain for 3.1 kilometers with a duration of one hour in a package of P500. It was actually exciting since it was not an ordinary ATV fun but rather it tested our endurance and determination to finish the whole course despite of the difficulties we encountered. At one point, I had an experience when my ATV ramped against the massive, sticky and slippery wall of the road and I almost lost my senses balancing it. I had put all my presence of mind to survive it and my feet was endured. It was scary but worth as an experience. Had this been done during a sunny day, this won't be as memorable and exciting as it was like this one.

This album is a part of my February 11-14, 2011 Cagayan de Oro-Camiguin-Bukidnon Trip. Other unposted photo albums are the: bukidnon zipline and the white water rafting for the second time in bukidnon and cdo, respectively.

MOUNT HIBOK-HIBOK CLIMB 2011

Location: Camiguin de Mindanao Island, Philippines
Jump-off point: Ardent Hot Spring, Mambajao, Camiguin
Elevation: 1,332 MASL (4,370 feet)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 3-5 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3
Distinctive features: Volcanic crater, tropical forest, scenic views of Camiguin















This climb is dated February 12, 2011 in the province island of Camiguin de Mindanao with the following companions: Alan Valenzuela, Rome Frias, Dr. Cesar Garcia and Benedick Manalang. Our contact was Jackie (09158513358) who provided us with a guide in the name of Ronald Rabile using the Ardent Trail which also served as our jump-off point. Mount Hibok-Hibok is a minor climb with an elevation of 1,250 MASL (meters above sea level) or 4,101.04 feet above sea level. It consist of a trail with endless cardiac assaults. We took our lunch halfway during our ascent in the Philvocs Station and proceed with our trek to the summit. We reached the summit at 12:45 Noon and stayed there for an hour for pictorials. Unfortunately, the summit did not open. At around 1:00 P.M., we descended and it was even difficult because we were still in four wheel drive. We need to have longer strides going down. We reached the jump-off point at Ardent Hot Spring at 7:15 P.M.

It was too late then as we are to catch the 4pm ferry trip going back to Cagayan de Oro City and so we decided to stay in Camiguin for another night staying in another cottage. The following day at 4:30 A.M., we left Camiguin Island through Benoni Port boarding the Super Shuttle Ferry 6 to Balingoan and arrived there at 6:10 A.M. We took a bus trip going to Cagayan de Oro City for 74 kilometers with more than one hour travel duration. We stayed in our CDO host's house of Spouses Dodong and Gina Frias. Dodong is the brother of our companion, Rome Frias. That same day at 9:00 A.M., we left for Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich of Bukidnon for ATV and Zipline experience.

This album is a part of my February 11 - 14, 2011 Cagayan de Oro-Camiguin-Bukidnon Trip.