Malasag Eco Tourism Village

Malasag Eco Tourism Village is located in a hilly terrain in Sitio Malasag, Brgy. Cugman in Cagayan de Oro City. It can be reached by riding a jeep from the city to Mapawa (Php13 fare) then riding a motorcycle in the junction (habal-habal fare is Php14). The habal-habal ride is exciting, it is an uphill and sometimes curvy ride with lush forests on the side of the road.

There is an entrance fee of Php30 after which, one would be provided a map making it easier to navigate the vastness of the place. Climate is significantly colder in Malasag. It offers a stunning view of  Macajalar Bay. Their al fresco restaurant is the perfect spot to view the lowlands and the sea while enjoying dining.

It is said that this village was created to increase learning about the lives of ethnic groups in the country. Sadly, I didn't experience that when I got there. Roaming around, what I was able to appreciate is how green everything is. Trees, flowering plants and trimmed grass are everywhere. It is an ideal place for picnic and family bonding. They do have a swimming pool with a Php50 entrance fee and an open grassy field perfect for sports like frisbee (Ultimate).

Aside from that, there is also a zoo that based on my observation, although I might be wrong, isn't maintained  well. The animals seemed very hungry. :( I'm thinking maybe because of low tourist visits, the place isn't raising enough funds to fully take care of them. That was late last year though, I'm hoping things have changed by now. The collection of animals are quite interesting and had variety.

There is also a long hanging bridge built under the shade of towering trees. it is wobbly yet  my companions and I had fun crossing it to the end. Talk about the child inside of us. :D There are also different accommodations for guests who would prefer to stay in this tranquil and relaxing place.

The Gardens of Malasag is just a few minutes away from Mapawa Nature Park, in fact you would have to ride thesame habal-habal from Cugman Highway, you'd just need to take the left side of the fork road when going to Malasag. It is a place to consider as a side trip if coming from Mapawa Nature Park.

Cagayagan de Oro on Foot

Cagayan de Oro is a bustling city in the northern part of Mindanao. I've met some of the friendliest people here while traveling. Arriving in CDOlate the first day, we didn't have enough time to visit the attractions located on the outskirts of the city so we decided to get immersed with what can be found right at the very heart of the city. There are some interesting things to see and can be reached just by walking and so, our walking tour began.

The City Museum

This is  an old water tank converted into a museum in 2008. It is a product of the city's initiative for "adaptive reuse of a heritage structure". The water tank/tower was completed in 1922 and served as a reservoir of the old Municipality of Cagayan with water coming from Malasag Hills. It is located in the oldest section of the city where a settlement was established by Recollect missionaries. It withstood the heavy aerial bombings by American planes in Sept 1944. (source: a manuscript inside the museum)

The small museum has three levels. Picture taking is only allowed in the ground level where photos of famous Cagay-anons who made a big contribution to the city is on display. It also has some information about DXCC, a radio station of the city. The second and third floor hold photos of the lifestyle and events of the old city.

The City Museum of Cagayan is open from Mondays to Fridays, 9:30 - 5:00 PM. It is closed on Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays.

San Agustin Metropolitan Cathedral

The Cathedral is just a few steps away from the museum, almost beside it. It is a Roman Catholic church and is a sybol of deep faith of Cagay-anons.

Plaza Divisoria

This is probably the busiest area in the city. It is a plaza with several monuments surrounded by shady trees. Our hotel was located in this area and it was very convenient. There are a lot of restaurants built almost beside each other,as well as ukay-ukay stalls. Transportation is always available in this area.

During weekends, including Friday nights, it is the location host for the festive Divisoria Night. There are live on stage performances. A block of the plaza is also converted into an alfresco restaurant serving booze and grilled food. In the other area are tiannges perfect for scoring clothes, shoes and bags at a cheap price.

Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan)

Xavier University was founded in 1933. It is located near the other end of Plaza Divisoria.  Proper attire should be observed when planning to get inside the university for guards won't allow  you when wearing shorts/skirts 3 inches above the knee as well as spaghetti/scowl neck tops. You would have to leave an ID too. There's a chapel inside the university. There's a museum that's undergoing renovation when we were there. The atmosphere inside the university is relaxing.

When you get tire of walking, don't fret. There are several motorellas roaming around that can take you to your next destination. On our case, walking around proved to be a rewarding experience.

Tinago Falls and Mimbalot Falls: My Memories of Iligan City Before the Typhoon Sendong

Last Thursday, I finished my blogs about Tinago Falls and Mimbalut Falls during my break at work. I was not able to publish it because I haven't  worked on the photos yet. The weekend swiftly passed by and I was traveling Saturday and Sunday so I didn't see the news until I got back here in Manila and saw it. As I've watched the TV, my heart sunk to see what happened to Iligan City (as well as Cagayan de Oro) where both Tinago and Mimbalut Falls can be found. Iligan City had been devastated by the recent typhoon that battered the area. A lot of properties were destroyed including hundreds of homes, water supply had been cut and the latest news  says 700+ are already confirmed dead and hundreds are still missing. I'm not a local of Northern Mindanao nor have several friends from there, but the fact that I had just been there two months ago, had the opportunity to interact with kind locals who were very helpful while we're trying to find our way to wherever we were going makes me sympathize with the locals. I really feel for them now.. I almost don't want to see the news anymore because it really is heart-breaking. But no matter how hard the situation  my fellow Filipinos are facing now, I'm confident that they can make it through.

I hope we, who are not affected find it in our hearts to help them by sharing what we can. Even small donations would count. Please check National Red Cross'es link for cash donations. (http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow) It would really help a long way. Our prayers for their strength would also mean so much.

I almost don't want to post my entries anymore feeling like it's not appropriate but somehow, seeing the beauty of these falls somewhat makes me realize that life is like a falls, no matter how strong the rapids are, how rocky the path is, LIFE MUST GO ON. I trust that the people of CDO and Iligan feels the same way.

My blog entries on Tinago Falls :

Tinago Falls: A Hidden Majesty in Iligan City 
Mimbalut Fall