A Visit to the Shrine of Guadalupe

Located at Tablon which is 20 minutes away from Cagayan de Oro City, one could ride a puj then just tell the driver that you’re heading to the Shrine of Guadalupe. From Tablon highway, another ride on a motorized trisikad should be taken to get you to the starting point. The one hour trail consists of walking on land and crossing the river 9 times which water level may rise up above the knee or even up to the hip line and water current may vary depending on the area. So the hikers should be very careful in crossing.

The Stations of the Cross are placed at strategic areas where you can light a candle on the stones and say your prayer till you get to the 14th station which is at the mountaintop. A chapel was also built there for a Holy Eucharist every 7th of the month. But it is open everyday where the public can always say their prayers.

Few distances from the chapel are picnic tables and benches which can be used without charge so the whole family and friends can rest while sharing some food.

The place is really perfect for devotees who want to experience Him through the Mary of Guadalupe in the serenity of the mountains. At the same time, it’s a perfect nature trekking for everybody.

white rapids-full story

Because of late confirmation, our original plan of 8 am was moved to 11 am. So the sun was already high so I covered myself with more cloth to shield me from the scorching heat. We gathered in Divisoria where we waited for everybody to arrive. The team who facilitated the activity asked us to sign an agreement that includes statements such as that we came in our own freewill, that injuries may result along the course and our personal belongings are our responsibility.

From there, we traveled for an hour to the starting point but we dropped by the endpoint to get rafts and things necessary for the activity. While everything was being loaded in the jeepney, we took the chance of hanging the zip line where we really had fun.

Finally we arrived at the starting point. After we have put on our helmets and life jackets, we were given basic course about it like the three parts of a paddle-blade, shaft and the tie grip. The basic paddling strokes were also taught and most especially the safety in the water tips. And so the adventure began. There were 14 rapids along the way. The first one really took our breath away since being first timers we did not what it’s gonna be like. One gets to experience different things in the various rapids. We were allowed to take a plunge in the water. Our guide Jong did made a good job in giving us one great time-adventure and knowledge since he mentioned lots of things worth knowing along the way. The exciting activity ended after 3 hours with big smiles on our faces.

White Rapids

Finally, after being postponed twice, it was carried out as planned-water rafting in Cagayan de Oro.

Full story to follow as well as the pics...

Camryide

Last March 5, 2009 after dinner in the office, I and other three of my co-employees were invited by our boss to a halo-halo treat at Ice Castle. So we had the opportunity to hop inside for the first time his gorgeous and luxurious car. It may look just an ordinary vehicle outside except to someone who knows its real value in the market. Being seated in the front, I had a closer view of its features like the stereo which changes color as desired or how everything was like a matter of “just press the button.” The interior provides true comfort to its passenger and most importantly it guarantees effortless and easy driving since it is automatic. While driving, our boss taught us basic things like what does all those letters stands for and when to press them. You just got to control it well ‘coz it drives fast. It was truly an amazing experience for all of us. But personally, it’s an inspiration and a challenge to work harder to own one someday.:)