TWO weeks ago, I have several friends who came over to visit. Actually, their dad, the late Daniel Sacupayo, was a former high school classmate of my mom at Camiguin Institute (now Fatima College of Camiguin). And they are Pamela, Tony and Megan Mendoza from Chicago, Leah and Tony Abarrientos of California, Glothelda "Gigi" Rivera from Tarlac and Patricia Danna Lariba (daughter of Iralyn) from Quezon City.
The first time I get to meet Tony, Pamela and Megan was almost 20 years ago in Chicago. I was there to attend a two to three-day Nursing Seminar and stayed with them. Megan was like only four or five years old then. But instead of getting around Chicago, it was hit with a huge snow storm and I ended up spending the rest of the week at their home. The snow was like four to five inches high. And there was no place to go. Well, except for one place that I had the chance to "peep" because it was the weekend and the store was closed. It was a heaven for cake enthusiasts and decorator, the Wilton Cake Decorating Company.
I drooled over their cake accessories. But that was it. Fast forward to this day. Thanks to the modern technology and FB, I got to get in touch with them, especially Megan, who became my constant "chat mate." To make the story short, I ordered some Wilton products which they brought with them when they came over. And to my surprise, they gave those great items to me instead! I was ecstatic over those items, but of course, seeing them after 20 years or so was more than enough.
There are four sisters in the family, two nurses, a lawyer and a doctor. Both nurses, Pamela (or Gingging) and Leah lives in the US with their families. Gigi is a very successful Ob-Gyn in Tarlac while Iralyn is a lawyer who now resides in Quezon City.
I was late in picking them up in the airport because of the ongoing construction and rerouting of the major roads. But it gave the chance to take more photos. Showing to our Cagayan de Oro's famous hospitality and tourist spots, I also had the chance of my life enjoying these spectacular places, too.
First stop was Dahilayan Adventure Park. It was awesome and amazing. The weather was really good, cool and breezy. Feels like spring time in New York! My friends enjoyed the ride compared to the one they had in Subic. I guess it is also because of the scenery, the lush pine trees and the view in particular. On our way, we also took pictures of the pineapple plantation in Camp Phillips and had our late lunch/early dinner there, savoring their famous steak and of course, pure pineapple juice!
The following day was spent in the rapids. The white-water rafting was fantastic! According to them, this was their highlight during their trip here. The water was crystal clear and we can see the rocks and stones. The sun was hiding beneath those clouds so we didn't get sunburned. It was one thing they said they would do again if they get to come back. But this time, they'd go for the more advanced rafting. Not that the beginners was not exciting, but it would be more thrilling. Besides, it's pretty safe. The sceneries were incredibly different and amazing. We got to see some wild animals along the way, too, which was a big plus factor!
The guides were very good and we had fun with the "picture-picture" by their kayaking photographer. What we missed was asking them for a video instead. That would have captured the moment, the fun, the shrieks, the shouting and the splashes of water! Thanks to the Domingos and their guides of 1st River Rafting Adventure. Personally, I have to really say "Thank you" to them myself because I get to try this, for the very first time and it was free!
It took about four hours but it was worth it. The end point was at a restaurant owned by a friend. But instead of having lunch there, we have to leave because a lunch date was waiting in Bulua. A former classmate of Leah and Gingging invited us for lunch. A feast of sea foods was what we had. And of course, the bonding time. Later in the afternoon was spent shopping.
Finally we had a late dinner at Sentro 1850 Restaurant. They enjoyed the food as well. It was a sharing of the different menus they have.
After two exciting and fun-filled days, it was time for them to leave. They were supposed to go to Cantilan, Surigao but I understand they were not able to push through because of the typhoon. In fact, the airport in Butuan City was flooded so they have to go to Davao City to take the flight for Manila.
As of this writing, they are now back in their home places and what we have now are just memories. Good memories which will linger forever. (Website: www.potsnpans1976.weebly.com; email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com)
Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on February 17, 2011.
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