By Chef Ed Dychauco, RN
Thursday, March 10, 2011
LAST January I got the chance of my life to try the 1st River Rafting Adventure’s “Beginners” section white river rafting with some friends from the United States.
Then in February, a month after, I went with the “local” celebrities for another fun-filled ride for a cause.
Those first two rafting were filled with excitements and thrill because it was truly a first and an enjoyable endeavor! The water was almost crystal clear, cool, invigorating and refreshing. The weather was very cooperative. The sun was behind those clouds and peeping only just for a few seconds at a time.
That means an additional 7.78 kilometers roughly of fun and screams! The rapids were closer in-between and longer. The sun was out and the sky is blue but the cool breeze made us forget the heat. Not to forget of course, the splashes of water we get when we hit the rapids, which is remarkably soothing.
For the beginner’s course, one has to travel up to Aura, Mambuaya (a few kilometers away from the airport).As for the advance one, the starting point is at Barangay Ugiaban, Talakag, Bukidnon, which is further up from Aura. Everyone is then given safety gears to wear, like helmet and floaters, and basic safety orientation prior to the trip. It was Ricky, a very knowledgeable guide, who did all the talking. Then we picked up our paddles and it was time for us to go, go, go!
Wilhelm D. Chua, a nationally acclaimed fashion designer and icon who became a sensation in the 80’s with his one of a kind creations and fashion style who dressed major big stars and singers (like Susan Roces, Lorna Tolentino, Rio Locsin, Alma Moreno, Gina Alajar to name a few) and luminaries was here together with his six other female friends, namely Norma Chua, business woman (school and office supplies); Roreen Tan, Security Bank Branch Manager; Rita Tan (printing press business); Julie Yan of Gracewealth Enterprises (makers of starwash soap detergent); Gloria Chua of Zangolt Auto Supply; and Michelle Sy over the weekend for some fun-filled activities.
Being my cousin from my father’s side (his mom is my dad’s younger sister), Wilhelm has been to Cagayan de Oro a few times, far and in-between. He made our wedding attire in ’91, then my nieces’ entourage in 2000. But it was only this time that he got to try this “wild” ride. Together with his six other friends and me, we had the time of our lives, I should say!
I actually convinced them to do the advance one because I can feel that this one would be a lot more adventurous than the basic beginner’s course. And I was proven right! They were all screaming when we hit the rapids. And so did I. The cool water splashing on our faces and bodies, it was unbelievably ecstatic! Although the water wasn’t as “clear” as the first two rafting I did before, it was still worth everything!
One of his friends wasn’t really keen on trying this adventure but eventually gave in. And was in for a lot of surprise and fun! She just couldn’t stop talking about her new found bold undertaking! And I get the feeling that they would come back again soon and try the advance 2 course!
The rafting adventure brought the kid in us. We were truly amazed with the lush greeneries, the wild flowers, wild animals and of course, nature’s architectures and wonders! Our expert guide, Democrito “Tata” Dalauta, was very playful and cracked a lot of jokes on the way, explaining and pointing to us some exciting and interesting facts along the way. Aside from the exciting adventure, it was also indeed very educational.
End point was at the Kabula Grill, a quaint and native-inspired place owned and operated by couple Bong and Rosell Yanez, originally from Iligan City, where we had our lunch of barbeque, atchara and rice with a bottle of soda
What also made it more unforgettable was the “picture-picture” taking by their “official photographer,” Temio, who was on a kayak. He took photos in most of the areas where he knows we would be screaming and shouting and be at our “odd” behavior! Where else? At the rapids, of course! These pictures, I should say, speak more than a thousand words and will forever be kept or displayed in a place where everyone can see and envy!
On the other hand, it will always be in our “Facebooks” to show to the world that we “survived” the rapids! And I also believe it would also be our own little way of promoting Cagayan de Oro City’s great tourist attraction and adventure to everyone.
So, what are you all waiting for? Come and try the best thing that could happen to you! Conquer your fear (although it is not scary or dangerous at all as believed and thought) and be one with God’s creation, even for just a couple of hours. Believe me, I did!
Many thanks to owners Rupert and Malou Domingo and their equally friendly and hospitable staff of 1st Rafting Adventure for these fun-filled activities. Truly, the best in the entire nation, if not the whole world! Looking forward to trying the “Advance 2” course in the very near future.
Have fun and enjoy life! (Website: www.potsnpans1976.weebly.com; email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com)
Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on March 10, 2011.
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