When in Cagayan de Oro: Be With Nature at Dahilayan Adventure and Forest Park

 

"Nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced."

~John Keats

 I can no longer accurately remember the times that I was able to travel to far places. But I know that I've been to Marantao, Lanao del Sur and maybe Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur. I'm still unsure because I was too young then. But the memories that I was at those places kept on coming back. At least, I can still remember a bit of where I've been before. And that sooner, I'll be able to travel more. Fingers crossed!

Last month, on October 17, 2015, the company that I was currently employed held a team building activity at Dahilayan Adventure and Forest Park. Yes. You heard it right. Dahilayan can become your option for Team Building. Especially when your company or group is situated in Cagayan de Oro City, the venue is just an almost three-ride away. Located at Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Philippines.

I won't be tackling about how our team building went on but about the views, the rides, and more about Dahilayan Adventure and Forest Park.

So basically, Dahilayan is consisted of two parks. The Adventure Park and the Forest Park. Both parks are separate businesses. True. But they are not competing with each other.

Dahilayan Adventure Park

This park offers extreme and exciting rides, and being popular with their Zipline rides. Other rides are Dropzone 120 ft Freefall Ride, Flying Lizard Canopy Glider, Python Roller Zipride, Ropes Course and Skytower Base Jump. The prices of the rides ranges from P200 to P750.

Python Roller Zipride

Ropes Course

All images posted in this blog post are owned by the author.

Dropzone 120 ft Freefall Ride

Some of my officemates, including our boss dared to do this Dropzone. It looks very fun but I don't know if it feels the same when you are already lifted at 120 ft from the ground. And as an acrophobic person, I don't know. i just don't know. Just seeing them on high cause shivers on my spine. LOL

Skytower Base Jump

I witnessed some of the individuals that tried to conquer this Skytower Base Jump. I really admire their bravery. Freefall is a big deal. I'll definitely pass to this ride. :D

There are also mini-shops located here to cater your thirst and hunger. From teas, coffees, soft drinks, snacks, etc. Later in the afternoon, sweet corns are being sold by locals.

Fore more information about the rides and bookings, you can visit their official website.

Dahilayan Forest Park

This park offers also offers heart-pumping rides but the place is more family-friendly having cottages, larger cafe area and other amenities. Mentioning rides they have Forest Luge, ATV and Buggy Trail Adventure, Barrel Train, Bungee Bounce and Net Trampoline, Hanging Bridge, Forest Putt Mini Golf, Zorb and Treetop Adventure. And their newest addition is the Bumper Boats.

Forest Luge

I am the one riding this luge ride. :D It was really fun. You don't have to be a skilled driver to be able to run this. You just have to know how to maneuver the vehicle.

Hanging Bridge

Before arriving at Dahilayan, I've wanted to try this Hanging Bridge. Had a goal to conquer all of the hanging bridges in the Philippines and seems I'm 2% done. :D

Zorb

It was my honor to share this Zorb with our boss. Really, it had my heartbeat racing. I couldn't remember how my screaming was but all I know is that I really enjoyed this ride. Definitely one of those extreme activity that I won't forget just like my first white water rafting adventure. :D

Treetop Adventure

Bumper Boats

They also have amenities such as the Forest Cafe, Function Areas, Game Room, Grizzly Bar, Jacuzzi, Picnic Grounds, Forest Animals and Playground, Ponds and Lagoon and Souvenir Shop.

Forest Cafe

Forest Cafe Area

Cottages

All images posted in this blog post are owned by the author.

Picnic Grounds

Lagoon

When decided to stay longer at Dahilayan Forest Park, they have accommodations with rooms starting from Standard, Deluxe, Family Suites to Forest Annex. Avail any of the rooms and you'll get 10% off on all rides and a free entrance. Check their website for more information and bookings.

I had a lot of first times at Dahilayan. It was my first time to ride that Forest Luge, to spin around in that Zorb, and to view what Dahilayan has to offer. And hopefully, I can have my second and lots of times to spend there. Of course with family and friends.

And if ever you're asking how was our team building. Well, our team building ended successfully. Just like other team building activities, I can say we've improved as a team.

Whether you are into extreme activities, nature-viewing, or just to enjoy spending time with your loved ones, Dahilayan Adventure and Forest Park will always be your best choice. Even if you're with your friends or even by yourself, there can never be excuses not to visit Dahilayan. So whenever you get to Cagayan de Oro, you must not miss the adventures of Dahilayan.

Pizza Republic Pick + Mix Cagayan de Oro: Decide Your Own Pizza Creation and Enjoy Freshness and Uniqueness in Every Bite

"There's no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box on your lap." ~Kevin James

 I've never been a fan of pizzas before. I just hate the slices of onions, the strips of bell pepper. I really don't eat them, but that was before. I started loving pizzas when I also started working. Whenever there are celebrations inside the office, we usually order pizzas. Sometimes, my friends and I go out and visit a pizza parlor to munch slices of pizzas. Then pizzas became my cravings.

You might have heard about some of the well-known pizza restaurants and shops like Greenwich, Shakey's, Pizza Hut, Yellow Cab, etc. Well they are widely known. But there are also shops that are  locally known like of Cagayan de Oro's Calda Pizza and Alberto's. But wait, do you know a pizzeria which can let you choose the toppings for your own pizza? Definitely Pizza Republic Pick+Mix!

Pizza Republic Pick+Mix by Guiseppe Genco can be located at the former Rosario Arcade Strip in Limketkai Center. 

There is so much space inside the restaurant that can cater maybe up to 50 persons or more. The interior is hued with wood colors with numerous light bulbs hanging above. 

They also have their freedom wall. As you can see, there are no available spaces to write anymore. That must mean that a lot of customers have already visited and did write on this wall. Impressive!

Basically, their 10-inch pizza (8 slices) is priced for P245 good for 2-4 persons. But they also have what they call as "pizzeta", 7-inch pizza (4 slices) that costs P145 with a drink of your choice. 

Reasonable price for fresh from italy ingredients and dough, and actual preparation of your own pizza!

To dress up your own customized pizza, there are more than 60 toppings to choose from. Remember, the taste of your own pizza depends on the toppings you chose. But anyway, no matter how your pizza looks like or how weird your topping choices are, a pizza will always be a pizza that you love. And that for sure, your pizza will still taste good. :D

It may take time for you to choose which toppings you'd like but definitely worth the time. A reason for you to get excited about what pizza you will gonna have after it get flamed in the wood-fired oven.

These images were taken during my recent visit at Pizza Republic Pick+Mix together with officemates.

And the image above shows the three customized pizzas we - my officemates and I - had the last time we visited Pizza Republic Pick+Mix for lunch. We were very satisfied with the pizzas we munched.

There may be a lot of pizzerias situated in different corners of Cagayan de Oro, but Pizza Republic Pick+Mix is the only one pizzeria that lets you customize your own pizza. No wonder why it gathered a lot of Kagay-anons during its opening last October. So, how do you like Pizza Republic Pick+Mix? Would love to hear from you!

Restaurant Damaso Cagayan de Oro: A Place for A Simple Family Food Tripping

"There is no sincerer love than the love of food."

~George Bernard Shaw

One of the things that I get excited about is definitely trying new food. Well, it's not literally new food but is new to me which others might have already tasted it. Let's say for an example, Eggs Benedict. It is new to me because I haven't tasted it yet but a lot of others, specifically Americans, have had of it already. Enough explaining. Well, at least, I made myself clear. LOL

Sikwate Ice Cream with Coconut Snow

Have you heard about the so called Sikwate Ice Cream? It is an ice cream powdered with Coconut Snow. If you haven't heard of this dessert yet, bring with you your friends to Restaurant Damaso, only in Cagayan de Oro City.

Restaurant Damaso can be located where Mom’s Corner Restaurant was formerly homed, at Pabayo corner Toribio Chavez Streets (ground floor of Casa Crystalla). They serve a wide range of international dishes, from Sweet Italian Sausage, Spaghetti Vongole, Fuego To Go Ribs, to Cerveza Ice Cream with Burnt Honeycomb. And the list goes on.

Steamed Mussels with Brown Butter

I met Sikwate Ice Cream in an article from a CdeO lifestyle blog which featured Restaurant Damaso. Not exaggerating, but I was really curious about how it tastes like. Just so glad because one of my friends decided to have desserts in Restaurant Damaso. D-E-S-S-E-R-T. This word is much exciting to hear I tell you! Though we were after their desserts that time, these were what we ordered: Steamed Mussels with Brown Butter, Cerveza Ice Cream with Burnt Honey Comb, Cream Cheese Ice Cream and two servings of Sikwate Ice Cream with Coconut Snow.

Steamed Mussels on my plate :D

I'm not really fond of eating shelled seafoods such as this mussels but I ended loving the dish. Soft, chewy and buttery.

Cerveza Ice Cream with Burnt Honeycomb

You might be wondering we ordered a lot of ice cream which is not for dinner, well, just to let you know we already had our dinner at a near food stall, Donatello's Kitchen. So Steamed Mussels was just right, and then ice cream marathon! LOL. We then tried their Cerveza Ice Cream. I enjoyed its distinct taste. And the burnt honeycomb, it tasted like meringue to me. A must-try!

Cream Cheese Ice Cream

Then Cream Cheese Ice Cream was next. Hmm. Well, it tasted too sour for me. But still, we were able to empty the plate. Meaning, we still loved it. :D

Sikwate Ice Cream with Coconut Snow

And last but not the least, the STAR, in my opinion is Sikwate Ice Cream with Coconut Snow. I used to always drink hot sikwate at my grandmother's place during mornings, and that I really enjoy it. As well as this Sikwate Ice Cream! The sweet taste of the ice cream, the sticky caramel under it and the sprinkles of powdered snow complements each other. Definitely one of the desserts that I like so far in my life. And no doubt, this is going to be my forever favorite whenever I get to dine at Restaurant Damaso. Have a taste, then you'll know what I'm talking about. :D

Aside of the food, what's best in this restaurant is that you are able to meet the owners, for they serve what you ordered themselves.

Restaurant Damaso left an impression to me with that Sikwate Ice Cream. But I know that there are more of their dishes that I must try. I tell you, to taste is to believe! Head on to Restaurant Damaso today and have a taste of their proud dishes. I am also proud about them. Only in Cagayan de Oro! :)

Missy Bon Bon's FROZEN FACTORY Cagayan de Oro: Get Cooled with Their Best Gelato Combos and Creations

"Not to like ice cream is to show oneself uninterested with food." ~ Joseph Epstein

Missy Bon Bon has been known for their fresh and delectable pastries. Their main shop is located near Limketkai Center having a stall in Ayala Centrio. Along with their sweet and overwhelming pastries, is their gelato. Many MBB patronizers also commended about their cool product. Maybe then this was the reason why Frozen Factory was established. An MBB brand selling their popular gelato.

Frozen Factory can be located at 3rd Floor, Ayala Centrio Mall, beside Oro Shawarma and just near the Cinema ticketing area. It's location is just right for a lot of people pass by, either they're headed to the cinemas or to the activity center.

Missy Bon Bon don't really miss to put well-designed looks to its shops. And this Frozen Factory is sure a great designed one. It really looked like a factory for its interior having pipes and numerous light bulbs. And they are wise with choosing the right complementing colors for their brand.

Frozen Factory has a variety of gelato flavors. I was with 3 of my friends when we decided to stop by at the shop and try their gelato. That time, the flavors that had us excited were Cookies n Cream, Coffee Crunch, Vanilla, Mango, Peanut Butter Fudge, Durian, Donatella, Biscotto, Ferrero Rocher, Pistachio, Blueberry Cheesecake and Strawberry. 

I chose Peanut Butter Fudge while my friends had Strawberry, Cookies n Cream and Coffee Power. Coffee Power is a variety of their Double Sundae, along with I Want S'more, Berry Merry, Nutty Monkey, Cookies n Cream, Sunrise Malibu, Snow Queen and Brownie Salted Caramel.

Gelato flavors

Coffee Power

While their Triple Sundaes are Apple Crumble, Black Forest, Choco Fizz Float and Rockies. 

They have Cone-o-Matic creations which are gelato served in waffle cones. Varieties were Pretty Nutty, Choco Overload and Fruity Fiesta.

Waffle Cones

Banana Nutella, Mango Supreme and Strawberry Cheesecake were their varieties for Crepe Zone.

And they also have Super Splits, Banana Split, Cookie Monster and Yin & Yang.

My friends and I dined inside, occupying a table and 4 chairs on the farthest corner, and took great moments there. Talked at random things, laughing while enjoying the pleasure of eating gelato. But know that the little store is not good for dining in with large groups since dine in area is narrow just enough for a maximum of 6-8 persons, better to take out their great gelato and have it wherever you want to go inside the mall.

I can't get enough of their gelato so I took my second gelato, but Sans Rival this time. And guess what, my friend took my suggestion to first try the Peanut Butter Fudge which was my first gelato too. She loved it very much, and I couldn't agree more!

Sans Rival

Great news is that MBB Frozen Factory offers Buy 1 Take 1 on all of their gelato at any Missy Bon Bon branch, and that includes MBB Frozen Factory in Ayala Centrio Mall, from 10am to 2pm. This is valid until mid-November! So what are you waiting for?

So, when looking for a place to just chill and enjoy sweet pleasures in Cagayan de Oro? There can only be MBB Frozen Factory.