As familiar landmarks and sights recede from view to be replaced by sceneries of lush greenery and breathtaking cliffs, I settled back on my seat to sleep the whole journey away. Or so I hoped.
Nothing and no one could have made me give up my grip on the bus seat’s handlebars as I held on for dear life. An exaggeration, I know. However, I felt utter chagrin as I turned to the couple on the left and found them dozing fitfully, with nary a trace of discomfort. The bus was then traversing the circuitous highway of Mangima, Bukidnon. To my frazzled nerves, it lorded over that of Mawab zigzag road and the “daang bituka” going to Subic, Zambales from Manila.
At last, the pier came into view and I know it’s only half an hour tops before I set foot on Cagayan de Oro soil once again.
The Streets
The bustling metropolis seemed like a bird on the verge of flight. Evidence is manifested in the still numerous “motorelas” competing for road supremacy against the standard jeepney of most Philippine urban hubs. Nevertheless, these motorcycle contraptions are a most wonderful means to go about the city proper for two things. First, the fare’s a peso less than a jeepney’s. (To think, I was already pleasantly surprised to note that the standard jeepney fare here is P6.50 whereas it’s P7.50 in Davao City.) Secondly, motorelas aren’t restricted to follow a certain route. Give the driver the name of your destination and you’ll surely be taken there in no time – even to your own doorstep (in my case, at least!).
More signs of an economy taking flight are: the just completed and on going construction of the Puntod-Kauswagan and the Balulang-Macasandig bridges, respectively; the under construction Laguindingan International Airport; and the much anticipated unveiling of the Ayala Center.
The Language
Where else could one trace the origin of these dialogues?
“Tsada lugar ang palabas?”
“Gikan siya ug merkado, bah?”
“Nagkinatawaha mi sa naghinilaka na bata.”
“Gakaulit jud ko sa akong katapad, na.”
Ah…the wonder of multidialectal Philippines! Just hours from my hometown and the average Bisaya (to my mind) is given a few interesting twists - agpas, sapon, kai, lingas – to name more. Moreover, the farther one moves away from the city proper, to Salay for example, things get even more interesting. The “gulay” becomes “utan” and “kan-on” is now “luto“.
The People
The City of Golden Friendship, it’s called. (And I wonder why…joke!) Indeed, I’ve personally experienced the Kagay-anons’ own brand of hospitality – and I found it to my liking.
Jeepney barkers not only call your attention for their jeepney’s destination, they still ask you where you’re headed to even after you’ve said no. Even mere bystanders aren’t spared from this kind of customer service. The ultimate though is this – barkers actually steering the person by the elbow towards the jeepney when the incredulous victim has already stated his unequivocal refusal to the barker’s offered ride.
That’s not all. Be a witness to CDO’s hospitality just by lounging at the weekends night café. Foreigners – Caucasians and, the more common, Koreans – abound in almost every tent. How else could these people stay and have fun if not for the charming and very accommodating company they enjoy!
Kidding aside though, typical Filipino hospitality is what can be truly experienced here in Cagayan de Oro City. People don’t hesitate to give the right directions to the hapless stranger. New officemates and board mates give way to become new friends. Indeed, one almost immediately becomes acclimatized to the city – and starts to feel like an honorary native.
Here and Now
It’s been a month since I’ve been here. Some expectations have been met – liking the place, the people, and the street food (Try their taho and binaki!). One even exceeded beyond my imagination – whitewater rafting (I’d do it again, promise!). Though, some are still in the wings, waiting for their fulfillment. In any case, my “turbulent” journey to Cagayan de Oro City did not end when I stepped down the bus. The adventure has just started and I’m sure I’ll be in for a ride of a lifetime.
