@cstpimentel

#seventowns, one week: MinVisLuz

CGY ⛴ CEB ⛴ MNL ✈️ DVO 🚎 MBY 🚙 CGY 🚎 MBY 🏡 (exactly in that order ^)

It was a mix of emotions. Mostly excitement because I was going to be at sea again.

Cagayan de Oro

We begin this story at the family apartment in Cagayan de Oro. Checking how big my backpack looks like in prep for my upcoming flight. Ferries don’t really weigh your carry on, but airports are notorious of making of you go back to the check-in counter if they “see” that you are carrying something that looks heavy. 🤦🏻‍♀️

From the apartment, I need to take a rela to Xavier.

Cannot deny the city sunset views are always nice.

Then we take another rela to Centrio (the mall where I will gather some groceries for my ferry trip). And it’s also where I could potentially find the tricycle to the port. I sat infront, so yeah, you will be THAT close to the rela driver lol

I take my dinner at KFC. It’s become a habit to order two meals where I can takeaway the other for my dinner at the boat. Nothing beats PHL KFC gravy IMO.

Then I go down to the supermarket for the essentials (meaning: wine). Only to later find out 2Go doesn’t allow alcohol bottles onboard, so it was confiscated lol

This is the jeepney to the port.

I later realized that I should’ve waited at Gaisano because the relas going to the port are stationed there. But oh well, lesson learned lol

I find this banner of my hometown’s festival: Kaamulan. Can be improved to avoid glare.

Something about boats and the sea make me happy. Or glad.

It really is quite a fancy looking passenger ferry it almost feels like a cruise ship.

My sleeping pod for 2 nights.

Cebu

We made a stop in Cebu. I woke up a little early than usual to catch breakfast and see what’s up.

But breakfast (and the rest of the ferry meals) were a disappointment lol. Pile that on the no charging port in the room I booked. They say I need to book Business Class next time if I wish to have that luxury. Ah-ok.

But there’s always pale pilsen to the rescue. I spent a lot of time at the upper deck as the boat passed by islands in the Visayas region.

The sunset did not disappoint either.

Manila

In the next morn, I arrived in Manila. The smell and look of poverty and a government that failed us will welcome you at the port.

I got my confiscated bottle of wine back. Wanted to give it to the port lady but she refused as she might get in trouble.

OK manels. Tip to everyone: get a Grab Car from the port to your next destination. Taxi hailing is difficult here.

Scenes from Manila

Why did I travel to the capital city of the country? Because of another broken system in our apostille process. I had to go to the Department of Health just to get a certification which could very well be issued in Mindanao.

I aired my feedback to every government agency that I encountered in this entire ordeal with the hopes that they will take it into account. Not just for me, but especially for those who do not have the luxury to easily travel to Manila just for a document.

Scenes from Quezon City

The silver lining on trips to Manila, spending time with my brother and his family. We like holding a Korean food night at their place.

XYLO <3

I almost missed my flight because there was a typhoon. But to my surprise, it was pretty calm this time around. It’s good news for the areas that are easily flooded when rain pours in the city.

Ninoy, we need you again. #neveragain

At the airport. Survival kit.

Kuya at the back. These airport buses moving from one terminal to another–which I hope would become a tram like other developed countries.

Always happy to get a window seat and empty neighboring seats :p

Bye again, Luzon. Twas my home in my 20s. 10 years!

Davao

Foodcourt hits! Near the DFA (the reason I came here)

The bus ride to Malaybalay. I paid for the seat beside me so no one bothers me while I sleep in this 7 hour bus ride!

Scenes from the stopover in Bukidnon

Malaybalay

Squeezed in a quick beer to watch a gig with Papa Cris.

Kaamulan festival booths at the Capitol grounds.

#wheninmalaybalay My all-time favorite bbq place: Kanto Dos

Only to realize I need to travel for one more leg before I can finally get a proper sleep 😵

The scenic view of the drive up north of Bukidnon.

Cagayan de Oro, again

Osprey hiking backpack has been with me for years, I love it.

One of my favorite brunch places in Nazareth called Sage + Olive. Especially this cozy spot. The owner became my friend too! And I love how the servers remember my preferences in food and coffee.

And then it was time to take one more bus ride hahaha

Pugo egg. One of my favorite bus ride snacks growing up. :)

Malaybalay, again, finally

Contemplation