Mixtures of WORK in Cagayan de Oro

First mix – Formula W. I went to Cagayan de Oro (CDO) last weekend to visit the plant of our client in Misamis Occidental. During the briefing provided to us by the plant personnel, I have learned a lot about how their products were produced. After the briefing, we went straight to plant machineries and equipment and I began to appreciate it more. Formula W is for “serious” Work.

Second mix – Formula O. When I visit a province or city, I would like to taste their local cuisines. I would like to get a taste of CDO’s local food. We went off to Kagayan-on and I got what I was looking for. Ostrich meat!? I expected that the meat would look and taste like a chicken meat since it’s a bird. When the meat was served, it was sliced thinly on top of a sizzling plate. It’s the ostrich meat steak! The meat looks reddish and its strands are like that of the beef. And the taste? It’s more of a beef than a chicken. It’s even more delicious than beef. Poor big bird, you’re in my belly. Could it be that Ostriches belong to the cattle family? May be if the ostrich has horns! And may be if the cow lays an egg! Formula O is for Ostrich meat.

Third mix – Formula R. When you visit CDO, where else would you like to spend your Saturday? Camiguin!!!!! We drove to the sea port for about two hours, boarded the ferry and cruised the sea for about an hour. As the ferry nears our destination’s harbor, the monumental volcano welcomed the tourists with its beauty. We rented a multicab to tour us to this place. Our tour guide told us that this island is surrounded by seven volcanoes. Mt. Hibok-hibok, Tres Marias (3 volcanoes already) and the Old Vulcan are just some of them. I cannot imagine what will happen to this beautiful place when these seven volcanoes erupt simultaneously.

We went to Katibawasan Falls, Ardent Hot Spring, White Island, Via Cruzes (the Way of the Cross), Sunken Cemetery and the old ruins of a Spanish church and convent. Then, we had our lunch of a large jack fish cooked STK (SuTuKil) style and steamed crabs on the calm Taguines Lagoon. And yes, my stomach is full again.

The lagoon (where we had our lunch) is just near the sea port and we heard the ferry sounded its horn signaling that it’s going to leave in a few minutes. We rushed to the wharf and boarded the ferry just-in-time and went back to Balingoan Port and CDO again.

We attended the mass at the Ateneo de Cagayan’s church and I thanked God for the beauty of Camiguin. Camiguin is one island that I would like to explore again. I cannot forget its pristine beach, lush forests, seven volcanoes, springs, history, clean air and the fragrance of fresh grasses. It is a paradise! Its splendor echoes to my mind and to my heart. The island is uncomplicated and peaceful. But it draws its beauty in its simplicity.

The following day, we visited the golf course and clubhouse of Del Monte in Bukidnon for a very good lunch of steak and a view of pineapples and pine trees. I have never been tired of appreciating the wonders of nature because its beauty removes stress. Formula R is for Relaxation.

Fourth mix – Formula K. Life is not just about work all the time. Though work gives a lot of stress most of the time, there are side trips of work that remove that stress. That’s what I have done in this CDO trip. I learned a lot about our client but at the same time, I had the chance to glance at the real beauty of CDO, Camiguin and Bukidnon. Take a peek on the kALeIdoScOpE of life, see the beautiful colors in different angles and you’ll see life in another dimension. You will see that life is happier! Formula K is for life’s kALeIdoScOpE.

It feels so good that this time, I had all the formula of WoRk blend into a satisfying taste of beautiful and happy life. Burp!