Filed under adventures & misadventures: Kaamulan Festival 2024

Kaamulan Festival is from the Binukid word “amul” which means “to gather”. It is a gathering of Bukidnon tribespeople for a purpose. Every year people from all over the country visit Malaybalay City, Bukidnon just to join the fun and experience other things the province can offer. 

My first-ever Kaamulan was this year. Facebook posts had me giddy with anticipation. Food and spring pools are two things I'd like to check out again. I went there for a three-day, two-night staycation/trip with my boyfriend and his buddies.

Patrick's friends which turned out to be my friends as well, were very understanding as to why I slept almost every night during our stay. 

At the same time, I enjoyed the company of those I traveled with. I laughed a lot and was able to eat good food. And that was more than enough. I am beyond grateful for their genuine friendship.

We had planned to visit Nasuli Spring in Bangcud, Malaybalay, Bukidnon on our final day of travel. The establishment was already fully occupied when we arrived. They were unable to accommodate us, not even El Roi and Kierra springs. 

Visiting CEDAR, which is situated in Impalutao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, was our last choice. We weren't able to reserve a cottage for a comfortable stay, but it was still worthwhile because that day we were able to have a dip in the coolest pool. When I went there for the first time, it was just as refreshing as I remembered. I observed numerous significant changes. Some of the improvements were upsetting since they took away from the place's unique "bukid" vibe. It resembled Tinago Falls in Iligan City at the moment.

We made a brief stop for a late lunch/dinner at a restaurant that was facing the nature park on our way home. The meal was substantial and sharing a dinner with friends is pleasant.

Then that day we experienced our second mishap. Finding a bus on the way to Cagayan de Oro City proved challenging. We were dropped off at the Brgy. Impasug-ong’s bus terminal by the multicab driver. We made the decision to head to Kisolon terminal in order to return home after an hour of waiting. 

We had a smile on our faces and a light heart at the end of the trip, even with the detours and eleventh-hour changes. 

To sum it all up, I had fun. This trip tested my social battery like no other and I'm glad I survived. Ending this post with a grateful heart. I look forward for more trips with the group (The Chuyssss). 

Xoxo,

Elaine