Thrills and spills in Cagayan de Oro

MANILA, Philippines — AirAsia recently launched flights to Laguindingan International Airport in Cagayan de Oro from Manila (two flights daily), Cebu (daily), Clark (four flights weekly) and Iloilo (three flights weekly).

“AirAsia was established with the dream of making flying possible for everyone... AirAsia’s commitment in the Philippines is anchored on the same dream – to make air travel more affordable, more accessible and provide only the best quality service that the Filipino deserves,” says CEO Captain Dexter Comendador, who personally piloted the inaugural flight.

He adds, “With our newest routes, it is only fitting to use our newest and brand new Airbus A320.” The new aircraft is environment friendly, saving about 4 percent in fuel consumption, which corresponds to an annual carbon reduction of some 1,000 tons per aircraft. The plane also features “sharklets” that help reduce fuel burns and emissions by improving the plane’s aerodynamics.

The Cagayan de Oro River has thrilling rapidsan exciting water rafting ride.

Comendador points out that it is the first time for AirAsia to start a route to a destination flying in from all their hubs at the same time. “We usually start from one destination only. But we believe in the potential of Cagayan de Oro (CDO),” he says.

The pilot recalls, CDO holds a special significance for AirAsia. “When we started in 2011... our first flight was not a commercial flight. It was a flight to Cagayan de Oro.” The airline was given clearance to fly into CDO to bring in relief goods to victims of Typhoon Sendong.

Department of Tourism (DOT) regional director Marie Elaine Unchuan says that AirAsia’s flights to CDO are “a really good sign. The mere fact that a very big airline company has reinvested again in Cagayan de Oro is a good sign.”

The author gets harnessed before she takes flight.

She adds, together with TIEZA and the RDC, they are working on improving and expanding the airport to make Laguindian truly an international airport. Among the projects are the expansion of the terminal building and the runway to accommodate international flights; improvements on customs, immigration and security; and developing halal offerings to be able to attract the Muslim market.

Simultaneously, the DOT is developing facilities in the tourist areas, Unchuan says.

The new AirAsia flights promise to bring in more and more visitors to witness the thrills and wonders of Northern Mindanao.

Of course, one cannot go to Cagayan de Oro without taking on its raging river and braving the CDO river rapids.

Guides from the company Kagay – which means “river” and is where CDO gets its name – lead the adventure through 12 big and small rapids that will leave you screaming for your life – but also screaming for more!

Seven Seas Waterpark.

The added unpredictability of being in open water, subject to the power of nature, adds to the excitement. Even if you’ve already been whitewater rafting before, it’s still worth trying again since the water’s course and the rapids’ intensity will be different every time, depending on the weather. As the old saying goes, you never step in the same river twice – you never ride the same rapids twice either!

For those looking for even more water fun, Seven Seas Waterpark and Resort is the place to go. Only a year old, the park looks like a world-class waterpark complete with pirate details everywhere you turn.

Try the rollercoaster-like water slides or, if you’re brave enough, the free fall that plunges down into the pool below in a matter of seconds. For the younger kids, there is a shipwreck-shaped kiddie area. Those who want to take a rest from the action can laze around in cabanas or in the wave pool that mimics a gentle ocean.

Another new tourist attraction in CDO is Amaya View, a whole complex that offers a sweeping view of Cagayan de Oro that can be enjoyed from an open food court, a cafe, a bar and restaurant, and an infinity pool.

AirAsia now flies to CDO fro Manila, Cebu, Clark and Iloilo.

But, the most unique view of CDO is definitely from up in the sky while paragliding from Amaya View’s Hugo Sky Lounge.

It is definitely nerve-wracking while waiting your turn to take the plunge, but after that initial leap of faith – and with the reassurance of the able pilot’s guidance – you will find yourself thoroughly enjoying the view – and the ride.

To behold Cagayan de Oro while paragliding encompasses its beauty – majestic in its vastness, enthralling natural wonders and, most of all, exciting with every gust of wind.