Just got back last monday night from a 3-day trip to Cagayan de Oro, Malaybalay and Iligan. It was such a very short yet memorable vacation. I, together with Fram, Janet and Tita Miles(all from RIUD), attended Liza's wedding in Malaybalay. Mama joined us in the flight to and from Cagayan de Oro. She visited Auntie Flora (her sister) and her family who had stayed there since she was 16.
After arriving at the CDO airport, we rode a taxi to the Agora Terminal. Then a two-and-a- half hour bus (Rural Transit) ride to Malaybalay. The weather in Malaybalay is quite cold and quiet compared to Manila, we stayed at the Villa Alemania Inn just across the Gaisano Mall along the stretch of Fortrich St.
We woke up early the next day, Saturday, since Janet has to go to Pine Hills Hotel for her makeup as she is one of the secondary sponsors. We had a quick breakfast in Jollibee then we hired a multi-cab to take us to the Monastery of the Transfiguration Church. Apparently, Manong Driver, haven't been to that place. Or should I say didn't know the tourist spots as we keep on asking him where to go best in Malaybalay, he can't give any suggestions.
After following a relatively narrow and winding road, we came upon a place that appears to calm you just by being. "Peace to all who enter." This sign greets you at the entrance to the Monastery of the Transfiguration run by Benedictine monks and designed by the National Artist Leandro Locsin. We were amazed with the breath taking view at the top of the hills and can't stop myself singing "the hills are alive..."
The Monastery of the Transfiguration Church - photo taken by Fram
Liza's wedding is as serene as the place itself. The priest shared in his homily some of the highlights of the book of Robert Fulghum, "All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten" as somehow very essential to marriage.
Posing with the newly-weds (looking at the other photographer, hahaha!)
After the ceremony, we came to our favorite part - the picture taking. While the bride and groom are busy posing with the guests, we are busy too, taking pictures of the different angles of the pyramid-shaped chapel. We can't resist making the trademark jumps, hahaha, Tita Miles jumped too. .
After the ceremony, we came to our favorite part - the picture taking. While the bride and groom are busy posing with the guests, we are busy too, taking pictures of the different angles of the pyramid-shaped chapel. We can't resist making the trademark jumps, hahaha, Tita Miles jumped too. .
My high jump!!! hahaha!
After the picture taking, we went to the souvenir shop a few meters away from the chapel. We bought the famous Monk's Blend coffee and some sweets - piniato, pastillas, polvoron and left overs of hostia ( I didn't know that the left-overs can be eaten just like chips, I even asked the store assistant, "Is it ok to eat this?" hahaha).
We were late at the reception at Loiza's Pavillion, the program already started when we arrived but luckily, we are the first in the buffet table. Just a few seconds after we sat down, we are just beginning to 'retouch' when the emcee called our table number for the picture taking with the newly weds then instructed us to proceed to the buffet table. Around 1pm, we went back to our hotel to pack our things and get ready for the Iligan adventure...(thanks so much Ate Fram for bringing a beautiful camera and taking those pictures too!)
Travel buddies - Me, Tita Miles and Fram (Janet is taking the picture)
