It was already August in the Philippines but it was still hot as in very muggy. So, we decided to look for a place to swim -- to cool down. My mum and auntie recommended Islands Hotel because it is near and because it's a hotel then probably it's not under the sun.
Off we went to Pueblo de Panay. The swimming is separate from the hotel but you will have to book from the hotel reception. It's not a big swimming pool but it's nice. Kids enjoyed it. Also you can get a package where you pay 500 pesos something (I forgot the exact figure) and you get a pizza, iced tea and 3 kids and two adults. Swimming and food included. Isn't it a great value for money? There's a function hall as well for hire for birthdays and other events.
Also we decided to dine in the evening. They got a nice lounge. On the ground floor, they got a grand piano near the reception, mini stage and there were two guys performing using backing track. They were singing combination of pop and folk songs. It was a bit loud for us so they recommended for us to go upstairs in their quiet lounge and we love it. It's a lot better, we can chat and have some photos, selfies and groupies.
Please if you have enquiries, you can contact them directly at Islands Hotel facebook.
Next, we went to Espacio Verde. This one is a lot better and bigger with slide and lots of changing rooms and shower rooms. They got hotel as well or rooms to stay. Bigger place to eat. We enjoyed the swimming and forgot to ask if they got sort of package where you can book a group or family and have meals included. But anyways, we went there to swim and we really enjoyed it. Also it wast late in the afternoon, almost evening when we went. So, there's no more sun and we enjoyed the lights in the pool.
If you got questions about Espacio Verde, please contact them directly on their facebook account.
It was quite a journey from Iligan to Cagayan and eventually to Del Carmen in Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental. First, before we left Iligan, we stopped at a pharmacy to buy anti-sickness meds and dioralyte because our niece was not feeling too well. Even myself got a bit of a funny tummy, so I had to take loperamide. I think it was because of stress plus a bit of alcohol the night before when we jammed in a pub.
There was a bit of a scary moment that happened on our way to Cagayan. It was because we were in a hurry, we missed the checkpoint. We thought that it was all right to go past them but we were wrong and an army guy was waving at us to stop but it was too late so we sort past them few feet away and he had to really stop us. He asked for car registration, insurance, our IDs, driver's license, etc. And he said, that we should drive slowly when approaching checkpoints to avoid delays like this. The army guy although strict was calm headed and sensible. He let us go after few questions of where we're from and where we're heading.
The places I can remember going to Cagayan de Oro up to Del Carmen Resort were Lugait, Manticao, Initao, Laguindingan, El Salvador, Cagayan City (we passed Centrio Mall), Tagoloan, Steel Asia, Villanueva, Coca Cola Plant, Jasaan, Pilipinas Kao Inc., Kahulugan and Twin Hearts resort, Basamanggas resort, Liyang Beach resort, Binitinan, Baliwagan, Balingasag, Napaliran.... and we even past Del Carmen Resort because there's lots of road widening and other road works. We missed the signage because it was out of the way. Good thing there's always lots of good people around to ask. And they direct us to go back few blocks away and there's a tiny crossing or junction which you wont even notice and that's the way to Del Carmen Resort.
As evidenced on the video, we had a nice time at Del Carmen. Stayed there overnight. The staff were great. They are very helpful. The place was very clean. Toilets are clean. The pool was a free-flowing deep well. So it was something different and more natural than the chlorinated ones. Pricewise, it was affordable. Especially the rides i.e. banana ride, aqua bike and the aqua park. Jetski's not for rent anymore during that time. Flyboard and Kayak were not available too that time. The only downside that I can think of was the communication. For example we ordered food, they didnt mention that we need to pay a deposit if we are going to eat in our cottage for the cutleries, plates and bowls. So they just delivered the food with nothing. Also like the coffee, they said that it was 8 pesos but if you're going to just get hotwater it's 5 pesos. They didnt mention as well that you will have to pay for the cups. Good thing we have our own disposable cups. They ask for deposits on most of the stuff like the water gallon. But overall, they are great. Like when we booked the Aqua Park and we paid for 6 persons, I had a terrible leg cramps. It was because of tiredness, probably dehydration and we just finished the superfast and fun banana boat ride. The guy even offered if we want to be tipped over in the middle of the sea because that's part of the fun hehehe, but we only agreed to be tipped over near the seashore. Hahaha. It was really a good fun. The aqua bike was very calming but at the same time tiring on the legs.
Back to Iligan: We stopped over Jollibee again. Ate and relax a bit then travel back to Iligan. Back in Iligan, we went to the cemetery, paid respect to our Lolo, Lola and Auntie. I forgot to mention that my boy was not well after our escapade at Del Carmen. Probably he drank water from the pool or from the beach. He was sick and having loose bowels. Good thing the entire time during our trip, he was fine. But when we finally reach Iligan, he was knackered. We went to Robinson's place again. They did shopping and groceries. Me and my boy were in foodcourt. I tried to buy him soup or something but he just doesnt appetite. He fell asleep on my lap. There was a band that time in Robinson's but we didn't manage to watch. We were just stuck near the foodcourt because the chairs and tables are reserved for the customers and me and my boy didnt buy anything, so I was too shy to sit there. Good thing there are waiting areas around. We got the chance to sit and he had a nice nap there.
