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Cowboy-livin' in Bukidnon: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary
"Biyahe ni Drew" airs every Friday, 8:00 PM, on GMA News TV. For more information, follow the show on Facebook and Twitter. For updates on your favorite documentaries, follow also the official Facebook page of GMA Public Affairs.
Do you want to try something different, Biyaheros?
In Impasugong, Bukidnon, being a cowboy is the way to go. These men are not only tasked to look after the animals in the local ranch, but they also bring pride to the town by joining rodeo competitions which they always win.
At least 640 hectares of land in Bukidnon is used as a communal ranch, the biggest of which can be found in Impasugong. The earliest cowboys in the area were said to be trained by Americans. Since then, being a cowboy has been passed from one generation to another. It's no surprise then, that Impasugong is considered as the "the home of the finest cowboys" in the country.
So put on your long sleeve shirts, cowboy hats, and knee-high boots! In this "Biyahe ni Drew" itinerary, Drew Arellano shows you how to travel and live the cowboy life in Bukidnon.
How to get there
If you are coming from the South, you can get to Bukidnon by flying to either General Santos or Davao. If you are from Manila, book a flight to Cagayan de Oro. Once you are in Laguindingan Airport, go to the terminal and hail a van. The ride from the airport to Bukidnon lasts for about two and a half hours. There are many motorcycles in Bukidnon that can take you to Impasugong.
What to do
Be like a cowboy
A rodeo is an event meant to showcase the skills of cowboys. An example of a rodeo game is the "carambola," where two teams with four cowboys each run after a cow. The first team to catch one must raise their hands to signal their success.
Another cowboy activity is team roping, where cowboys are required to catch a cow by putting a rope around its neck and leg. This activity is usually done when cowboys need to check the health of the animals. Carambola and team roping are dangerous activities so do not try them especially if there is no expert to guide you.
Drew admitted that he was nervous before trying both rodeo activities. "Mukhang mahirap man, team effort ang larong carambola kaya tulong-tulong ang mga cowboy sa pagpapatumba ng baka. Talagang fulfilling kahit medyo makapigil-hininga."
Rodeo activities are only open to tourists during September because this is when Impasugong holds its annual feast.
Go falls hopping
Center for Ecological Development and Recreation (CEDAR)
Entrance fee: P10
In Bukidnon, you can visit not just one but three waterfalls all in a single place! The Center for Ecological Development and Recreation (CEDAR) is a park managed by the local government to preserve the forests of Bukidnon and promote tourism. Visitors have to hike for around an hour and cross hanging bamboo bridges to get to the falls.
The Natigbasan Falls is 50 to 60 meters high. The trail leading to Natigbasan is challenging so some Biyaheros just choose to view this beautiful falls from afar.
On the other hand, Biyaheros can get a closer look at the Gantungan Falls since there is a bridge right on top of its stream. However, Gantungan Falls is surrounded by moss-covered rocks that can be slippery at times so you have to be extra careful while you're here.
The third falls, called Dila, has a base covered with big rocks. It is easier to reach this falls because there is a trail that leads directly to it.
If you'd rather jump into a swimming pool than hike, there is also a public pool in CEDAR. Just make sure you don't bring liquor as it is prohibited in the area.
Visit the Monastery of Transfiguration
Malaybalay, Bukidnon
The Monastery of Transfiguration is a triangular church built by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin. This place is home to Benedictine monks so visitors are not allowed to make any noise while they are in the vicinity. Outsiders are also required to wear proper attire. Shorts, sleeveless shirts, and skirts are not allowed.
The Monastery of Transfiguration has its own cafeteria that serves premium coffee planted, harvested, and roasted by the monks themselves.
Tourists go to the monastery to attend retreats or to just even try the coffee. Others, meanwhile, go here to visit the monastery museum where old vestments crafted and used by Benedictine monks are displayed.
"Marami na rin tayong nabisitang churches. This particular one really looks beautiful," Drew says. "You don't need to be religious to appreciate [it]."
Where to eat and what to eat
Binaki
Price starts at P10
Aside from ranches and cowboys, cornfields are also abundant in Bukidnon. To avoid wasting their extra harvests, the locals have come up with ways of preserving corn. One of these is by making binaki, a local delicacy made from steamed corn. To make one, simply grate newly harvested corn kernels, mix it with sugar, then put everything in a steamer.
Drew said that the sweet snack is a welcome change from the usual rice cakes that he has tried before. "Lasang mais pero yung texture niya parang tinapay na kani. Masarap po siya. Galing. Panalo siya."
Lagpang
If you want to be like a cowboy, you should eat like a cowboy. Enter lagpang, a local dish that is usually eaten by the cowboys in Impasugong. Lagpang's main ingredients are barbecued native chicken, ginger and onions. Just put everything in a pot, add water, bring to a boil and you’re good. According to locals, this dish is best eaten when the weather in Bukidnon is cold.
Rodeo Drive Grill
Price starts at P150
One of the local favorite food stops in Bukidnon is Rodeo Grill, a resto located along the highway to Impasugong. Since the weather in Bukidnon is relatively cold, the lomi and the lugaw are the bestsellers in this resto. They also have sinugba and tinola. Drew recommends that you eat outside the resto so that you can enjoy the laid back Bukidnon ambiance.
Where to stay
Municipal Tree Park
Rates start at P1,000 per night
The local government-managed Municipal Tree Park is the only resort in Impasugong. Each room in this resort can fit up to four persons. The place is clean and the water pressure is good. However, the rooms have no fans and air conditioners mainly because the weather is already cold enough especially during the evenings.
Truly, “Biyahe ni Drew’s” trip to Bukidnon differs from all the other trips we’ve done before. As Drew says, “Talaga namang nakamamangha ang ganda ng bayan at ng mayamang kultura at tradisyon nito.” So get out of your comfort zone, try something different, and make the most out of the Bukidnon cowboy adventure!
Do you want to try something different, Biyaheros?
In Impasugong, Bukidnon, being a cowboy is the way to go. These men are not only tasked to look after the animals in the local ranch, but they also bring pride to the town by joining rodeo competitions which they always win.
At least 640 hectares of land in Bukidnon is used as a communal ranch, the biggest of which can be found in Impasugong. The earliest cowboys in the area were said to be trained by Americans. Since then, being a cowboy has been passed from one generation to another. It's no surprise then, that Impasugong is considered as the "the home of the finest cowboys" in the country.
So put on your long sleeve shirts, cowboy hats, and knee-high boots! In this "Biyahe ni Drew" itinerary, Drew Arellano shows you how to travel and live the cowboy life in Bukidnon.
How to get there
If you are coming from the South, you can get to Bukidnon by flying to either General Santos or Davao. If you are from Manila, book a flight to Cagayan de Oro. Once you are in Laguindingan Airport, go to the terminal and hail a van. The ride from the airport to Bukidnon lasts for about two and a half hours. There are many motorcycles in Bukidnon that can take you to Impasugong.
What to do
Be like a cowboy
A rodeo is an event meant to showcase the skills of cowboys. An example of a rodeo game is the "carambola," where two teams with four cowboys each run after a cow. The first team to catch one must raise their hands to signal their success.
Another cowboy activity is team roping, where cowboys are required to catch a cow by putting a rope around its neck and leg. This activity is usually done when cowboys need to check the health of the animals. Carambola and team roping are dangerous activities so do not try them especially if there is no expert to guide you.
Drew admitted that he was nervous before trying both rodeo activities. "Mukhang mahirap man, team effort ang larong carambola kaya tulong-tulong ang mga cowboy sa pagpapatumba ng baka. Talagang fulfilling kahit medyo makapigil-hininga."
Rodeo activities are only open to tourists during September because this is when Impasugong holds its annual feast.
Go falls hopping
Center for Ecological Development and Recreation (CEDAR)
Entrance fee: P10
In Bukidnon, you can visit not just one but three waterfalls all in a single place! The Center for Ecological Development and Recreation (CEDAR) is a park managed by the local government to preserve the forests of Bukidnon and promote tourism. Visitors have to hike for around an hour and cross hanging bamboo bridges to get to the falls.
The Natigbasan Falls is 50 to 60 meters high. The trail leading to Natigbasan is challenging so some Biyaheros just choose to view this beautiful falls from afar.
On the other hand, Biyaheros can get a closer look at the Gantungan Falls since there is a bridge right on top of its stream. However, Gantungan Falls is surrounded by moss-covered rocks that can be slippery at times so you have to be extra careful while you're here.
The third falls, called Dila, has a base covered with big rocks. It is easier to reach this falls because there is a trail that leads directly to it.
If you'd rather jump into a swimming pool than hike, there is also a public pool in CEDAR. Just make sure you don't bring liquor as it is prohibited in the area.
Visit the Monastery of Transfiguration
Malaybalay, Bukidnon
The Monastery of Transfiguration is a triangular church built by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin. This place is home to Benedictine monks so visitors are not allowed to make any noise while they are in the vicinity. Outsiders are also required to wear proper attire. Shorts, sleeveless shirts, and skirts are not allowed.
The Monastery of Transfiguration has its own cafeteria that serves premium coffee planted, harvested, and roasted by the monks themselves.
Tourists go to the monastery to attend retreats or to just even try the coffee. Others, meanwhile, go here to visit the monastery museum where old vestments crafted and used by Benedictine monks are displayed.
"Marami na rin tayong nabisitang churches. This particular one really looks beautiful," Drew says. "You don't need to be religious to appreciate [it]."
Where to eat and what to eat
Binaki
Price starts at P10
Aside from ranches and cowboys, cornfields are also abundant in Bukidnon. To avoid wasting their extra harvests, the locals have come up with ways of preserving corn. One of these is by making binaki, a local delicacy made from steamed corn. To make one, simply grate newly harvested corn kernels, mix it with sugar, then put everything in a steamer.
Drew said that the sweet snack is a welcome change from the usual rice cakes that he has tried before. "Lasang mais pero yung texture niya parang tinapay na kani. Masarap po siya. Galing. Panalo siya."
Lagpang
If you want to be like a cowboy, you should eat like a cowboy. Enter lagpang, a local dish that is usually eaten by the cowboys in Impasugong. Lagpang's main ingredients are barbecued native chicken, ginger and onions. Just put everything in a pot, add water, bring to a boil and you’re good. According to locals, this dish is best eaten when the weather in Bukidnon is cold.
Rodeo Drive Grill
Price starts at P150
One of the local favorite food stops in Bukidnon is Rodeo Grill, a resto located along the highway to Impasugong. Since the weather in Bukidnon is relatively cold, the lomi and the lugaw are the bestsellers in this resto. They also have sinugba and tinola. Drew recommends that you eat outside the resto so that you can enjoy the laid back Bukidnon ambiance.
Where to stay
Municipal Tree Park
Rates start at P1,000 per night
The local government-managed Municipal Tree Park is the only resort in Impasugong. Each room in this resort can fit up to four persons. The place is clean and the water pressure is good. However, the rooms have no fans and air conditioners mainly because the weather is already cold enough especially during the evenings.
Truly, “Biyahe ni Drew’s” trip to Bukidnon differs from all the other trips we’ve done before. As Drew says, “Talaga namang nakamamangha ang ganda ng bayan at ng mayamang kultura at tradisyon nito.” So get out of your comfort zone, try something different, and make the most out of the Bukidnon cowboy adventure!
