Join Me for a Taste of Punjabi Culture

Written by Angel de la Flor

A trip to India was one of the craziest experiences I have had in any country. I was one of the delegates from several countries to participate in the International Youth Peace Festival (IYPF). One of the organizers approached me to become a part of the cultural fashion show. I went with other five representatives from China, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan and experienced the unique way of the Punjabi culture.

I was dressed in a traditional Indian wedding attire as a woman participant in my own mock wedding ceremony. I was so fascinated with the traditional Punjabi wedding dress, Lehenga, and all parts of being dressed up.  How can I forget the students who did the magic of making me look like a real Indian bride. To complete the preparation, one of them painted Mehndi on my palm, a ceremonial art decorated to a bride’s hands, arms and feet. These young women really did an awesome job.

The Thrill of White Water Rafting

Written by: Angel de la Flor

I experienced the adventure that Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) is best known for - Whitewater Rafting and River Trekking. One of the most memorable moments of my life. For me, it was totally more than just a trip.

What's the adventure? It's a family style whitewater rafting in the mighty and beautiful Cagayan de Oro River, the longest river in the country. For the advance level, the adventure will cover 18.6 kilometres of its glorious 90 kilometres with 24 major rapids that will last for 3 hours.

I could see the boulders of rock with the strong and fierce water current.  It could literally eat me alive.  Growing up in Iloilo, I have seen many rivers and I have always believed that they're the creepiest body of water that God have ever created.  With all the mud underneath and the brown water, I never thought of having any kind of adventure like this.