For years, I had dreamed of visiting Kumaykay River Farm Resort. I’d heard stories about its quiet charm, the river that sings you to sleep, and the cool mountain air that makes you forget the noise of the city. It felt like the perfect place to unwind, but somehow, life always got in the way.
This year, the dream finally came true—we went to Kumaykay for Fête sa Bukid, and it became everything I had imagined and more. The festival made the experience even more magical, with music, mountains, and loved ones all coming together in one unforgettable memory.
We decided to come a day early to soak in everything Kumaykay had to offer. As we drove up the winding roads to Manolo Fortich, the air started to change—it grew cooler, fresher. It felt like we were leaving all the heaviness of the past behind. When we arrived, I couldn’t help but pause and take it all in. The resort was even more beautiful than I imagined—lush greenery everywhere, the sound of water flowing nearby, and an overwhelming sense of peace.
I was surrounded by my loved ones, and to make it even more special, friends from Davao came to join us for the event. I also had the chance to reconnect with old friends I hadn’t seen in years. It felt like the kind of gathering my heart had been quietly longing for all this time.
That first evening felt like something out of a dream. We had dinner reservations at the resort’s restaurant and were welcomed with the most beautiful long table setup—candles softly flickering, the aroma of freshly prepared dishes filling the air, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that instantly felt like home. What we didn’t realize was that the restaurant actually closed at 8 PM, and some of our friends hadn’t arrived yet. But Chef JJ and the team didn’t turn us away. Instead, they graciously waited for us until 9 PM and even offered to let us bring the food back to our campsite so we could all enjoy the meal together under the stars.
Salamat kaayo, Chef J, for welcoming us so warmly and making us feel at home. Kindness like that isn’t something you forget—it’s rare, and it’s something we’ll carry with us always.
The food was simply unforgettable—every dish thoughtfully prepared and bursting with flavor. We lingered over our meal, eating slowly, sharing stories, and laughing together. Even the kids felt how special the night was.
And oh, the kids! They loved every bit of Kumaykay. They ran barefoot on the grass, rolled down the small hills, and played by the river like they’d been set free. The weather was cool, with rain coming and going, but it only added to the charm. With the right jackets and gear, it felt perfect for camping.
This trip was also extra meaningful because it marked a milestone for Zaza—it was his first time selling at an event. I watched him carefully arrange his wraps and interact with people, his eyes lighting up as he made his first sales. He even sold out one of his flavors on the first night! I’m so proud of him and thankful for the Titos and new friends who stepped in to help us set up his tarp—even if the heavy rain kept us from using it. Once again, Chef JJ came through, allowing us to stay in our spot so Zaza could continue selling. Moments like these reminded me how kind and generous people can be.
Our campsite was elevated and close enough to the river that we could hear its soothing flow as we rested. At night, wrapped in the cold mountain air, it felt like the world had slowed down. The sun in the morning was warm and comforting against the chilly breeze. The kids spent hours rolling and laughing on the grass, their joy so pure it felt contagious that we even wanted to go and roll down too. Haha!
We shared meals, music, and laughter. At one point, Mamai Cinco, one of CDO’s most talented guitarists, dropped by our campsite and played for us before heading to the stage for his performance. Cooking while listening to live guitar music felt like something out of a dream—eargasmic, even.
Then there was Fête sa Bukid itself. The festival brought a vibrant energy to the serene mountains. Merchants offered delicious food and drinks, handmade creations, and even tattoos, while music flowed from afternoon until late evening for two straight nights. Each performance felt like it carried its own soul, weaving into the night air.
On the second night, the rain poured harder, but we still made our way to the stage to support friends who were performing. We sat there, a bit soaked but happy, letting the music and the moment wash over us. When the rain became too strong, everyone moved the party to the restaurant. Back at our campsite, we could still hear the music echoing through the mountains—it felt like the hills themselves were singing along.
Kumaykay River Farm Resort is just 45 minutes to an hour from Cagayan de Oro, but being there felt like stepping into another world—a place where time slows down and you remember what it feels like to just be.
This wasn’t just a trip. It was healing. It was connection. It was a dream made even richer by music, friendship, and the beauty of nature.
And yes, I know in my heart: there will be a next time.
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