Tag: Mindanao

Settled at 1000 meters above sea level, and is sandwiched between Roxas-Matulas and Daguma Mountain Ranges, the municipality of Lake Sebu is unsurprisingly temperate and abundantly vegetated. Springs and rivers from these rolling hills provide continuous water supply to the three important watersheds of the town, namely; Lake Sebu, Lake Lahit, and Lake Seloton. The home of the indigenous T’Boli, Ubo, Tiruray, and Manobo tribes is also known for its majestic water cascades, mighty rivers, and a mega-diverse ecosystem, prompting the government to develop and promote the town as an eco-tourism and cultural destination. The lotuses (or loti) are in full bloom in ... Read more

The Philippines is a host to some of the world’s gorgeous beaches. These beaches are scattered to various islands within the archipelago. Boracay, El Nido, Coron, Malapascua, Bantayan, Concepcion, and Siquijor are among the thousand others that host the Philippines priced and famed, white beach fronts. The pink strip of the Great Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga City The Pink Beach of the Great Santa Cruz Island Most of the beaches that rise to popularity are white. But, one fine strip in Mindanao had able to make to National Geographics’ list of 21 Best Beaches in The World—the Pink Beach of ... Read more

It was almost complete, and almost a mishap too. We weren’t completely unfortunate though. We finished our Cotabato-Iligan-CDO tour with all body parts intact and, luckily, with less injuries. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, also known as the Grand Mosque of Cotabato The Creepy Ride from Cotabato to Midsayap The palpitations started when our PU driver/tour guide in Cotabato Grand Mosque offered to bring us directly to Midsayap and insisted to take the road along the MILF territory. Though we followed all his warnings not to take photos and not to look at them in the eyes with utmost obedience, we couldn’t set ... Read more

Adorned with four tall spires or minarets in the major corners of the main chamber; domes crowned with crescents; walls, doors, and floors crafted with Islamic designs; and array of stunning arches, the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid or the Grand Mosque of Cotabato looks really magnificent for every spectator. The mosque, which stands in a well-landscaped and gated compound west of Cotabato City, is funded personally by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, whom the mosque was named after, to help the emerging Muslim population in Mindanao. The US$48 Million mosque is the largest of its kind in the country when it was ... Read more

We missed whitewater rafting when we visited Cagayan de Oro (CDO) and Camiguin in 2013. So, when the group returned to Mindanao two years after, we could not afford to skip the activity for the second time. First thing we did when we reached CDO was look for Kagay, the most popular white water rafting organization in CDO, and booked a slot for 5. Despite the sun burn and aching feet we got when we visited Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada, Cotabato, and Tinago and Maria Christina Falls in Iligan, everybody anticipated with enthusiasm. In preparation for the big event, we ... Read more

If that deep-blue river in Hinatuan defines “enchanted”, then Asik-asik Falls is probably the waterfall version of it, wherein the cascades drip from a seemingly unknown source. The lush vegetation that covers the entirety of the perpendicular ravine adds mystery as to where the water is coming. You will have an impression of multiple springs sprouting from the rock walls, unless you come really close to it. Fascinating cascades of Asik-Asik Falls Asik-asik Falls does not have the force that defines a majestic waterfalls, but it has a mystery that clearly emanates the meaning of enchanted, and, of course, a beauty that ... Read more

I hardly forgot those footprints I left at the edges of Camiguin’s White Island. It was probably erased by the tide now, but the memories are still fresh and apparent. It constantly reminds me to get out and plunge into a clear waters somewhere else. It is summer time again, and I should keep my ass off the office ergo seat. The White Island isn’t the only attraction you’ll find in Camiguin. There are majestic cascades, hot and cold springs, interesting underwater wonders, remarkable pieces of history, among others. The White Island, Camiguin Camiguin is one of those amazing places in the ... Read more

The Island Garden City of Samal or IGaCoS is city that floats off the Davao Gulf. It is composed of the islands of Samal and Talikud including the surrounding islets. Though classified as a city and despite being part of Davao Metropolitan Area, most of IGaCos’ territories are rural. This isn’t a downside though – perhaps a good thing – for the natural habitat is not threatened from rapid urbanization. Nature is safe in IGaCoS. Pear Farm Beach Resort and the surrounding islets in Samal However, we couldn’t tell if the situation will remain the same in the future, thus ... Read more

Three weeks before my Davao, Samal, GenSan and Lake Sebu trip, my father was rushed to the hospital due to heart complications. He spent 10 days in the ICU, costing us a fortune, hence I thought of cancelling the anticipated jaunt. However, I couldn’t simply scrap everything—I got all my plane tickets and hotels paid. In the end, I pursued the trip with very minimal cash at hand. My first day wasn’t really special. I just spent the day and night at Tune Hotel Davao, went out only to eat, checked out the following day, and then headed to Davao City’s Santa ... Read more