Road Trip: Surigao Pacific Rim

Another weekend road trip in the long and winding road of the Surigao Pacific Rim.

Surigao del Norte province being located in the Northeastern tip of Mindanao and geographically close to the pacific, with the Philippine Deep being tagged to its name, is connected to the rest of the provinces in the South composed of the Province of Surigao del Sur, Bislig City and part of Davao Oriental through the coastal road which is endowed with a scenic ocean views facing the pacific.

In August 11, 1997, under the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos, a Memorandum of Agreement was entered between and among the Office of the President in Mindanao, the Province of Davao Oriental in Southern Mindanao, the City of Surigao and the Provinces of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur in Caraga Region, the NEDA Offices, the Mindanao Business Council and the Local CCIs to establish the Mindanao-Pacific Rim Growth Corridor Project, now popularly known as Surigao-Davao Oriental Pacific Rim or SUDOPARIM.

The objective of the project is to promote and expand an effective and mutually beneficial cooperation in the development of the said areas within the bound of their capabilities. Number one priority is the concreting of the coastal roads located in the municipalities of Placer, Bacuag, Gigaquit, and Claver in the Province of Surigao del Norte and the municipalities of Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, and Lanuza in the Province of Surigao del Sur.

In the past decades, travelers from these provinces experienced the "lukso-rious" trips, with the term implying the uncomfortable bouncing and shaking of transport vehicles plying in the rough and muddy roads along Nubenta, an end point connecting the two Surigao provinces. Silly, a car passsing through that area can be recognized through the color of the mud painting its rears, the rusty light brown color of the soil rich in Chromite.

In a recent development in the SUDOPARIM Project, the Gigaquit-Claver area road concreting is 97% complete. These two municipalities located along the coastline are the last municipalities before the Nubenta. And so after learning about these developments, we agreed to take a look and experience the "lukso-rious" no more.

Taking a left turn at the municipality of Placer junction brought us to the SUDOPARIM route.

Then took a straight path following the major road down south which brought us to the next municipality, Bacuag. We took a turn at its Poblacion and rest for a while in its brown sand shoreline.

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte

And then went on with the ride to the next municipality, Gigaquit.

An attention-catching river of cool emerald waters bordered with green vegetation made us stop along the bridge for a photo ops.


Then headed down to the next municipality, Claver.

Photo ops in the breezy point of Claver, with the Bucas Grande Islands from afar in the background

Along the ongoing road construction project is a good view deck of the Taganito Mining Company's mine site, a huge claim of chromite mines.

Our road trip concluded in Claver. After making the most in there, we immediately went back home. This time very confident that the trip will not cost us so many hours because it was already concreted, much more comfortable and accessible.

Spelunking Silop Cave

Equipped with a paraffin lamp commonly known as petromax, one of the barangay councilor accompanied us in our spelunking (FYI, for only Php150 for his service since they have not organized their Tour Guiding Team yet). The beginning of our hike from the barangay proper was adventure-filled. The weather was rainy so we have to traverse the muddy and sticky path going to the cave, trek the slippery woods and stepped on sharp limestone rocks barefooted.

Along the way huge limestone rocks greeted us; signifying that we have approached the cave site consists of 4 chambers with 12 different entrances. We skipped the first cave which was inhabited by flocks of fruit bats and proceeded to the second one just in its nearby. The way down was so steep. Nevertheless, the harder the thing to do, the hyper it gets.


The cave retained its raw features that for me made it amazing. I found my expectations for a cave there. Not overdeveloped, no grafittis. And everything seems to progress the work of nature. Witness to it the presence of the non-attacking type of cave snakes around and feeling at home in the cave. While there were dead calcites around, there were also some that are about to grow. And though there was no fantastic formations that developed, looking at what appears to be curtains of thin stalactites walling the chambers and some serving as chandeliers was an amazing sight.


From the chain of columns in the cave, we went next to the Bat Room. No, it wasn’t misspelled. It really is a bat room –a dome shaped hollow chamber with a cylindrical ceiling with fruit bats hanging on it and tons of its guano filling the ground. Adventure would not be complete if I didn’t do something crazy. So I stepped on the guano and I found out it was sticky. Tasting it would be the last craziest thing that I'm gonna do, though.

And of course, the photo ops isn't crazy... so there, strike!

Silop Cave is located and named after its host place, Barangay Silop, 9.7 kilometers from the City of Surigao (some 15 minutes ride). Their local mode of transportation is through a tricycle faring at P10.00. Habal-habal is also available at a negotiated rate.

Mabua Pebble Beach

Mabua Pebble Beach is the home to the infamous multi-sized pebbles, fresh squids, and delicious ground-rice cakes or bibingka.

Just about a 30 minutes drive westward from the downtown, this pebble beach is the local's favorite place to unwind and is frequented during weekends and holidays by avid picnic-goers.

You can see them seating on the rocks under the shades of the scenic coconut trees located at the mountain top which has the coolest vista...

..grouped on the other edge of the beach bordered by rock formations,

..or simply settled above the huge rocks along the shoreline.

While some groups prefer to be secluded from the crowd and have their moment cherished among them, others want the experience lively with the presence of many beach goers plunging and splashing in the water.

..Others wanted their piece of solitude, too.

But no matter how everyone performs their drama, Mabua Pebble Beach surely is a place for bonding and chilling.

And a perfect site for a dramatic sight of sunset too. Mabua Pebble Beach is the paradise of photographers who are captivated by sunsets.

The shore is laid with cottages made of indigenous materials. But if one prefers a more private space, well equipped accommodations and facilities are readily available with the presence of the Mt. Bagarabon Mountain Resort with its Hajahay Suites located closer and facing the shore.

I did mention about the rice cakes, but sticky rice cones are also available in the nearby.


P.S.: Photos are taken on the afternoon, perfect time to experience the beauty of sundown.

Capalayan Falls

This has been one of my escapes during summer time when i need some place to cool down. Although beach is a good option, i just cant stand the salty feeling of the seas under the sun. Thus, taking refuge in the free-flowing water of the mountains.

Capalayan Falls is located in Barangay Capalayan some 12.75 kilometers off the city of Surigao. A very far estimate if you'll look at the numerical figure of the distance. But once you're on the road traveling the coastal strip with so much vistas along the way, you will just hope you're not any closer for a stop in Capalayan.

Getting to the falls. There were no signs installed as of the moment that provides direction to the location of the falls. An inquiry from some of the locals who will amiably entertain and assist you with the landmark leading to the area will do. And that landmark, a field with a deep cut like the photo below, is not even recognizable by a glance. Again, you can carry one local for a guide.

Taking the trail after this 7 feet cut in the ground will lead you to a drained irrigation canal which you have to follow in proceeding to the falls.

Once you reached the drained mini dam, a cute display of little stages of waterflows channeling in the sediment bedrocks is a sign that you're closer to the spot.

A cross in dam and a little climb in the mountain following the trail will finally lead you to the 20+ feet Capalayan Falls.

...just like what everybody usually do.. a pictorial will follow.

...then the most soothing experience, feeling the rush of the water over you. A wonderful feeling beyond the usual bathe.

Reminder: Bring some light snacks but do not leave the trashes there. No one maintained the place.

Dipolog City

Another coast to coast travel. From the northeasternmost coast of Surigao City to the western coast of Dipolog City.

My last travel there, that was 2006 in Dakak Resort, Dapitan City, took me more than 12 hours so i needed to cut the trip and took an overnight rest in Cagayan de Oro.

This time we are onboard a private car but since we departed from Surigao at 3 in the afternoon of August 27, we also took an overnight stop in CDO for the next day's tiring journey. Fortunate we are, we managed to book a hotel beside being crowded for the CDO's fiesta activity or the Kagay-an Festival on the 28th. We settled at the Casa Crystalla which is just one block away from the central park where the Night Cafe every Friday was held.

Upon arriving, we took the opportunity to experience the vibrant celebration of Cagayan de Oro's fiesta. So we stroll around the park, from its tip facing Ateneo de Cagayan/Xavier University to the south end, and here is what we got...

..the mixed martial arts exhibition competition where the barakos flocked. The fight was very entertaining at the same time amusing because of the somehow kengkoy scenarios made by the contenders. Most out of breath and sometime used foolish stunt to outplay their opponent.


..the fence of Xavier University full of promotional materials of the different personality's performances in celebration of CDO's fiesta.

On the dawn of the 28th, we departed Cagayan de Oro for Dipolog taking this billboard-packed highway..

Sorry for the messy photos. I took it inside the car.

A welcome arch greeting visitors a warm welcome to Iligan City.

In contrast with the thoughts and reservations i had regarding the recent happenings in the northern part of Lanao, Iligan City remains peaceful and unshaken in spite the presence of the military checkpoints and outposts and maybe even with the presence of helicopters around. I did not feel any fear but rather thrilled.

And my most anticipated sight... the burnt school and houses along Kauswagan and Kolambugan in Lanao del Norte.


Im so ashamed to admit that i reacted OA about this trip as caused by the military encounters with the MILF and posted here in my blog asking for everyone's prayer. On the contrary, those places remained the same except for the extensive presence of checkpoints which are unmanned. So I concluded it was an isolated case widened by the media. It was even foolish of me to ask for some bullets to show up as we go along our way so that i could fell the hype of hiding. Hehe.

Anyway, i would like to thank the people who prayed for our safe travel. We successfully hurdled it.

And as the battlecry of the conference we attended, "Business as usual in Mindanao!"

To continue with our journey, one of most enjoyable experiences of the trip was the crossing aboard the barge from Mukas Port in Lanao del Norte to Ozamis Sea Port. The site was awesome!

..the queue of vehicles going to Ozamis Port as a shortcut to the rest of Misamis Occidental areas. This sea cruise is not going to another island but rather a shortcut for a shorter trip taking 20 minutes only.

..the Mukas Port

..the ferry cruise with the sole rising mountain in Ozamis on the background. I was geologically wond'ring why only one mountain cares to rise in that area.

..the abodes near the Ozamis Sea Port.


After traversing Ozamis, Oroquieta City also a city under the Misamis Occidental Province is the urban city.

And after hurdling the serpentine road to Zamboanga del Norte, here we finally arrived in Dipolog. Dapitan City is just a 15-minute and a crossroad away from Dipolog.

This monument called as Estaka on the rotonda serves as Dipolog's landmark. As quoted from their website, "The Estaka – Turno Y Junction Fountain is a cast fiberglass monument that depicts the diverse cultures of the people of Mindanao brought together by a unified goal: to attain peace, development and prosperity for Dipolog City. This landmark is a glorious example of the fusion of modernism and conservatism. It mirrors the quality of life in the city in which there is acceptance of modernization while still keeping intact the traditional values and cultural heritage of its land and people. The cascading waters from the bowl symbolize the city’s abundant blessings while the fruits and flowers etched on the bowl symbolize the bountiful harvest that Dipolog is blessed with."

We were billeted at the Top Plaza Hotel and from the 4th floor can be seen the view of the boulevard..

..and the Dipolog Center Mall.

On our first night, guests and participants were entertained with a fashion showcasing the crafts of local designers and the lovely models daring to show off some skin.

..the Dipolog Shopping Center.

In every places i went to, i noticed each of them have different taste of tricycle design. And this is Dipolog's distinct design of tricycle..

After the following day's affair, we managed to escape from the official tight sked and chilled out in the boulevard devouring on their type of balut.


..and some photo ops

Then went on to the sponsored dinner where Sen. Bong Revilla was the guest of honor. Heck! He was on the center stage giving his unsubstantial speech. Discussing on his accomplishments and reiterating the potential of Mindanao which of course we already know. My blood pressure was heightened by his presence.

Fortunately the organizers produced an entertaining show of the best of Mindanao arts and costume. It was a sentimental show for me reminding how i should be proud being a Mindanaoan! Hehe.

And im sorry to say that i wasnt able to invade the tourist spots of Dipolog City. The schedule was so tight that it does not permit me to go anywhere far. And according to some locals that i have talked with, there's nothing much in Dipolog for a tourist attraction. Most of them are in Dapitan City which i have already gone to.