The Islander

Friday, August 8, 2008

Provincial Tour: Road Trip 2

Destination: Muncipalities of Placer and Bacuag of Surigao del Norte, and Municipality of Kitcharao in Agusan del Norte

With the same route taken during the first series of the road trip, we once again traversed southward the province of Surigao. But different destinations this time – some we explored out of references, some out of unexpected discoveries. All definitely unspoiled.

First stop: Anislagan Dam and Amoslog Beach in the Municipality of Placer

Hailed as Buyawanong Placer (Golden Placer) attributed to its rich deposits of gold, the municipality does not only earthen this precious metals but also showcases the potential getaways.

One is the Anislagan Dam in Barangay Anislagan, some 4 kilometers of rough road ride from Bad-as. This is also where the National Transportation Commission plant is located.

The dam is supplied with water that flows from the mountains channeled through the river. My companions told me the dam was once alive with frequent picnic goers that pilgrims the place to cool off. But now I didn’t know what happened but it seems deserted. The cottages installed around it were gone. Anyhow, there were still a group of kids having fun in the waters so its not yet too late to bring its life back.

From Anislagan, on our way to the next destination, the Municipality of Bacuag, 16 km from Placer, we passed by the coast of Placer. Mesmerized by the sight, we took a peek on it.

It is a gray fine-sanded beach that commenced from the rocky seashore and extends to Amoslog Beach, which is filled with a crowd of picnic goers every Sunday.

If the north stretch of the beach is visible from the highway, the remaining part of the beach is hidden in nipa plantations. This nipa palms provide the privacy needed by the beach goers while having their bonding in the installed cottages. The tranquil water is just right for swimming with a view of the nearby chain of islands. In my existence, it was my first time to learn that this place exists.

Second stop: Tranquility Beach of the Municipality of Bacuag

Being unable to go to the main destination we wanted because of unexpected interference, we rerouted to the other pride of the municipality.. the Tranquility Beach.

This tranquil beach has the distinct fine brown sand that is comparable to a brown sugar. It is a more than a kilometer spill of seashore facing the pacific seas festooned with limestone islets that makes the sights more stunning.

On its flipside is another bosom of seashore that holds a splendid sight. If I were to name the beach, I would call it Hidden Shore because it is hidden on the backside of Tranquility Beach where nobody would desire to go because of its remoteness. Well, except for people like me who are full of curiosity.

Third stop: Kitcharao Mountain View, the Municipality of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte

Kitcharao is the first municipality of Agusan del Norte that bordered the province from Surigao del Norte.

This breath-taking sight never misses captivating the eyes of the passersby especially the travelers. This spot always gives the travelers the feeling of being on top. With the rice fields, ponds, and the northern part of Mainit Lake visible from above.

A little downward stroll from the view deck of the mountain view, once can find the AIJM Resort which can be a great hangout place after the vista sighting. The resort offers also a good sight of the waterfalls that provides water for the swimming pools.

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Thursday, August 7, 2008

M. Travel and Lifestyle Magazine

The second issue of m. Life and Living in Mindanao magazine is now in circulation, available nationwide.

Gracing the cover is another Mindanaoan pride known for her art and innovation in metal craftmanship and jewelry design, the creative Davao-based designer Ms. Ann Tiu Pamintuan. She is a Surigaonon and is a sister of the former City Administrator of Surigao City. Here are some of her notable artworks:

grabbed from her official website: http://www.annpamintuan.com/

Mango bangle made of gold.

Rice necklace.
(Visit http://pinoycentric.com/2008/03/17/ann-pamintuans-midas-touch/ for more of her)

Meanwhile, one of the respondents on the M Speak column that tackles Life Passion is no less than me. It feels lucky when you have a friend in the publishing industry. :D So grab a copy now! Thanks to Ian for the 1/10th portion of spotlight but lifetime chance to be featured in a magazine.

See the second issue's sneak preview here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8gPnSjjsSc

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Repost:

This was the first issue with no less than 1973 Miss Universe Margie Moran-Floirendo on the cover. She is one of the greatest advocate development and a great lover of Mindanao.

Finally got my copy of M Magazine's premier issue launched last April summer via LBC courtesy of my Davaoeño friend Ian, one of the brilliant people behind this glossy and magnificent travel and lifestyle magazine.

m is full and compact with information about life and living in my beloved Mindanao.

I was supposed to have an early copy when we dropped by in SM Davao during out trip in Sultan Kudarat but National Bookstore was ran out of stock. Yeah, out of stock. Sold out.

So if you dont want to miss the second issue, go to your nearest bookstores now and secure a copy. Buy one and see how it will defy your perceptions about Mindanao.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Lipata Hilltop

If there is a place in Surigao that one can find solitude and recollection and experience the cool escape from humidity, it will be in the romantic hilltops of Lipata, about 4 km from the city through the San Juan-Lipata Coastal Road and 10.6 km through the national highway.

Lipata serves as the view deck overlooking the city. Travelers loved the panoramic view of the place while traveling.

Then one crazy day, I was possessed with foolishness. Out of curiosity, I climbed the highest peak of the place, alone.

The hilltop is bounded on the east by the underdeveloped Alta Vista Subdivision and the coastal barangays of Ipil & Mabua on the west.

Climbing the highest peak is a privilege for me. Because not all are foolish to climb it alone without any equipments to anchor while struggling to access its steep 80 degrees slope and without any water to quench the thirst. One false move and I know I’ll end up rolling down unconscious. But because of the determination, I went on even if I arrived on top breathless and almost fainting in thirst. Imagine difficulty and that was it.

But it was all paid off. Because I have all the pleasures of sighting the following panoramic views all for my eyes only:

The Basul Island

The city

The aqua-marine farm growing prawns and bangus

The plains

And on the other side of the hill...

The beaches

The panorama

Aside from the panoramic views, Lipata is also a home to:

The Barbers' Mansion

The Almont Resort (formerly Maharlika Training Center and Beach Resort, a government enterprise)

The Lipata Ferry Terminal, gateway to Mindanao serving as one of the RORO points connecting to Leyte, Visayas

Aside from sightseeing, you can also soak under the sun in some of its beaches. And from there, you can proceed to other neighboring beaches of Mabua, Ipil and Punta Bilar which is just a few minutes drive.

There are two ways to get there. One is through the Kinabutan-Lipata national road and the other one is through the San Juan-Lipata coastal road.

If you're coming from the south, traversing the Butuan-Surigao National Highway, you can take the Kinabutan-Lipata road by taking a left turn at the junction in front of the Gateway Hotel. This is the path taken by RORO passenger buses of Bachelor Express and Philtranco going to Pasay in Manila. From the junction, it will take you about 25 minutes to get there.

And if you’re coming from the north islands of Cebu and Leyte, you can take the scenic San Juan-Lipata coastal road from the city proper upon arriving at the city port. It will take you at about 10 minutes to get there.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Historical Markers of Surigao

Quick tour in Surigao City?

Follow the trail of these interesting places to see while in the city. Take the Luneta Park as a jump-off point.

San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral (grabbed from panoramio courtesy of Edmund Ortega)

The history of the San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral dates back in 1760 when it was first constructed. It was unfortunately ruined during the World War II but was reconstructed by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in June 15, 1988. Now the parish is under the administration of the Diocesan clergy. The Cathedral is also located in the complex of now St. Paul University Surigao, former San Nicolas College, which is the oldest academic institution in Surigao dating back to 1906.

Giant Shoe (grabbed from panoramio)

From the Cathedral, the giant shoe is a walking distance with less than 15 meters. Honestly, I dont know the history of this shoe. But I remember during my childhood years whenever I ask somebody about it they will just say that a giant left and the other pair can be found in the neighbor province of Leyte. Interesting but the giant shoe houses the generator set of the city and serves as a siren reminding people of the lunch time and at 10:00 pm to remind the youngsters of the curfew.

The new look. (courtesy of Travel Up)

Christmas Look (grabbed from the dailyroar.com)

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3

The Monument of Peace by the Rotary Club

This marker placed at the rotonda in front of the city hall is a symbol that Surigao is one of the peaceful cities and one of the most livable cities in the Philippines. If peace is not special for you, then you will not find this marker special. But for the peace loving people just like the Surigaonons, this marker means so much.

Marker of the First Hoisting of the Philippine Flag in Mindanao

Right across from the Peace Marker heading the City Hall is the marker of the first hoisting of the Philippine flag in Mindanao. You read it right, and you can read it from the text of the marker. It says, "on the morning of December 26, 1898, then Governor Alejandro “Jantoy” Gonzales, did the first raising of Philippine flag in Mindanao at the town of Surigao". Believe it or not, some Surigaonons doesn't know about this piece of history. So be flattered when you are a visitor and you know it first.

Surigao City Hall (grabbed from texaninthephilippines.com)

Not the coolest city hall in the country. Architecture-wise, nothing extraordinary. But unique in its own way. Not to mention it is also very photogenic, too.

Now to wrap up spots 3, 4, and 5 in one package...

Grabbed from peace.maripo.com

From the City Hall, one can take either a tricycle or a multi-cab at the designated passenger pick-up stations and drop off at Surigao High (short for Surigao Norte National High School).

Japanese Cremation Marker

Inaugurated during the 63rd Battle of Surigao Strait celebration on October 25, 2007 at the Surigao Norte National High School through the effort of the Officers of the Surigaonon Heritage and Cultural Center. The ceremony was attended by representative of Australia Mr. Ian’o Arcy Wales, and Ms. Marifurusawa a child of a Commander General of Japan during the WWII.

From this point to the next point 7, one should ride a tricycle going to Borromeo. As the next marker is probably not known to the tricycle drivers, please motion the driver to drop you off at the very corner of the San Nicolas-Borromeo Streets.

Columna

The text engraved in the monument was written in spanish and reads:

Honor Al Trabajo.
El Distrito de Surigao Agradecido
en memoria de su signo gobernador
D. Carlos Villalba Requilme
Año 1893

which means an "Honor of Work in grateful memory of the Governor of the District of Surigao, D. Carlos Villalba Requilme, Year 1893".

Congratulations!

You just made the unusual quick tour in Surigao City. Why dont you serve yourself a tummy-filled treat?? From this point, the city public market where you can have delectable seafoods cooked fresh is only 5 minutes walk.

But if you want more... Okay, the other markers are located outside the busy streets of the city. It takes 15-20 minutes ride but the experience is equally guaranteed. Clue: quick dip, pebbles, gray sands.

What you need to do is hire a tricycle for a special trip to Barangay Lipata and Barangay Mabua. They might charge you a hundred or 150 pesos.

7.1

10th BSP National Jamboree Marker

Erected at the entry point to Almont Beach Resort (formerly Maharlika Training Center and Resort), this marker stands facing the hills of Lipata that had become the camping ground of the boy scouts from all over the Philippines on July 10-16, 1995.

7.2

Battle of Surigao Strait Marker

Inaugurated on October 25, 2001 at the Port of Lipata grounds during the 57th celebration of the Battle of Surigao Strait commemorating the naval battle between the Japanese and American forces on October 24-25, 1944.

From Lipata, move on to the neighboring barangay of Mabua where the infamous pebble beach is located. I heard the less traveled shortcut from Lipata to Mabua which i named here as PuntaLoMa (short for barangays Punta Bilar, Sitio Looc, and Mabua) is now accessible. The view there with the lighthouse is also fantastic. Not to mention that you are standing at the Northeasternmost tip of Mindanao!

I hope you enjoyed your quick trip!

Friday, August 1, 2008

Sultan Kudarat

This was another trip courtesy of my job.

The Province of Sultan Kudarat is located in South West of Mindanao, bounded by the province of Cotabato and Maguindanao on the north, South Cotabato and Sarangani Pronvinces on the south, Davao del Sur on the east, and Celebes Sea on the west. It is composed of one component city, Tacurong, and 11 municipalities with Isulan as capital. The province was named after the great Muslim ruler Sultan Muhammed Dipatuan Kudarat, who reigned from 1619-1671 A.D.

Isulan rotonda

Based on the mileage recorded in the car we used, the travel took us approximately 591 kilometers in 10 hours from Surigao City via Agusan-Davao route. I have passed by the place before when we took the Cotabato-Bukidnon route back home after the attended seminar in GenSan sometime in 2006.

In contrast to the negative image created by media to the area as war zone and conflicted, I feel at home with the place. Maybe because even if it is situated in a Muslim area, the province is a predominantly Christian community speaking an Ilonggo dialect. For that, I spoke Tagalog most of the time to the hospitable people around.

We arrived in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat at 4 in the afternoon from the 6 a.m. departure in Surigao. We took rest for a while at our reserved hotel, Isla Adelina Resort, which has this serene man-made islets along the pond.

Isla Adelina Resort

These islets are installed with a cottage equipped with videoke machine which is very much a treat for relaxation or picnic.

Isla Adelina Resort

At 6:00 in the evening we then proceeded to the fellowship dinner hosted by Cong. Pax Mangudadatu. The venue was no less than the multi-million funded provincial capitol dubbed as the Taj Mahal of the South.This 4-storey capitol building equipped with an elevator is arched by oil palm plantations on the backdrop.

Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol

The party held on the rooftop was extravagant --lots of foods, bonggacious (cant find the word) fireworks lightened up the sky, expensive wines we toast... we have it all that night. I was told, this capitol which gains tourist's attraction was funded through a Muslim brotherhood with the Datus of Malaysia.

The fellowship dinner also showcased the local talents and designers in a cultural presentation and fashion show. I forgot the name of the male singer who sung native compositions. He really did it great.

After the dinner, we headed to the Notre Dame of Tacurong Gym for the Ms. Mindanao Tourism 2008 pageant where we sponsored a candidate to represent Surigao City. All the candidates are titleholders so it was a really close fight. But Davao City’s Clarice Escala who also holds the title as Mutya ng Davao 2007 bagged some minor and major awards and emerged as the first holder of the crown.

The beautiful Clarice Ann Escala

Equally beautiful to these ladies are the marvelous tourist spots the province is trying to promote to the world. Unfortunately I haven't gone to any of these places because of time constraints, especially that i was with my boss. But I visited the no less than celebrated and newest pride of the province.. its provincial capitol. The other boasted tourist spots includes: