simply jp

The sun is getting hotter everyone wants to cool off. The summer is getting trendier everyone loves to hang out in the beach. And I'm in for Summer 2009.

The following photos best summarizes the series of my island trips around Surigao:

Sun


Sand


Sea

and..

Surf


Hopping around the islands of my naturally breath-taking hometown, Surigao de Norte, I was able to revisit the places that I've been since years and checked out what was changed since my last visit. I also found new potential tourist escapades that gained less attention but equally beautiful and amazing with the Cloud 9.

Find out where can you find the above cool summer destinations and experience the hangover of summer.


Upnext: other ways to enjoy Bucas Grande Island in Socorro, Surigao del Norte.

Part of the yearly closing of the Maradjao Magbalantay College Seminary's academic formation, the Seminarians were treated to a summer party at Mt. Carmel Spring Resort in Barangay Poctoy, 7.18 kilometers from Surigao City.

My mother who used to cook in the seminary during special occasions is a friend to some in the institution. And with that, we were invited to come in the celebration. Just in time with the scorching heat of summer, i went together with my brother.

The seminary prepared a huge variety of foods that even the whole population of the seminary did not able to consume them all. And while the seminarians were busy playing and making the most of their company together for the last time this season, i was also busy taking some photographs of the resort for feature here in my blog.

Here are some captures:

The terrace overlooking the pool and the rest of the native huts around.


Although located a little bit far from the city, the resort gained recognition and curiosity from the public due to its location and natural environment. For an admission of P45.00 per person, one can enjoy the refreshing ambiance of the resort.

The resort is placed at the hill of a mountain where luscious vegetation and water combined.


Aside from the swimming pools, for adults and for kids, other amenities include videoke machines ---a favorite requirement in hanging out with friends.

Cooling and fresh-looking native huts are installed everywhere.

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.


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.


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.

What's the best way to welcome the summer than celebrating it in the beach especially in an island.

Luckily, my beloved Surigao has a lot to offer for summer time. Thus, the tag as City of Island Adventures really fits. We only have to choose where and how much, and the rest would be up to how we're going to make the most of the experience.

And so after scouting for a place that is something new and somewhere i have not gone to, my officemates arrived at a decided place that is easily accessible from the city... Barangay Nabago, some 25 minutes away.

Barangay Nabago is known for its vast mangrove forest, the Pearl Farm, Mariculture Farm, and abundance in delectable seafoods. Hearing about the Pearl Farm excites me at first, only to learn thereafter that what can actually be seen are the floating buoyance marking the wide area where clam shells are cultured. Well, i was expecting to at least see an actual pearl extracted from the mollusk or just a harvesting scene. But there was none.

Nevertheless, my frustration was clouded by the sights of islets with shores shimmering in white sands from afar. Aboard a boat we headed to our first island stop not far from the pearl farm. The islet is nameless but owned by a political clan in the province according to our host Nanay who spoke like a pro tour guide. Not to mention, she is talkative but very cozy and hospitable.

After docking at the western tip of the island, we hiked the shore leading to the hut where we had our picnic lunch. Prior to our lunch, we had an opening refreshment of the fresh buko reaped from the few coconut trees standing in the island. Then we shared the foods -sweet potatoes, boiled bananas, kinilaw, and grilled meat. Our host also brought us a newly catched fresh grouper and a saang, which we immediately put on the grill, and a plate of lato. Man, they tastes sweet... very fresh. Later after we had our meal, they also served a variety of fresh mollusks which we ate in raw, dipped in vinegar.

I think i overused the word "fresh", but it is how the foods and our refreshing experience in the island can be justified.

The weather was gloomy but humid, which i think marked the transition period from wet season to summer.. the very reason for dripping in the sea and strolling along the shore to cool down, wandering inside the island and of course taking pictures.

After making the most in the first island, we transferred to another islet where a floating house with fish cages raising first class groupers resides near the mangroves. After the fish cages sighting and playing at the mangroves, we then transferred to another islet that i solely explored up to its tip. On our way, a fisherman and his unique sailboat passed by...

Cant help but admire the creativity of manong fisherman. Not only he recycled the umbrella cloth but he made a wonderful innovation. With it, he don't need engines fueled by gasoline to run his boat.

Arriving at another islet, I took a stroll with the shoreline as my pathway. Sometimes it is better to be alone and commune with myself once again. Aside that if gives me the fancy like i own the whole island. It was a few kilometers walk so just as i arrived back, my companions were already set to end the island hopping and decided to go home.

As an ending phrase, here The Islander, amidst the clouds and the waves... standing still.

And my first out of town trip for the year goes to Cagayan de Oro... the city of golden friendship.

I did mention in my post last year that CDO is a place for vultures. Whatta bad term. Okay, rephrase, CDO is a place for nightouts. This is so because most of its tourist points needed a devotion of time to travel. The good thing is these spots are worth of your time. But since i did not go to CDO for leisure, not able to experience these worthy places is the drawback of the trip.

Well, anyway, there are some ways to enjoy CDO. Just like what i used to do... Nightout! Stereotype for me but i dont have a choice cause as i've said im no tourist in those trips.

I left Surigao via Bachelor bus at 3:30 in the morning and arrived Butuan at almost 6 a.m. I spent half of the day processing my passport, basically starting from the beginning (1. getting NSO authenticated birth certificate 2. applying for NBI clearance 3. photocopying all the required documents and finally 4. submitting it to DFA Regional Office). I have no plans getting a passport but recently there was some developments in my job calling me to have one. The processing was a mix of easy and bloody.

After successfully processing it with the DFA, i immediately left Butuan City via King Long bus at 12 noon. I love King Long... it smells clean since they are new. And quite fast, with just 5 bus stops. The hours after was moment of quite dreams since i was asleep until we took a stop in Balingoan Terminal. The loud voices of people shouting in chorus awaken me. Macopa! Macopa! Itlog! Chicharon! Tubig!

Insensitive. Hmpf!

There were many of them barricading at the door of the bus. But since i am half asleep that time, it was too late for me to take a photo of them. Only this man left...

And some of them gathered on the other side of the bus, surrounding a dvd peddler.

Not too long, King Long went on. ..And so my moment of quite dreams.

Arriving at the Agora Terminal in CDO, i checked my phone for messages. Plenty of messages but the last one caught my attention. "JP, i need help. Please." I was so anxious. A friend from Zamboanga joining me in the seminar and happily texted earlier that he was strolling around Gaisano Mall is now calling for help. I asked why. He lost his wallet in the taxi on his way to the hotel and would like to borrow a fare back to Zambo. Haha. To his relief, i lent him 1k but told him not to go around anymore so as to avoid breaking things that will make him pay. Hehe.

I checked in at our designated billeting.. the Mallberry Suite Business Hotel located at the Limketkai Center, parking lot away from Limketkai Mall. My room was in the 5th floor. From there is a good view of the city. Too close to Gaisano Mall.


My body was still agonizing in pain. I was thinking of having a message but as i laid my body in bed after shower, i fell asleep.

The night of the following day, my Zambo friend and a new found fellow from Bislig, Surigao Sur joined me in bar hopping. Starting from Tagbuan Grill which is just around the block next to Gaisano Mall.


It was a nice place to hangout, with native huts made of bamboo installed inside. We found some group of students, lovers (pertained by the place's name "tagbuan" which is rendezvous in English), and group of not so young having fun. Unfortunately, we did not enjoy the place as the 'not so young' group kept on singing oldies songs the like of "My Way" so we transferred to Pixel Grill.


They got nice, lovely and young singers. And most of all, they got a delectable kinilaw. Slurrrpp... The place is so crowded so we did not stay longer and look for something a little private. Under the command of manong driver, he took us to Club Mics and Mags. People, it is a Rated R club.

And i prefer to keep my mouth shut about the whereabouts there. We only watched the show anyway and later on left. Ridiculous, they asked a bit expensive charges. Imagine San Mig Light priced double. Grrr...

Next and last stop was Club Mojo, the place for the youngsters. The first choice was Pulse Bar but they did not allow me to enter this time with flip flops on. So we settled at Club Mojo where an enjoyable sight welcomed us. There was a daring showdown. We stayed, have our final toast of beer and then headed back to the hotel.

The following day we attended the seminar still groggy and dreaming... as we slept 4am in the morning and woke up 9am. Nevertheless, it did not hinder us to participate in the discussion.

As an ending story, i would like to share this finger foods that we shared in the last day of the seminar showcasing the fascinating fruit carving. Well done. A fresh watermelon was transformed into a burning hot, chinese-themed presentation.

Posting new entries these days is as hard as making out of town travels. Aside from the bad transition of becoming a hard worker from what must be a smart worker, I’m drowned to exploring opportunities of being a better individual. So more or less, I can be seen in worthy undertakings of my high school and college alma mater, to which i renew stronger ties, other than in tourist places that I used to post here.

Nevertheless, I am not giving up with my passion in roaming around places. It still remained on top of my life-fulfilling wishlists.

So much for the acrobatic intro, since I haven’t gone for places far off Surigao, I decide on featuring the local tourist points once again. Aside from the scarcity of outside places to post here, our province is just rich with unlimited natural resources and wonders that I have not yet discovered. So posting local places is of endless possibility.

Here, the Surigao Cultural Heritage and Center for Rock Study I think is the better start.
The Surigao Heritage Center is located at the eastern end of the boulevard strategically facing the Surigao Strait where the famous naval battle between the American and Japanese fleet in the 18^th century took place. It is just a walking distance from the port area so it can be easily traced.

The center serves as the mini-museum of the city keeping not only the precious unearthed relics of Surigao's rich history but also holds the priceless heritage of the Surigaonons.

Though the center prohibits taking photos of its discoveries, I managed to convince them that promoting the center online would somehow market the center to get the necessary support it needs. Well, as of now the center is privately owned and managed by Surigao’s great historian, Fernando Almeda along with the fellow historian curator Sir Manuel. Besides, I thought this would awaken the people of Surigao that a museum actually exists and let them know how rich the heritage of a Surigaonon is. A visit to it is definitely a flashback of every Surigaonon's roots.

Here are some of what can be seen in the center:


An old bell that used to be hung in the old Surigao Cathedral.

A traditional device used to grind rice to separate it from its husks. We Surigaonons call it "badjo", in tagalog "bayo".

A panning plate and a tunnel timber.

Old coffins mostly used by the first residents of Surigao, especially the Mamanwas.

Collection of different kinds of rocks that can be found in the province. FYI, Surigao is rich in minerals.

Work of art by Ms. Ann Tiukinhoy-Pamintuan, a renowned designer which is of Surigaonon roots.

Precious aged porcelains.

Japanese bayonets that killed more Surigaonons, vintage bombs, and soldier's water container during the World War II.

Sugarcane crusher

Old photographs of the mining site in Dinagat Islands.

Unique tools of Surigao's local tribe, the Mamanwas.


Portraits of Surigao del Norte's Provincial Governors painted by local artist Manuel Mendros.

Mr. Almeda storytelling with the rare visitor, His Excellency Peter Beckingham, British Ambassador to the Philippines.

As the year concludes, it is time once again to recollect and look back the 365 days of 2008.

In particular, these are the following that I am so much grateful in 2008:

• Travel – I proved that people who are lucky in their career spent less time in some other thing. Though I had few in 2008, I am still thankful that at the early part of the year I had a blast of trips --in Cebu to experience Sinulog, followed by trips to the bonbons of Bohol, multihued Marawi, Ilonggo-dominated Sultan Kudarat, Intramuros and Manila Ocean Park in Manila, and ended with an island trip to the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao.

Going to the local corners of the province is a good wandering, too.

I am not sure how much I have gone with the archipelago but my latest travel grade was a:

My Lakbayan grade is C+!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan! Created by Eugene Villar.

• Career – the thing that I owe so much from 2008. I remembered I asked from God only a part-time job, I was given one with a full-time pay. While some are jobless, who cannot consider me as the lucky one? That is why no matter how occupied and exhausted I am due to heavy schedules, I will try not to complain about being too busy.

Having two jobs gave me the opportunity to do whatever I want and experience things that I have not experienced since childhood. It was stressful but at the end of the day, it provides me the pleasure of going to the bars during weekends drinking to death without worrying the bills, eat everywhere without worrying about the budget, and buy things without considering the price (i am kuripot. haha!). For a deprived person like me experiencing these little pleasures in life is too much of a privilege.

It is also worth a mention that every undertakings we had was a success.

• Gadgets –2 possessions was lost.. a 2-month old Sony W90 digicam while in Cebu and a long time partner/collector's item-designed Nokia 7610 phone while witnessing the fiesta activity here in Surigao. This I consider misadventures in adventures. But I moved on. The N7610 was replaced by a Nokia 6120 and a Samsung Omnia and my digicam replaced by a touch panel Sony T70. I hope, with fingers-crossed plus knock on the wood, that none of them will be lost this year or forever.
• Blogging –brother google rated my blog PR3. That was in spite of the absences in the blogworld. Created in replacement of the hacked blog sometime in July this year, in a short span as October it gained PR3. I was just so happy while sitemeter is driving me crazy for going back to square one in its counting of traffics (do i have it? hehe). I also gained blogger friends whom I am looking forward to meet this year.

So there.. Yeah, mostly guilty pleasures. My way of gratifying myself for the hard works and satisfying myself for the missing pieces, for being unfortunate the past 20 years of my life. It was so selfish, but at least now I can say, I have lived a life. And I thank God for all the achievements, if there any.

2008 provides me a good life. And I want to thank God for always showering me His overflowing blessings, my fellow bloggers, my SEDF/SCCI and HTS family most especially my boss, my high school batchmates, my family, my kinkus friends in Manila, my friends in TAG Project all over Mindanao, and to everyone who made my year 2008 a fulfilling one.


This is JP saying thank you, and this is the Islander’s yearend report.

Im back from Manila and to the blogworld. And above all else that i am about to post from my Manila trip, i would like to dedicate this come back post to my ever beloved organization to which i devote my entire career life.

The Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) just won the 2008 Most Outstanding Chamber Award for Mindanao, a prestigious award for business organizations conferred by no less than the Philippines' business giants and handed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines.



Thanks to our very dynamic and innovative president who in 1-term time have made a remarkable difference since SCCI's debut in 1985 with his father, Dr. Josefino Miranda, as charter president. For my 6 years stay and for the 3 past presidents that i have gone, it just took a Johann Jake Miranda to bring recognition to the organization. Getting him to the SCCI brought him to various positions and capacities that stretches his knowledge as an advocate of change. He truly can move mountains. And in moving mountains, my helping hands should be engaged too. That's why for the past months and days, i seldom post entries.. my helping hands are off to implement projects and activities. Lol.

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 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.

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.

Surigao City has one of the week-long festivity in the country that runs for two weeks and starts from the Charter Day Celebration every August 31. From end of August, activities are lined up commencing from the Float Parade participated by the different sectors up to the Alumni Homecoming events that stretches even on the post-fiesta days.

Like what i have listed here...

Simple yet elegant designs of floats add color to the Charter Day celebration of Surigao. In the earlier days, Drum and Lyre Corp competition used to be held during this event. So still hope to witness another drum and lyre competition to be conducted next year when the construction of the multi-million funded oval field and gym is done.

Another activity is the Tilaw sa Pagkaong Surigao (A taste of the Surigaonon Food), a food festival showcasing the talents of local chefs in Cooking Show Competition as well as creativeness of the students in the Table Setting and Skirting and Cocktail Competition for.

A Community Night is also conducted not only for nightly entertainment but to foster solidarity among the different sectors of the city ranging from the civil society organizations, NGOs, up to the mining and banking sector by gathering them in one venue and celebrate the good times. Community Nights are held by sector on the nights before the pre-fiesta.

On the 9th of September, Surigao's pre-fiesta day, the Bonok-Bonok Marajaw Karajaw Festival is usually held showcasing the tribal history through the graceful street dances paired with the colorful costumes of participants. This event is one of the anticipated activities in town.

Then on the fiesta day, September 10, several events are hosted in the Luneta Park Plaza for the pleasure of the visitors that includes balikbayans and some foreigners. The organizers call it Pabibo Sa Pyesta, sponsored by the Barbers clan.

One entertaining event is the Tuhog-tuhog Nan Dagum (Thread and Needle Shooting) Competition for the aged groups. Imagine how hard for them to shoot the thread on the hole of the needle with their blurry vision and shaky hands.

Then the Lumba Inom Tuba (Palm Wine Drinking Contest) participated by the drunkards in town. Look how they managed to consume the 2-galloon of palm wine...

..and how their fellow contenders laughed at each other when they seem to vomit the wine they've overdrunk.

And there was this Jagan Paatras (1 km. Reverse Running Contest) which is quite hard to do.

The last activity for the day was the Pasayan (Shrimp) Festival celebrating the abundance of the shrimps in the locality.

They are cooked in different ways and given to the audience after.

And on the 12th of September, my alma mater called for an Alumni Homecoming which i participated for the first time. Compared to the attendance of every batches that jampacked the venue, we quite gathered a good number.

Here we are... the SNNHS Batch 98.

...marched on the presentation of batches

...settled in a bar thereafter

...and when drunk, danced and enjoyed the night.

For 3 days i have experienced how to live without a phone. And i must say, it was a peaceful one. My phone was pickpocketed while i was busy taking pictures of the Palm-Wine Drinking Contest. Aside from that frustrating happening, it was still a very memorable fiesta celebration for me.

The annual Bonok-Bonok Festival 2008, Surigao's local version of Street Dancing mardigra held every 9th of September as pre-fiesta activity. This activity that showcases not only the lively ethnic costumes and synchronized dance steps adds color to the celebration of Surigao's patron saint Senior San Nicolas de Tolentino.
This year, 8 contingents from as far as Misamis Oriental vied for the grand prize.

Contingent number 1 is from Gingoog, Misamis Oriental.
Contingent number 2 from St. Jude Thaddeus Institute of Technology, Surigao City.
Contingent #3 from Siargao Island bagged the 2nd place.
Contingent #4 from Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.
Contingent #5 from Surigao West Central Elementary School bagged the Grand Prize.
Contingent #6 from Butuan City
Contingent #7 from my alma mater Surigao Norte National High School grabbed the 3rd place.
Contingent #8 from Jabonga, Agusan del Norte won the 2nd place.

Bonok-Bonok (that means shower) is a festivity rite depicting the famine experienced by Surigao's local tribe Mamanwa during the pagan times caused by evil gods in a form of drought. Upon the arrival of Christianity, the Mamanwas offered a ritual to ask the help of patron saint San Nicolas de Tolentino. And, bounty or shower of rain and blessings was attained by the tribe.
P.S. I hope i get the history right..

Aerial views of my beloved home, Surigao City.

I was a bit hesitant to post this photos for copyright reasons, but since the city government is doing the promotions using this photos, i thought of selling Surigao too to the rest of the world. The credit goes to the owner of these photos which i think is my boss.

So here goes... welcome to the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, City of Island Adventures and the gateway to Mindanao, Surigao City!

You'll definitely admire the simple and peaceful environment.

You'll definitely love the lush mountains on its backdrop.

You'll definitely love its cleanliness.. the roads, the air,..

And the water.

A compilation of the previously posted getaways.. 5 spots for island hopping offered by my friend's travel and tour agency, Viaje Isla Incorporated.

The destinations, island to island, as follows...

Unspoiled white beach facades the way to the cave.

While passing at this site, one cant help but get his camera to capture this rock formations blackened by weather and time.


The Surigao version of the famous San Juanico bridge connecting the two neighboring islands.



The crown jewel of Surigao City island getaway that possess four faces in its every corner. As Basul means "regret" in english, one will regret for not stepping in this wonderful island.

The second issue of m. Life and Living in Mindanao magazine is now in circulation, available nationwide.
On the cover is Mindanao's another pride, the creative Davao-based designer Ms. Ann Tiu Pamintuan, who is known for her innovation in metal craftmanship like the following notable works:

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:

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.