Amontay Beach Resort – caraga has almost paradise

Travel in a place that is located at the tip of the world and feel the sights and sounds of nature. That was the theme when you are in unique places you have never been. Feel the smashing of the waves and the wind blows embrace your body while tripping the horizon beyond your eyes can see. Amontay Beach Resort found in the town of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte has the impact in which Caraga has discovered – they called this place almost paradise.



Almost paradise is not just a phrase of beauty. But the thing is just closer to the world when Adam and Eve became the first couple to live in the planet. Sound quiet and peace within closer to the art of God. I believe when you live in a paradise the healing process is part of it. Get out from the stress of life and move forward to a place that will gave us strength and happiness.

First Class Amenities

At the entrance, the resort has hotel-like amenities one-storey bungalow type stretching across the distance. On the other side, another facilities sprouting as it expands opposite the shoreline. When years go by, management growth of the resort will predicts drawing international tourists, and will be having fierce competitions with its neighbour - the Duka Bay Resort.







I thought the beach was just scenery I have always seen from different beaches in Caraga but it has a beauty of its own way. Those Bali-inspired cottages piled up in one straight lane were made of indigenous materials wide enough to fall yourself in a slumber of sleep. Or take a glance in a horizon when sky and deep blue sea meet in a distance. Chat your friend while sitting the chairs and see the shoreline as the sun began to set down. There were lots of Talisay trees in the background to shade us from scorching heat of the sun even though summer started to bid goodbye.

Sprawling Paradise

Amontay Beach Resort was part of the Butuan Bay in which the bay expanding from the tip of Carmen town of Agusan del Norte up to the western part of Surigao del Norte. The coastal areas along the bay have many unique places to discover. And this specific area has been an exciting place to travel when coming in from a busy city life. In the near distance from the beach while moving forward walking the shoreline I smell paradise – not anymore almost paradise.





When low tide started to come in my adventure to Amontay started in crossing a small river. Exploring the other side of the beach that was unfamiliar, like exploring the other side of the world with your senses. In front as I draw nearer were green mountains. Down the mountains were different rocks formation unfolds across the shoreline stretching for miles. Walking in a strange place but this turns out an exciting place for soul searching activities. You can make your resting place under the shade of the coconut trees while snatching the natures surrounds you.





In having a trip for almost a miles, you can see trees growing up in the salt seas. You have marvelled how these trees survive when its roots and trunks submerge for years. They have grown like mature trees in the upland. Chirping birds make their resting place. I believe these trees can make shelter for fishes below against from too much sun’s heat.

Endless Shoreline

Another mile in the distance, another rock formations, and trees under water with foot in the mountain side by side with the shorelines, never ending blue horizon with clouds formation, smashing of the waves, and calm sea breeze are all yours like a never ending journey in a place called Amontay Beach Resort.

I journeyed like in a no man’s land. The place was so quiet, and even you can meditate immediately. This is how natures make the healing process. You have found yourself envelope by natures and natures renewed yourself like a mighty one.

At Sunset In The Beach

Witness how the sun started to fade in the distance as it sheltered in the mountains. The endless fun begins because another world started to unfold and that is the mellow dramatic background of the sun. The sun rays mirrored in the ocean and embraced the ground like a sweet eternity for lovers. How romantic for them to grab this opportunity. Not just for lovers but for a poet who humbly express his feelings, friends talking each other for business or personal matter, or just simply lure you for an exciting world of sunsets.

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You can reach Amontay Beach Resort for 1 hour from Butuan City by bus.
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Backpacking Caraga – tips and techniques

Backpacking is a great way to enjoy nature up close and is a very affordable way to engage physical activities and see unique places. We all know that the word backpacking of course comes from its root word backpack. When you are out in the wild and are going for an adventure it is always a good feeling when you know that you have the new backpacking gear attach to your body. It is crucial for having an ultra lightweight backpacking as much as possible because you are taking the course of different places you have not seen.



Backpacking in Caraga is such a wonderful experience that I would urge all you backpackers out there to visit and do a bit of traveling in a motherly nature of Caraga. Backpacking Caraga: destinations that should be on your next itinerary.

Backpacking Tools

In modern times, the trend of hiking and trekking is increasing. Nothing can ruin a hiking, camping, or backpacking trip as being unprepared. So the next time you take a backpacking trip, make sure you have these ten essentials:

1. Map - assists one in not getting lost in the ground.
2. Compass (optionally supplemented with a GPS receiver) - the same idea of no.1 essentials.
3. Sunglasses and sunscreen - prevent any probable eye injury inflicted by sun light, tree branches and flying debris.
4. Extra food and water - prevent or cure hypothermia and dehydration.
5. Extra clothes - protect from hypothermia and the elements, including thorns, insects, sun, wind, and often cold.
6. Headlamp (outdoor)/ flashlight - protect from physical injury when traveling in the dark.
7. First aid kit - commonly contains items to treat cuts, abrasions, punctures and burns.
8. Fire starter - to light a campfire is helpful for preventing hypothermia and to signal for aid. In a disaster, a fire increases one's psychological will to survive.
9. Matches - the same idea of no. 8 essentials.
10. Knife - useful for opening kits, building shelter, shaving wood for tinder, eating, ground surgery (after sterilization), cutting rope and clothing, etc.

Other Paraphernalia

Additional thing is to have a whistle signaling for any danger that might come in your way. As I mentioned before when having a backpacking trip, it is important to have an ultra lightweight backpacking in which the backpack itself speaks the weight. Like getting in a rogue mountain of splendid Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee is very easy. It will carry you in an endless way like your best friend attaching each other.

If you have been using a traditional backpacking tent, it is a smart idea to verify up on a tarp that can serve as a suitable shelter. Then pick a backpacking tent to handle the worst conditions you are probably to face with. A couple of tents offer also an amazing weight saving design. This is notably important aspect in getting shelter to the unknown exciting place like trekking in Mt. Hilonghilong of Agusan del Norte and the majestic Mt. Mayapay of Butuan City.

How about replacing those heavy, hot hiking boots and walk in comfort on your next backpacking trip? Yes, you can. With sixteen pounds on your back, and running shoes in preference to hiking boots, you are backpacking farther, higher, and more enjoyable.

Backpacking could be a fun and adventurous way to spend a weekend with your friends and family. Read More...⇒

Agusan del Norte - amazing adventures!

“Human and nature...making amazing adventures.”

Agusan del Norte is one of the five province of Caraga Region (others are Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the newly created province – Dinagat Island, which was part of Surigao del Norte before). It is bounded on the north by Butuan Bay and Surigao del Norte, on the east by Surigao del Sur, on the south by Agusan del Sur, and on the west by Misamis Oriental. One of the country's leading producer of rice for being dominantly agricultural province.



The province has 11 towns and they are Buenavista, Cabadbaran, Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Las Nieves, Magallanes, Nasipit, Remedios T. Romualdez, Santiago and Tubay. Recently, the town of Cabadbaran became a city. Butuan City located at the heart of the province became an independent city for being a highly-urbanized.

The name Agusan came from Malay word “agasan” which means “where water flows,” because of the province presence of mighty river that flows from Davao then to the two Agusan provinces – Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte, in which Butuan City is the exit point, and empties into Butuan Bay.



Butuan City rich and colourful history reflects the past of the province. It has two municipal museums found in Magallanes and Cabadbaran where hundreds of artifacts dating as early as Sung, Yuan, and Ming Dynasty of China. Butuan City has its own museum, the Butuan National Museum.



Agusan del Norte has outstanding tourist spot destinations aside from its colourful history. Its wonderful geographical settings and physical features of the province make it the best for adventurers out there.



Different mountain ranges along its northeastern and western parts with flat rolling lands in between as it face the scenic Butuan Bay. When dropping by at the mountain top in the town of Carmen, you’ve got heaven and earth there meet in a one unique panoramic view gazing with those horizon in a blue sea and beautiful mountains at the back. Taking out the best person in you – as you move at the top!



Mountain climbers, bikers, and trekkers can venture the lushful green forest, and can go unfamiliar jungle passages, thats make it as an exciting adventures. It has ten mountains to offer but for the highest was Mt. Hilong-hilong. If there are mountains, then waterfalls and springs co-exist. If you don’t mind……there are 7 beautiful springs and 18 waterfalls to lift up your spirit here!



Aside from the scenic spots, the province has 42 underground and aboveground caves that are found in Carmen and 8 others found in other towns for you to discover unique places.

The province has identified 3 lakes, and one of which, Lake Mainit, is the 4th largest lake in the Philippines. The lake was surrounded with mountains, its scenic view was so amazing when I went to Jabonga. Peace and tranquility will reign when lake and mountains traverse in one setting. The lake offers best for fishing enthusiasts, wind surfing and leisure boating, and all water sports activities. We will not forget the Baoto Festival was held here in September.



Fifteen rivers crisscrossing the province, unspoiled and clear running waters. If you want to say “hi” and say “goodbye,” but not here, because lovers tend to be sweeter each day when you look at the river.

Since the province faces Butuan Bay, it has 19 beautiful diving sites to offer from the sea lanes of Carmen going to Jabonga (Carmen – 12, Tubay – 1, and Jabonga – 6). Explore the beauty inside with 80 feet of visibility. Not yet mentioning the challenge of windsurfing here!



Of course, part of it, the beautiful sunset along the fine sandy beaches, when feeling tired and strained, just go……and got the nerves to calm down, and feel refresh. Got another amazing adventure day!



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Butuan City - Masawa Hong Butuan, the 2nd Balangay Officially Launched into Agusan River

written by Guest Blogger Jocelyn E. Morano on February 3rd, 2010

The 24.7-meter long 2nd replica of Balangay christened Masawa Hong Butuan, was finally launched on January 31, 2010 witnessed by local and foreign tourists amidst the muddy ground of the Luna Compound in Barangay Bading, Butuan City and intense heat of the sun. Caraga and Butuan City proudly celebrated the historic launching of Balangay boat that comes to life.



Astoundingly, Masawa Hong Butuan glided into the Agusan River at past 1 in the afternoon almost the same hour when the 20.12 meter long Diwata ng Lahi was launched into Manila waters in June of last year.

It took more or less 3-hours, 2-backhoes and a lot of helping from the experts to lift the Masawa Hong Butuan from the muddy ground of its building site.



People screamed when the 7-ton Balangay tilted a little bit on its side as soon it touched the strong current of Agusan River, but with a little push Masawa Hong Butuan move smoothly into the river with cheers from people who witnessed the historic event.



In a very touching and inspiring message, former DOTC Undersecretary Arturo Valdez, Voyage of the Balangay Team Leader said in his speech, "People of Butuan, you should be proud because in your veins run the proud blood of an Ancient Kingdom which you can tell to everybody, ‘we have a civilization long long long before', five times earlier before the coming of Magellan and the Europeans. I'm asking the people of Butuan you should realize that sense of pride, that you have such great inheritance as a people. I hope with the Balangay Project you will be together as a people to show to the whole country, that KAYA ng BUTUAN, KAYA ng PINOY.”

Masawa Hong Butuan will be joining the newly repaired Diwata ng Lahi to continue the journey of the Voyage of the Balangay on February 4, 2010 for their Mindanao 6th leg which is the Butuan - Ozamiz route and the first stop would be in Carmen, Agusan del Norte.



After finishing the journey visiting ports of Mindanao, Voyage of the Balangay will begin its Southeast Asia travel before coming back to Manila by the end of October while Masawa Hong Butuan will be back in Butuan on December, 2010. This could be an astounding accomplishment of the peoples of Butuan and Caraga.

Mr. Greg Hontiveros, Chairman of the Butuan Boat Building Committee said the cost of re-creating the second Balangay is more or less 1.7 million pesos, spearheaded by the Butuan Global Forum, Inc supported by Butuan Historical and Cultural Foundation and the city government of Butuan.



Wood used in building the Masawa Hong Butuan which the Manobo’s from Barangay Binicalan, San Luis, Agusan del Sur called the Dungon Tree, or Yakal tree as it is known by many was donated by the Banwaon Manobo Talaandig Tribe.

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photos courtesy from Jocelyn E. Morano Read More...⇒

Butuan City - Kahimunan Festival, a Success Despite Heavy Downpour

written by Guest Blogger Jocelyn E. Morano on January 20th, 2010

Heavy rains blanketed Caraga Region since January 10 until the day Butuanons celebrated Kahimunan Festival on January 17, nevertheless JC Aquino Avenue was full of spectators lining up sides along JC Aquino Avenue to witness the street dancing parade.



Spectators lined along the street wet and unmindful of the cold to watch and took some pictures every time contingents from Agusan National High School, Libertad National High School, Caraga State University (NORMISIST) Cabadbaran, Libertad Women’s Organization and Butuan City Hall passes by.

The Kahimunan Festival is celebrated every third Sunday of January in celebration of Barangay Libertad fiesta with its patron Señor Sto.Niño – the counterpart of Sinulog Festival in Cebu City.



Kahimunan is a Lumad term which means "gathering". One of the most prestigious gatherings in Caraga and Butuan City.

The main theme of the ceremonies in the Kahimunan Festival is a combination of the pre-colonial culture and its affiliation with Christianity that reflects Butuan colourful past.



During the street parade participants’ line up the streets to present exotic dances and ceremonies where dancers are all dressed up in colourful costumes as they dance to an indigenous music.



Theatrical performances of ceremonies and dances are highlighted as they decorate the streets with their exotic costumes and native ornaments such as baskets, native wide brim of hats and other accessories.



The City Sports Complex in Libertad was likewise jam packed with people, devotees, local and foreign spectators to witness each contingents dance performance.



Agusan National High School was adjudged this years’ Champion receiving 200 thousand pesos cash prize.

Declared 2nd winner is Butuan City Hall contingents with 150 thousand pesos cash prize while Caraga State University (formerly NORMISIST) in Cabadbaran won 3rd prize with 120 thousand pesos cash prize.

Contingents from Libertad National High School and Libertad Women’s Organization were also accorded 10,000 pesos as consolation prize.

The city government supported Kahimunan Festival in its effort to boost tourist potentials of Butuan City.

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photos courtesy from Jocelyn E. Morano Read More...⇒

Butuan City - Voyage of the Balangay Made It, Diwata ng Lahi is Finally Home

written by Guest Blogger Jocelyn E. Morano on January 3rd, 2010

November 28 was a big day for Butuanons who waited anxiously for Diwata ng Lahi to finally come home in Butuan. The historic fate comes to life as the Pre-Spanish sailing boat known as Balangay Boat or the Butuan Boat reached the historic City of Butuan and the region of Caraga.



At past 9 in the morning, a message from those with the Voyage of the Balangay Team said that the Balangay has entered the mouth of Agusan River slowly navigating towards PPA Port where a good number of crowds were waiting.

However, the strong current makes Balangay to sail at a slow pace since it is manoeuvred manually.

The Balangay anchored PPA Port at exactly 11o’clock in the morning, greeted with cheers from crowds, some are waving flags and others were teary eyed as they watched Balangay slowly cruising her way at the famous Agusan River.



Riverside Barangays in Butuan City also had their way of welcoming the historic event wherein bancas decorated with colourful flaglets joined the approaching Balangay.

City Tourism Council Chairperson in her message said, “Madyaw nga pagkani Butuan. You have honoured our Butuanon people with this epic voyage that highlights the significance of the Balangay boat and validates our claims to history. To Team Balangay headed by former DOTC Undersecretary Art Valdez, let me thank you for your invaluable contribution in awakening our people’s historic consciousness.”

In a grand celebration held at PPA grounds, City Councilor Benjie Calo announced in public that the Sangguniang Panglunsod of Butuan have adopted through a resolution the crew of Balangay as Honorary Citizens of Butuan.

Meanwhile, Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II wished the Balangay Team the success of such historic expedition including all activities they initiate in every port of call. “Being the Honorary Citizens of Butuan City let me assure you that you are still welcome here the next time you will be visiting,” said Mayor Plaza in his speech.

Balangay Team Leader Art Valdez on the other hand said in his speech, “Seeing the big crowd, seeing the warm response, seeing kids, children along the river some waving the flag as we pass by gets us emotional and you get moved and humbled as we enter the PPA port.”

“We in the Team Balangay feel honoured by the warm reception by the people of Butuan,” added Mr. Art Valdez.

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Balangay is synonymous with Butuan, as the site of the excavation which makes a glorious history in the Philippines when the first Balangay was dug up in 1976, a proof of good maritime heritage long before colonialism.

The Voyage of the Balangay is a great pride of Butuanons as local historians have once said that this shows proof of civilization in Butuan where trading with neighbouring countries is full of life.

After sailing for 3 months, anchoring at 35 ports and braving 8 storms, Diwata ng Lahi will stay at Luna Compound in Bading –site of Butuan Balangay boat building-to undergo major repair.

Voyage of the Balangay will then wait for the completion of the second replica of Balangay built in Butuan and together they will continue the journey in January 2010.

The Butuan Balangay Crew composed of Toto Calo, Sato Raypon, Nico Calo and Lemzar Manginsay has now been declared by Art Valdez, as official crew members of the Voyage of the Balangay.

Butuanons and neighbouring people in the region of Caraga will also have their opportunity to experience a river cruise in Agusan River with the Diwata ng Lahi.

This week, the Balangay Team will conduct disaster preparedness seminar, coastal clean-up at Barangay Masao, mangrove tree planting in Barangay Lumbocan and Marine Conservation and Effect of Climate Change symposiums to different schools before heading home for the Christmas holidays.

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photos courtesy from Jocelyn E. Morano Read More...⇒