Bislig City – a city by the bay

This is one of my most exciting visit since this is the place where the famous Tinuy-an Falls located. Bislig City is the opposite end of Butuan City that is end to end to each other in Caraga. If you want to look at the map, Bislig City was 158 kilometers away southeast of Butuan City, and is heading at the last part of Caraga in going to the South to Davao Oriental.



Bislig City was located in the province of Surigao del Sur. It is known as – a city by the bay – because most its land mass occupying the scenic bay facing the great Pacific Ocean. Bislig City owns the whole part of the bay. No more, no less. Both Butuan and Bislig have a bay in honor to its name. Bislig City got its name from a forest vine of the rattan family that grew in abundance along the banks of its rivers.

In 1990, the then Bislig town was converted into a city. Other cities that comprise Caraga aside from Bislig are Butuan and Surigao.

A Portal of Virgin Forest

It is just about 5 hours ride from Butuan City. While as we move closer to Bislig City, the rough road has started to bump my seat but there were lots of entry point in order to get through to the city. There you experience big trees along the side of the road as you have never seen before like a trip to a never ending forest. You are heading the road as if you are passing the cradle of giant trees and wild plants but it seems they are just the leftover of boom logging in the 70’s.

If you think of it, Bislig City before the boom of logging industries was part of a cradle of virgin forest, or else a frontal image of a nude forest in the Pacific. This is where the defunct PICOP Resources discovered the best location of it. PICOP was formerly the largest paper mill in Asia.

PICOP, Mangagoy, or Mangagoy, PICOP

It can not be deny that word PICOP and Mangagoy – are famous name compare to the name Bislig. When you say PICOP refer to Mangagoy, and Mangagoy known where PICOP Resources located. It is just simply both name overshadowed the name Bislig. When I was young I always hear the name Mangagoy and PICOP until then in high school, I have a research on it and discovered that they are all came from Bislig town.

Someone is telling me, to that effect that comparing Mangagoy is like a city and Bislig was just a plain rural area. Later I learned that Mangagoy was just a downtown barangay envelope by not famed Bislig town. PICOP became a household name because most of its inhabitants were connected to PICOP as human resources and the source of livelihood. In short, most bisliganon survives due to PICOP existence.

Tourist Attraction

I have already discovered the beauty of Tinuy-an Falls which is known as “Niagara of Caraga.” It is a 3-layered falls with a height of 55 meters and a width of 95 meters, and possibly the widest falls in the Philippines. When I went there, it will cost 45 minutes to jump from the city proper. It is one of the best waterfalls in the entire Philippines because of its majestic and unique natural formation. Its colorful picture was once appeared in the International Travel Magazine.



Another hotspot is Hagonoy Island is a pearl shape island with clear blue water and white sand suitable for tropical getaway. It is 45 minutes pumpboat ride within the Bislig Bay.



The Lawigan Beach which faces and considers a part of the Pacific Ocean is a host of white sand beaches in the coastal area with fresh ocean breeze and sun bathing.



The enchanted underground river of the Hinayagan Cave. Famous for its unique features and has an atrium at the center reflecting sun rays. Experience a thrill while riding a banca or bamboo raft with bats hovering over your head.



The Togonan Cold Spring which is a 30-minute ride a far from the city proper.



Forester Park where amazing rock formation carved by nature through time which includes century old trees amidst mahogany tree plantation.



Bislig also hosts an annual festival called "The Karawasan Festival" during the charter day of the city which features an inter-school ethnic dance competition. Karawasan came from a local dialect which means "movement of the crabs".



Never-ending Nature Parks and Resorts

• Ocean View Park - found at Gangas Drive 300 step up in a forest. You can see the panoramic view of Bislig Bay, Pacific Ocean, and Bislig City Skyline
• Baywalk Boulevard
• Mone River – offers a boat ride tour and witness the tropical getaways
• Florland Resort
• Restiseta Farm Resort
• Villa Salud Resort
• Villa Maximilla Resort
• Sian Resort
• Highland Function Farm

some photos and info from bislig city government website, other pics from bislig tambayan, and friendster from bislig karawasan photo

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You can reach Bislig City for 5 hours from Butuan City by bus.
Read More...⇒

Memorable Task - mom babysitted me babysitted my eldest daughter and become a US citizen

I was born in Caraga. I’m proud when I came out in this world as a baby my mom was the best caretaker of all the mothers in this world. In her arms, you will hear the first ‘hello’ and when sharing your first cry you will hear a song of lullaby to calm your soul, and put you to rest for awhile. Even more, sharing your first smile will inspire your mother to sing more and more… and rocking you softly in her arms.

Mother Earth Versus Mother Mercy

My mom real name was Mercedes, so her friends call her Mercy, a magic word that has full of hearts and emotions like what I’ve heard “have mercy on us”.

What’s the difference between her and mother Earth is that when you do something bad to mother Earth, bad things will return to you. But if you do something bad in the family, your mother will return the good things to you, and it will makes you a fine and better person in the process.

Like for example for Mother Earth, when illegal logging activities happened in a mountains of St. Bernard of Leyte. The continuous cutting of trees in the mountains will weaken the soil foundation and erosion takes place. Continuous rainfall will result to landslides that covered villages and thousands people buried alive. That was horrible. Mother Earth is the fiercest thing alive.

While mother Mercy is a kind heart. I remember when I lost one thousand pennies that caused a lot of headache. My father will be angry of the thing I did since it was his money. When I informed my mother about it, all she did was patch-up the mess, and borrowed money from her friend. Everything put in order as I returned the money to my father. She take care the load while I learned something about it. I should be careful in dealing with money because it was a price of blood and sweat from the hands of my parents.

The Best BabySitter of All Times



Of course, being the eldest of all five children, everything was her first touch and first care. And so, time goes by, of all the five children grow up was the product of her selfless devotion. Never forget the stress that you can see in her face of having five children in a row.

And now the next batches of children were coming. All of her children were married, and got the first move to babysit the eldest daughter of my sister. The following year, I have my eldest daughter, and then the following year, my youngest brother had it with a son. And so the same thing that goes to the next, she has no remorse of the back subject but no failing grade at all.

Because of her unfailing performance she was promoted and rewarded a Green Card holder in the US. My youngest sister who was based in Ohio also dreamed of having a child of her own. It is not easy of dreaming a child in American dream since the atmospheric pressure and the time pressure is part of it. So, she petitioned my parents (my father opted to stay here). The timing is right. When the time she got pregnant my mom is already there, and does her duty, anyway, as a babysitter hehehe.





American Dream

If I have here the Canadian visa, I will choose it rather than in American Dream. Since my mom was in Ohio, the Canadian visa is not in my brain this time. Canadian visa is my first choice in going for immigration since it offers distinct services such as Corporate Immigration Services and Individual Fully Assisted Service, and living in Canada is one of the best economies in the region.

By the time the petitioned papers handed to my mother is a sure way to go to a place that most Filipinos love working and living in American Dream. It’s thirty seven years she is with us this moment and beyond she is out of sight. But if you ask me heartily, I prefer living in Caraga Region for the rest of my life with our mother.

Mother Knows Best

Your mother is the best person ever alive. Without her you have no place in this world. From the first day you were born, she knows the things that are best for you, that are right for you, and she can see what lies in the future for you. The best evidence to prove is you that you are still here alive and kicking and fighting. The wisdom you will learned will never fade even when she is not anymore in this world.

Me As Babysitter

My second baby is coming, and since mom is far away, how I wish that she could go back to Philippines to take care my new baby. But since mom was not here, I became an alter ego of her. My wife is in caesarian section, so probably, I will be the next in line to become a babysitter, huh.

When I was a bachelor then, I don’t want to cradle a baby in my arms, not just baby is small but so soft to carry, I have a phobia to do it, or else I will shout and help me to take it away from me.

Since this day you are a certified father, you can’t help but be a father of your daughter in the first place. The first touch and the first care, place it in your arms when she was still a two-day old, the warm embrace and the sweet scent of a baby that move you closer to each other through time. Bathing your baby and changing her diaper is important for proper hygiene. Cradling in your arms for hours is building your muscles as well hehehe. Learning and persistence in babysitting is your daily struggles. In the end, you and your baby will become closer than ever the way I see it. It is not easy to be a babysitter, anyway. Read More...⇒

Caraga And The Sunset

I have been to different places in Caraga, as when you go home into your beloved place you can reminisces such beautiful things that put a magnet in your brain as you fall into a deep sleep from traveling. Too much amazement, sometimes in your dreams the adventure continues…coz the passion still exists in your heart until it will escape for days then you have to say I missed Mabua, or how much more if you experienced Estancia Cabo and missed everything. These exotic places are drowning your memory to the end. The Mother Nature in them is so intoxicating that it will put you in to a newly-renovated or highly-elevated person in the making.





Put Me High Against The Sun Down

The sweetest part is so dominating when the sun began to submerge the earth surface. When you are having the sun of your dream, try the beautiful sunset in Caraga, and became a dreamer. The sight and sound is clear. With lots of wonder and ponder that is striking in your brain. Sunset is my best delicacy of the day. Because in the first place it will make me a cool person, especially when I’m at the sea it will broaden my horizon.

When things went down and became nervy, the sunset has its magic way to calm you down, and put everything in order. Just like someone is telling you that everything is okay, and have a warm embrace. This time it’s Mother Nature that controls everything within you. Just give a shout and say I’m getting young at this moment!

Love Birds and Sunset

Sunset was the best place to express someone’s feeling. The cloud of doubt was gone in the valley. Love birds tend to be sweeter each day. This is the place that you can say anything else but purely love and emotion. The sun has to say goodbye but it will spell a magic touch to everyone who able to see him as it gone to the seas or mountains. Where ever the sun goes down the atmosphere become a hottest place for lovers to share. I will never forget the beautiful place of Mabua and Boracay. These places were unforgettable nest for all love birds out there.

My Lust That Last For Life

Since I was a young boy I already pondered and amazed of the beauty when the sun started to disappear in the horizon. Its stunning sunrays spreads like a virus in the sky as it reflect even the cumulus clouds in the distance. I cannot give myself a chance without seeing it as it bid goodbye in the horizon. I have to do it at the roof top of our house, since then before getting old, and even before I retire.



The desire of having it as part of your life through days will put in as the most awaited part in your life. Beauty in this world can be your guiding light as you walk with your heart. Amazing Caraga, amazing world, isn’t it?

photo courtesy from freida and alan milan of butuanon.org at http://www.butuanon.org/yabb/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.cgi?num=1211686271/195 Read More...⇒

Caraga Parks – natures finds its way through the parks

I have been to different parks of Caraga. But this time I am planning to go to Bonbon Eco-Park at Butuan City. Also dreaming with the Denali Park – the opposite end of the globe, this is found in Alaska. The place was known as world class adventures as the Alaska Travel. But here when you are dreaming with the love of your life in Caraga where mountains and waterfalls mixed in a form of natures as an art. You are lucky, because you live in Caraga.





The last time when I’m having a trek when I was in college was eighteen years ago. We walk with my friends after stopping in the mountain foot from where we drop from the vehicle that went there for half an hour. There, as we started our climbing moment to different mountains, we able to meet ordinary water falls in one of the mountains in the hottest scene in summer. This waterfall has an old name but now it was called Bonbon Eco-Park.

Bonbon Eco-Park was well preserved with respect to natures activities. The lingering freshness of the air coming from the mountains filled the place since it was nestled in the mountain’s lair where water falls streaming flows ends, and develops as hotspot.

We passed different mountains as we walk just for fun, and our target was reaching the foot of Mt. Mayapay, one of the highest mountain peaks in Caraga. We able to pass a troop of mountains that invited a lot of trekkers in which hidden waterfalls unnoticed to anyone because of being an ordinary falls that I have seen. The falls was just simply a work of unseen treasure that awaits development in the future.

Loaded with Globe Fresh Air

Mountain lines and trees are embracing you, and looks what is beyond horizon. The oxygen filled my lungs, a newly-formed individual exist in time. You’ve gotta feel the coming of fresh air that breezes from the mountains from different location as we move forward, and witness the skyline of historic Butuan. Amaze me so much how can you say that Butuan was a floating city, when in the mountains it was just a progressive city in the making soaring high.

When you are in the mountains, different possibilities are coming in. While going upward to the top, it will move your muscles up, and new strengths are coming in. The process of inhaling and exhaling are renewing as your lungs was filled with oxygen. Youthful gain is at peak when you go home from the peak of a mountain. Aside seeing from the window of your soul the beautiful creation of one of God’s masterpieces, you can not say anymore how perfect Mother Nature is, and say to yourself that you are proud at this moment when you are at the top.

The Park Sparks

The water falls that we met have grown into a different place. This falls is now called the Bonbon Eco-Park. Years have passed and it became into one of tourist destinations in Caraga, like the smell of Travel Alaska in my choice. When you are in the mountains and submerge yourself in one of the coolest in Caraga in a hot summer trek, yes, pour yourself in Bonbon Eco-Park. So much for mountains, trees, and fresh air plus lovely waterfalls in the making.

source of pix: freida of butuanon.org at http://www.butuanon.org/yabb/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.cgi?num=1211686271/195 Read More...⇒

Caraga Night Haven – a videoke fanatic and addict

In general, Filipinos love to sing in which that character possesses the peoples of Caraga. Even those waking the old days of our 50’s and 60’s dramas and movies, typically reflects our love of singing. Expressing the most intimate feelings you have through the effort of your voice that others will be able to hear you, and soften their tired or aching souls. It is a one way of seeing I’m sorry to you, and then others let them forgave you. The power of the music has drawn from one generation to the next generation.



In Caraga, the singing sensation of caraganon was broadened to the love of videoke. Have it a flat screen while singing, you follow the tone of the music and the stream of the lyrics. At the end it will rate you as a professional singer, or never mind if you have a failing grade as long as you express the feelings in your heart.

The Night Escapade

When you became a person in this world as a baby, you will hear the song of your parents while in their arms, it will amaze you as you hear them, and it will calm you at first then till it sleeps you to the deep. That is the magic of the sound you hear until it grows you into a fine young person.

This is how you rated peoples of Caraga, a song bird from the start. The night gobbles up as the song has started in the air. When you go home, you can hear it even the fine young guys in the store along the streets gave their loudly tone right next to them was a cup of beer. Yes, it added fun to the group.

Colored streets in the night added the entertainment in one of the hottest bar in the place. You can see them in public or else in one of the private room in a hotel with VIP treatment. Sing it loud and cast away your entire predicament in life. Forget everything that makes you an old person in the making. According to some, this is just one way of fighting the old enemy within us – the stress and strain in life.

Life Is Short

Videoke are the most exploited enjoyable thing to do. Even when I go home, I felt sometimes fed up from my office work so I have to enliven myself with my family as the audience, and sing. With the VCD component and digital TV, it is just amazing having it in your living room and hearing your voice like a singer although it is a terrible voice I have in the making hehehe.

One of my friends has his own simple marks in life, and that is life is so short, we have to give the best of it. And when the night comes fun begins in the making. Forget the pressure of the day, and let the night take care of everything. While still young doused your energy before it will take away your youth.

For me I’ve done it in our home. I’m just making my family happy, or else, I make their face acidic to my voice escape hehehe.

source of pix: http://video48.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html Read More...⇒

Discounted Airfare – a boom for untouched caraga

Proposed Butuan International Airport

Caraga as a growing tourism industry nowadays benefitted much of the advertisement done by famous airlines to have a discount to demanding traveling public. Recently, known airline in our country have got the best offer of having the best tempting cheap flights anywhere in our country. The public turned panic, and the internet site was exhausted with lots of airlines traffic.



Five years ago, you can say no to airlines but instead go shipping for Cebu as the nearest economic hub in Butuan. But now, one of my comrades was able to jump to Cebu for just 30 minutes and have some great fun for the whole day. And go back for the next days as if just like a fairy tale story, somehow, you have gone easily and back just for minutes in the next day.

This is how tourism industry affects the future of Caraga. Modern ways of transportation and other structural facilities in an airport affects the increasing demand of visiting local and international tourists. And now, here comes these hotter… and hotter low airfares that lure even those who love it and hate it would be traveler.

Tourism and Transportation Connected

You can not go to your dream vacation without the muscle of transportation. Put this in your list of where to go, and how to handle the mechanics of being carried away in a far and exotic place that you have never been.

One of my friend in the net ask me about the beauty of Tinuy-an Falls as the Niagara of Caraga. Then his next question is how to get there, of course you can jump there with your four wheels as you like. And that is easy and convenient thing to do in having an adventures to Tinuy-an Falls which is located at the center of the forest. You can park your car there, and be refreshed with the cool air coming from the mountains with a blasting sound of the water falls that is sweet to your ears. This is the way how to get in love with Mother Natures.

I dreamed of having a ride someday. I dreamed of going to a place that I want to. These two things will be my invaluable possession as a traveler in Caraga. Without it, it seems everything far away from your dreams. I think it is a wonderful place to look the world outside with a wheel of your dreams. Getting the best of it looks the scenic spots will be in your next door someday.

Low Airfares Attract Caraga Visitors

As I mentioned the low fare that caused a lot of panic here, travelers for outside Caraga have their own plans of going to the Queen City of the south. But in contrary, travelers who want to go to Caraga are just as excited in embracing the prime tourist destinations in the future. Airline tickets demand will become an increase paradigm, and in the future, Caraga will become a tourist hub.

With the report recently of Department of Tourism regarding the surge increase of visiting local and international tourists in Caraga, low airfares added more weight for our tourism to grow further as it push down to the limits for vacationers to come. Whether they like it or not, Caraga is rising…slowly to the peak. Read More...⇒

Jumping Season – caraga goes to manila at mall of asia

The jumping season is getting hotter when I found myself in the world’s third largest mall, the 386,000 square-meter SM Mall of Asia.





This season I became a maller not an adventurer. Putting myself in the center of economic power which is Manila, I was drawn and tempted the architectural design added the very calm atmosphere of Manila Bay as a backdrop. But far away, when you look at it, think as if a big ship is coming to shore. Mall of Asia was a cradle of giant ships rested at Manila Bay.

Symbol of Economic Power

It is an irony that we are living in third world countries yet we have the third largest mall in the whole world. Mall of Asia was created in times of worsening economic condition, even the hardest hit of economic crisis, still stand-out and weathered them all.

The root of evil is not money. But Filipinos love to shop. Money continues to grow as the buy and sell effect ignites cash flow. This is where we have a steady economy and move forward. Without it, economy became stagnant. This trend tempted the rise of giant enterprise, and the rise of mall king – the Sy family.

Filipinos are fortunate to have this kind of possessive character – the love of shopping. If not, Mall of Asia is not here to stay.

Record Breaking Visits

I notice the giant globe at the entrance which captivates you as you are getting near. It is the biggest I have ever seen. I think when a rainbow is present, huge rain has started to depart. In this way a giant globe sighted, fun and enjoyment begins. I could not help myself the excitement in getting nearer and a first-timer as I ready to land my feet in the hallway. Seeing the giant globe along the street enlivened my soul, and pre-occupied my senses.



Although, I have been to different malls, this one will put me in the record breaking visits as getting in to the one of the largest malls in the planet. You could imagine the Star Wars episode where structures are booming. You’ve got to believe that you are walking the modern world and high society level.









The most important thing in my life here was window shopping hehehe. One-stop shopping is at risk, and if you don’t know how to curb temptation, you will lose a lot of pennies. The desire of being a great shopper depends on the size of your pocket. You’ve got to control it, or else, you can’t go back to Caraga.

Lovers for Beautiful Sunset

Mall of Asia was not just shopping, meeting friends, and playing games. It reminds me also the coming of Caraga – the perfect tourist destination. Yes, when I saw the lovely sunset at Manila Bay, it will take you back when you were in Mabua.





It makes sense a lot when you are drifting with Mother Nature – the beautiful sunset and the blue horizon while standing in a modern facade. Yes, it makes me a complete person. While in the second floor facing the shoreline, I witness the scenic spot is so amazing when the sun sets like a circling red as it ready to submerge the cool waters. When I go down the lane at the bay walk it turned out to be a crammed of sweet lovers, and a family get-together bonded by time.

This is why Manila Bay was so famous that perfectly added the flavor of the high spirited Mall of Asia – Mother Nature and modern atmosphere joined in one setting. Read More...⇒

Traveling Around Caraga – a damn fine thing to happen

When you go to the most exciting adventures into your life just prepare with you and your luggage, of course, I will never forget the trip that almost ended my life in Caraga (not for sure it will happen) – a small islet in Marihatag, a town in a province of Surigao del Sur. Going into unknown place that you have never been before is as just exciting and enjoying but taking a lot of risk. Just exciting when you have bought the hartmann luggage, and feel free about it, and even the best of briggs and riley luggage. Taking a lot of risk became your memorable moments that you will never forget for the entire days of your life.

Early morning, when we taking in with our pump boat, only 10 people can fill the boat for sailing, to monitor the mangroves nearby the coastal area facing the great Pacific Ocean. As we move forward, the fresh air from the ocean so much there to toughen your breathe. It is just like replacing your old lungs from the new ones. This is just the rare moments savoring the fresh air as the healthiest gestures you have against the atmosphere from the city where you live. Like the fresh scent of a tumi luggage underway.



The shallow water turned into emerald as we go forward. I noticed it was coral infested area mixed with white sand that makes it as the underground water haven. Since it is April, this place turned out to be a blue marlin season. Unlucky enough, I was not able to witness them swimming above the seawater.

A White Line Shoreline

The shoreline was neat white line. Yes, as we reached it was full white sand. Mangroves line up penetrating inside the shoreline as we walked forward to the area. Mangroves were natural born citizens here as it parts of the ecosystem. By the way, you can not ignore the fact that mangroves and marine life entwined as one environment. The same way I see it in other place of Caraga where you can see corals, white sands, mangroves, and emerald waters makes it one as parts of the system. This is a perfect place for snorkeling and diving, and explores the world under.

Beyond the shoreline was deep blue water. You can tell to the whole world that this is where Philippine Deep located. It is one of the deepest in the ocean and the whole world. Don’t forget in this place you are facing the largest ocean – the Pacific Ocean.



The Islet and the Wild Adventures I’ve Got

As we left the shoreline, we spotted a small islet, and one of our comrades telling us to make a turn around to see the beauty of this cute white sander. The adventure has started unanimously.

We started circling the islet slowly, then as we move forward while facing the Pacific Ocean, gigantic waves started to emerge like the size of bungalow house, then bigger and became bigger. I was horrified as I see them coming over. It looks that we can not anymore see the white island. Our pump boat turning into a pea size against the giant waves. We started clearing the water getting inside our boat to prevent us from going down. While my comrades singing alleluia to the Lord, I pray for myself that we are going to the shore safe.

It is just a 30-minute ordeal in the sea against the backdrop of a giant waves coming from the ocean. It is just a good thing for us that we have a good captain in our boat as we spin slowly and slowly, not to go against the waves but instead be carried by the waves to prevent the boat from capsize. Although, we able to circled the island successfully and go back to shore, there was no fun in our face but fear…hehehe.

When I asked the captain about the dangers, he told me that it is a normal thing to happen, and he experienced it many times. This is just a normal toned of an ordinary fisherman who put his life in the sea to make a living. He knows how to play with those giant waves and going to the shore safe. Certainly a certified adventurist in his own niche.

Part of Adventures

You can not make adventures of a lifetime without an ordeal. Instead, you missed the things that happened in your life. You must have to face the hardship before naming yourself an adventurist. At the end, a fruitful thing indeed that you can say to your children a story about your adventures in Caraga. Read More...⇒

Exchanging Vows at Caraga – getting the best of it everywhere

A friend of mine wants to settle down in the future. Yes, refer to sacred word of saying I do’s. Or else, never mind of saying that if you are not geared up. Of course, when you are planning and settled for the most beautiful woman in your life, then you have to set your solemn vow at the most passionate place, and yet the most convenient place to you. You can give her the best of world before getting her hands for the rest of your life.

Actually the month of May and June became the endemic month for lovers, and want their love to be sanctified and certified before God and man. Church is no other than the noblest place to pledge. After the ceremony, it’s now time to celebrate, and go for the venue you have chosen. Most bookings in Caraga, they tune their senses for hotel venues, even the last minute accommodation can feel the grandest offer, or just say the least last minute hotels - you can find here cheap and affordable hotels.

But since peoples of Caraga were practical, some chooses a simple ceremony, and put their earnings later in life. There was also a program in the city government in Butuan for mass wedding ceremony where it was attended by hundreds of couples to be united in matrimony officiated by the city mayor. That was happened every Adlaw Hong Butuan celebration on the 2nd of August. This is just a kind of activity that no need for you to buy something else, instead a less expenses for couples who goes for tying a knot.

Happiest Moments In Your Life

Wedding moments become the winning moments of your life. This is where you soar high after finishing the last chapter of your life. Getting a new chapter for another book this is where another life has started. Broader horizon when two souls became one. And no one can beat the happiness in your heart when the moment has come for both of you to say ‘I do’.

Grabbing such inspiration in your life you have to choose the best possible aspiration – the venue that fits your wish. I can see lots of couples doing this, and they are happy they end up in a hotel for reception. Getting as part of the package stay there for nights as the honeymoon has started to ignite. You can even extend beyond what is reasonable. Or just go far away from home, and fly with a jetstar of your dream.

Since this happen once in a lifetime, they put their money, time, and effort for getting the most of it. And in the future, they can show to their children how important marriage in our life was using the memorabilia of your videos and pictures. Read More...⇒

Caraga as a Baby Region – started pulling upward from the start

I was born in Caraga. Of course Caraga was a name of newly created region then – a baby region in the northeastern part of Mindanao. It was created in 1995, and Butuan City as the capital city of the region. It was composed of three cities which make it brothers of Butuan, the cities of Surigao and Bislig.

Since then, the national office considered the newly created region as priorities in all major projects. Like a baby nestled in mother’s arms, milking to develop into a strong child, and became a fine young man in the future. This is how it started, and now, it poise to compete with other 17 regions that make up Philippines. The competition was so intimate like the Birmingham accommodation did.

Although Caraga, being an experimental region in terms of education, but it has created intelligent citizens for being the number 1 region in the Department of Education based on NAT results either in elementary or secondary or both. That is consistent on the top spot since 1998 as far as my recollection is concerned.

In terms of agriculture, we have valuable contribution in our economy and help stop the food shortage due to our technologically-inclined pre and post harvest facilities such as farm to market roads, farm equipments, and drying technology. Caraga is one of the regions that withstood the recent attack of food crisis.

In terms of infrastructures, at this moment, the landmark that is incomparable is the longest-cabled bridge in the country the Diosdado Macapagal Bridge that is found in Butuan as the best in entire Mindanao and next to Cebu’s Mactan Bridge. The 2nd bridge cemented more the place which separates us by the mighty Agusan River. The bridge symbolizes as one Caraga. Yes, it will prosper economic activity in the region as it moves forward in the near future.



The beautiful City Hall Complex in Butuan City is the finest in Mindanao, or else, one of the best in the Philippines. Being a capital city wherein the seat of government is the most important aspect in dealing with peoples and services. The seat of government with its present look symbolizes a progressive Butuan.



In terms of tourism, The Department of Tourism posted a 73 percent increase of tourist arrivals compared to last year. The uncontrollable visits is considered as positive growth that resulted to creation of jobs, and well, we have here sprouting first class hotels to accommodate the increasing visitors coming from within and outside our territories just the same the one from Birmingham accommodation and the cheap hotels in Amsterdam.

I have just mentioned the major developments of Caraga at this moment. This is how the baby region stopped crying when she was a newly-born baby. And now the baby is growing strong at the end. Read More...⇒