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...⇒

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...⇒