Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Butuan Restaurants
Overview
Exotic dishes are what one can expect when dining at a Butuan restaurant but for those who want to eat International favorites, there are establishments that serve these as well. Butuan restaurants are known to serve great tasting meals and provide warm service to their diners so regardless of which restaurant one chooses to dine at, one can be sure that one will be getting a good deal.
Weegols Grillhaus
Grilled fish, chicken, beef and pork are among the dishes served at the Weegols Grillhaus located on Montilla Boulevard. Butuan is especially proud of the Weegols Grillhaus because of the excellent Filipino grilled specialties served here and they have all local condiments that one could possibly ask for. This Butuan restaurant goes about everything the native way and even serves dishes on banana leaves for that truly authentic Filipino feel. When dining at Weegols Grillhaus, make sure to try their grilled chicken barbecue and one can ask the staff to make this a little spicy for that added flavor. This Butuan restaurant also has fried squid rings called Calamari and fish cooked in vinegar called Kinilaw. The Weegols Grillhaus is open air so one can dine under the stars with that special someone. Prices at the Weegols Grillhaus range from US$ 10 to US$15 and this is incredibly affordable.
Tita’s Café
For those who are constantly on the move and want good food in a snap, a good Butuan restaurant to go to would be Tita’s Café which is found on P. Burgos Street. Food served at Tita’s Café are pre-prepared so cooking time is cut in half. What’s good about this Butuan restaurant is that despite the many similarities it has with a fast food joint, the dishes served here don’t lose that home cooked taste and it’s both nutritious and delicious. Tita’s Café also serves local desserts such as sweet sticky rice cakes. For those who are looking for good tasting coffee, one can find it here at Tita’s Café where they brew their own Butuan made coffee beans. Snacks served at Tita’s Café are also good and topping the list are Siomai and Siopao.
Narra Restaurant
Named after a local tree known for its fine wood, the Narra restaurant is another favorite among locals and visitors. Local dishes are the specialty of Narra restaurant but they also serve a couple of Chinese dishes. Diners of this Butuan restaurant usually arrive here in groups because of the rates given to them so one can expect to always have more than a handful of diners no matter what time of day.
Butuan Sightseeing Guide
Butuan City is one of the historical locations in the Philippines. It has more than a thousand years of recorded history part of which predates the colonial era. Anciently, the city is known for its balanghais, which are native boats that have been well known in Southeast Asia even before any colonizer has set foot on the islands. This Butuan sightseeing guide will walk you through the many historic and cultural sights in the city.
On the first part of our Butuan sightseeing guide, we’ll look at things and places this city is famous for. Butuan is well known for the oldest kind of boat in the Philippines known as the balangay. The use of balangays dates back to fourth and 13th century. These edge-pegged boats are unique and have no counterpart in the entire world.
The Golden Tara is a figurine of a female deity made up of nearly four pounds of 21-carat gold. It is said that a local woman from the Manobo tribe found this relic in 1917. It is a cultural symbol that grew in ancient Southeast Asia.
The Agusan River is longest navigable river in the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Visitors can go on a river cruise and view the river towns. The cruise is a tour through the city’s culture, history, and people.
The next part of our Butuan sightseeing guide includes cultural attractions. First one would be a tour to different antique collections. Schedules to each collection are to be made by appointment. The collections were the result of archaeological excavations done in 1976 that showcases a lot of rare pieces in the Philippines.
The National Museum is the place to go if you want to dig into the city’s history and culture. You’ll find exhibits dating back from pre-Hispanic times and items during the colonial period. The Balangay Shrine Museum is where you’ll find the rare and peculiar boats that transported the city’s first inhabitants. You’ll get to see a flotilla of them here preserved and restored.
Mount Mayapay, our Butuan sightseeing guide’s natural attraction, is the landmark of the city standing at 700 meters. Its name, according to local lore, was given by the Madjapahit Empire in the 10th to 11th century.
The last leg of our Butuan sightseeing guide will feature the festivals celebrated in a year. January 17 marks the date of the flag hoisting commemoration. This celebrates the first time the flag of the Philippines was raised in Mindanao in 1889. March 17 marks the China Trade Mission celebration. May and August are made alive by the Balangay Festival and the Adlaw hong Butuan. These are homecoming reunion festivals when locals from all over the world come home to be with friends and family.
Other notable events include the Abayan Festival and the Tourism Consciousness Week. This Butuan sightseeing guide is a walkthrough to the different historical and cultural highlights of the city. Enjoy the sights and you’ll appreciate Butuan City’s history and the culture in the Philippines.
Butuan Government Sites
‘Kani na kamo Butuan!’ a simple, yet striking Butuan dialect phrase: ‘come and visit Butuan now!’ The said statement or phrase suggests to tourists and visitors to be at Butuan City as soon as possible. It seemed to entice or a sort of a teaser to find out what Butuan is all about.
Mount Mayapay
It is one of the majestic places in Butuan City. The mountain is located at the Southwest part of Agusan Valley. The mountain had its own significance in the history of early civilization of the Butuan (the anciend Madjapahit Empire and the Sri-Vishaya era.)
Nipa Wine Distillery
Bringing out the good times in Butuan City would never be completed without the ‘Laksoy’. Made out of indigenous or local Nipa Palm, Laksoy is the local wine of Butuan City. Its taste can only be produced exclusively by native Butuanon. The wine is definitely an original Filipino spirit.
Agusan River
Agusan River is the epitome or personification of the history, culture and arts of the Butuanon and the place itself. It is the longest and the biggest river in Mindano and this is also the site of fluvial procession as they celebrate the Abayan Festival that commemorates their patroness Señora Santa Ana.
Ruins of Banza Church
Banza Church had been built in the early 1600′s by the initiative of the Recollect Friars who were the early missionaries stationed at the place. However, the said church was devastated by the attacks from the Moro pirates in the mid 1700′s. The remnant of the once majestic church was the bell tower made of banyan or balete tress.
Bood Promontory First Easter Mass Eco Park
The first recorded celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the Philippines was said to be during Easter of the 1521. It was Magellan and his fleet that partook or participated in the said thanksgiving. The place is very romantic as it is overlooking the whole of Butuan Bay. The park is also surrounded by the local Hadlayati Tree.
Ferdinand Magellan’s Landing Site
This place had been very significant historically and culturally in terms of heritage for Butuan City and its locals. Butuanons celebrate annually the Mazaua Discovery Day in commemoration of this historical event. Speaking of Ferdinand Magellan’s successful landing in the place, natives of Butuan are very proud of the momentous event that took place in Butuan: the first celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the Philippines.
Butuan National Museum
The proofs of Butuan City’s great cultural and historical heritage or customs are displayed at the National Museum of Butuan. Exhibits such as the ancient tools of the early settlers of Butuan and contemporary cultural materials of Butuan locals are being shown to visitors and tourists alike to give them a glimpse of the glorious past of Butuan.
Balangay Shrine Museum
Balangays had been the ancient vessels used by the early pioneers of Butuan. Anthropologists and scientists were able to dig up and discover nine balangays to date in Butuan City. The contemporary Filipino word ‘Barangay’ (municipal division or demarcation) had its etymology in the word balangay.
Butuan City Tourism and the Power of the Internet
Making sure of the stability of Butuan City’s tourism is dependent on information dissemination. The best way to make known to others the wonder of the place is through the means of internet. The official website of Butuan City (www.butuan.gov.ph) is loaded with a lot of information regarding Butuan City itself, tourism, local directory and some events being celebrated at Butuan City all year round. As a traveler, tourist should consider checking the websites, especially the official website, for updated and real-time announcements in Butuan City. ‘Kani na Kamo Butuan!’
Butuan Hospitals and Health Care
When it comes to Butuan hospitals and health care, the city has 27 urban barangay health stations, 3 principal health centers, and 59 rural barangay health stations. It has a couple of government-owned hospitals namely City General Hospital and Medical Center, a 150-bed capacity facility, and the 100-bed capacity Provincial Hospital of Agusan del Norte. It has 6 private capacity with a total capacity of 521 beds. The health centers and hospitals in Butuan serves not only the residents of the city but also from other municipalities.
In 1991, total health spendings of Butuan amounted to P12.3 million which represented 10 percent of total expenses. From the overall spendings, 34% was allocated for basic health services and 66% for building hospitals. In 1994, health expenditures increased to P27.5 million representing 10 percent of overall expenditures. Allotment for basic health was 43 percent while hospital expenses dropped to 55 percent.
A year later, Butuan’s health allocation was P29.1 million comprising 8% of the total budget. The allocation for hospitals was 54% against the 46% alloted for health, miscellaneous services, and nutrition.
In 1990 and 1995, Butuan health care represented a drop in infant and child mortality which is far lower than the national averages in the two years. The rates for maternal mortality, although decreasing, was higher than the national averages. The malnutrition rate in the city showed a significant decrease at 58% and 32%, respectively.
Butuan health care catered to nutrition activities intended to address malnutrition in the city. It includes food assistance, nutrition education, livelihood assistance, supplementing micro-nutrients, among others. The Butuan Nutrition Committee holds quarterly meetings. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Education (DepEd) is actively involved in the health care efforts of the city.
In addition, the City Agriculturist’s Office is responsible for production and security of food. The Budget Allocation Office is responsible for the funding while the Philippine Information Agency is charged with disseminating information and nutrition.
The City Nutrition Office, which is under the City Nutrition Officer, acts as the Secretariat of the Butuan Nutrition Committee and coordinates all nutrition-related activities. The agency has two assisting nutritionists managing 43 barangays. It has a feeding center and barangay nutrition scholar. A barangay nutrition scholar, with a monthly salary of P400, mans the feeding center in each barangay.
These are the different agencies that play a significant role in the implementation of programs of Butuan hospitals and health care.
Butuan Shopping
Considered as one of the most populous and improving areas in the province of Agusan del Norte, Butuan City has several interesting places that tourists and locals can visit if they want to unwind, relax and shop. Butuan shopping centers and souvenir stores offer affordable and high quality items so customers can get the best value for their money when they spend some time at the famous malls in the city. Aside from these commercial establishments, people can also go to the public markets in the area to get fresh meat, seafood, vegetables and fruits. Below are some of the most inviting and popular shopping places in the city.
Gaisano Mall
One of the most visited Butuan shopping places is Gaisano Mall, which is situated at the corners of Jose Rosales Avenue and Jose C. Aquino Avenue. It is a convenient place to see because the mall features numerous retail shops and specialty stores. Aside from these, the establishment has a supermarket and department store where customers can purchase items that are reasonably priced. For those who want to dine, Gaisano Mall plays home to fast food stores like Pizza Hut, Jollibee and Jonies Flavored Chicken. For the comfort of shoppers, this commercial establishment has a secured parking area.
Langihan Market
Locals and tourists who want to purchase affordable and fresh food can always go to Langihan Market. This establishment has a wet section where meat and seafood are available. Additionally, it has a dry section where people can buy cheap clothes, accessories and shoes. Inside the market, customers can also find small retail stores that sell native delicacies and local treats. In addition, there are food stalls that offer affordable and delectable snacks like grilled corn. For only 200 pesos, customers can have a wonderful and fun shopping experience at this market.
Madyaw Kadyaw
Madyaw Kadyaw is another interesting Butuan shopping place to see, which is situated along J. C. Aquino Avenue in the city. Tourists can have a fun and nice time at this shop because it sells numerous souvenir items and keepsakes. Some of the cheap items available at the establishment are earrings, bracelets as well as necklaces. In addition to these, shoppers can also find a Manobo costume at Madyaw Kadyaw. After checking the items, customers can relax and taste the local treats and delicious meals offered at the store. By allotting 300 pesos, tourists and locals can buy several keepsakes at this inviting retail shop.
Butuan Destination Guides
Overview
Butuan is surrounded by rivers and bays including the Agusan River and the Butuan Bay making it a land fit for agriculture. Farming isn’t the only thing to do in Butuan though since this place has lush forests that are now part of a reserve program. When in Butuan, there are several Butuan destinations that one can visit and it includes an adventure both on land and on water.
The Golden Tara
The Golden Tara is the pride of the locals of Butuan and from this figurine has sprung many myths and legends. Because of Butuan’s long and diverse history, there are several artifacts that have been discovered here and the Golden Tara is considered as the most amazing of these finds. First found in 1917 by a Butuan resident, the Golden Tara came from the Agusan River and weighed less than 5 pounds. As to where it came from, nobody knows exactly and historians can’t pinpoint if it belonged to a particular era but the Golden Tara, made entirely from 21 carat gold is believed to be the image of a goddess. The Golden Tara is on display at the Butuan Regional Museum and this Butuan destination holds many unique finds and most of its sources are still a mystery.
The Agusan River
Butuan is not just rich in flora and fauna and there is a diverse community living along the banks of the Agusan River. Because the Agusan River was the center of all commerce in ancient times, most of the civilizations lived here and a large part of Butuan’s history and culture can be explored by taking a boat ride along this Butuan destination. A boat tour along the Agusan River does not just show one the natural wonders of Butuan such as the flora and fauna, just as interesting as those are the communities that can be found by the river bank. One can even take a moment to get off the boat and mingle with the communities that live along the Agusan River to learn and understand their culture. The importance of this Butuan destination should not be undermined because a festival is held annually to honor this place called the Abayan Festival.
The Diocesan Ecclesiastical Museum
Moving back to land from the Agusan River, a visit to the Diocesan Ecclesiastical Museum is one that almost all Catholics never fail to make when in Butuan. This Butuan destination is home to the oldest and most significant relics in the entire history of the Catholic Church in Mindanao. One of the statues found at Diocesan Ecclesiastical Museum, the statue of the Santo Nino was first brought to this Butuan destination by historical figure Magellan prior to its transfer to Cebu.
Butuan Hotels and Resorts
Butuan City Hotels
Known for its rich history and as the former center of commerce in the Philippines after Magellan landed in the country, a visit to Butuan is a must for those who want to learn about the roots of the Filipinos. While in Butuan City, it is a good idea to find a reputable Butuan hotel or Butuan resort that would allow us that good night’s sleep at the end of the day.
Almont Hotel
Almont Hotel, a 3-star Butuan hotel is a mere 5 minutes away from the center of the city. Rates start at Php 3,100 and this hotel has 52 rooms on an expansive 54 hectare land. The rooms at Almont Hotel are cozy, have its own private bathroom with hot and cold shower as well as cable television. Almont Hotel is also prepared not just to receive vacationing tourists, they are also adequately equipped for conferences. In fact, the ballroom at this Butuan hotel can accommodate more than a thousand people. Their restaurant has an interesting array of international cuisine and local meals are delicious. Almont Hotel also has sports facilities for horse back riding, swimming, tennis, fishing, biking and volleyball.
Emerald Villa Hotel
If one is looking for accommodation that is a little cheaper than Almont Hotel, then there’s Emerald Villa Hotel. This Butuan hotel is also in the city center and among their greatest asset is their staff who are always looking for means to upgrade the service that their guests receive. Room rates at Emerald Villa Hotel start at Php 1,800 and their rooms are spacious although the amenities are very basic. To book at Emerald Villa Hotel, one has to call them at (085) 449-3761 since they prefer to personally attend to their guests and have everything ready for them the moment they get to Butuan City.
Luciana Inn and Restaurant
Just down the road from Emerald Villa Hotel and also within proximity of Almont Hotel is Luciana Inn and Restaurant, found on San Jose Street in Butuan City. Room rates at Luciana Inn and Restaurant are even lower than Emerald Villa Hotel and they start at Php 1,200. Luciana Inn and Restaurant has 24 hour security, room service, rooms with air conditioning and private bathroom, a phone and cable television. Luciana Inn and Restaurant is ideal for those travelling to Butuan City for business since it is only 10 minutes away from the airport and located in the center of the commercial district.
Almont Hotel, Emerald Villa Hotel and Luciana Inn and Restaurant are among the highly recommended Butuan hotels based on guest reviews in terms of service and cost. In addition to providing safe and economical lodging, Luciana Inn and Restaurant is a Butuan hotel that is also known for serving fine dishes.
Butuan Festivals and Events
Overview
Aside from the many tourist attractions in Butuan and the warm hospitality of the locals, there is another reason why visitors often go here. There are many Butuan festivals all year round that are only celebrated here and every year these events become more colorful and livelier thereby drawing more and more visitors to this place.
Kahimunan Festival
Like the rest of the Philippines, Butuan has its patron saint and it is the Santo Nino. The Santo Nino is the Spanish word for baby Jesus. The Kahimunan Festival is in honor of Santo Nino and this Butuan festival has been celebrated since time immemorial. The word ‘kahimunan’ from the Kahimunan Festival means get together or gathering. During this Butuan festival the streets are lined with locals who have prepared dances for the occasion, theatrical performances and other religious ceremonies. The street dancers during the Kahimunan Festival practice months before the event and on the actual day they are dressed in traditional colorful costumes complete with accessories. One should think of the Kahimunan Festival as the one day of the year where all performances are offered to the Santo Nino so that He may continue to bless this province and its harvest. This Butuan festival is held in January on the third week thereof, and the Kahimunan Festival can be said to be a combination of something cultural and something religious.
Adlaw Hong Butuan
Since Butuan became a city, the Adlaw Hong Butuan has been celebrated year after year. During this Butuan festival, government and non-government organizations honor its present government as well as its former leaders who have contributed a great deal to Butuan becoming a chartered city. One must bear in mind that before a place can be declared a city, there are certain legal requirements that must first be met relating to economic status and population among others. The Adlaw Hong Butuan is held every August 2nd and the activities that are done on this day are held at the City Hall. Among the activities during the Adlaw Hong Butuan are beauty pageants where the Ms. Butuan City is crowned, it is a time when there are beautiful decorated floats that roam the streets, motorcades and of course, street parties complete with local bands. The main event though of the Adlaw Hong Butuan is the Palagsing Festival which is a contest of who can make the longest sticky rice cake. The best part is yet to come though because at the end of the contest, everyone gets to try the sticky rice cake. The Adlaw Hong Butuan is truly very different as compared to other Butuan festivals.
Butuan Restaurant Guide
One of the famous hobbies of Filipinos is eating. In every celebration food is an important part. In Butuan when there is a fiesta there is lots of food in a Butuanon home. Butuan is also filled with different restaurants serving different dishes tourists and locals can enjoy.
1.Manay Maling’s Restaurant – This is a restaurant inside the Almont Resort. This is where most of the tourists come to eat because they get to enjoy the view outside the hotel including the pool. There is a waterfall which was made by the hotel. They offer Filipino cuisine. The buffet for lunch is priced at two hundred pesos per person. Many guests enjoy the halo-halo they have as well.
2. Almont City Cafe – This is in the middle of the city. This is a good dating place. There are fewer choices of dishes in this restaurant compared to Manay Maling’s. Couples go here to eat particularly because there is a pianist that provides the music and the romantic atmosphere.
3.Embassy Hotel & Restaurant – This hotel is a major landmark in the city The Embassy hotel’s restaurant is also a good place to dine. Their best sellers are Filipino and international dishes which are Crispy Pata,Fillet Mignon and Kare-kare. They also serve food for people who want to eat healthy like steamed fish.
4.Luciana Inn & Restaurant – This restaurant is worth the climb. There are two flights of staircase you have to go through before you reach the place. Their best sellers are buttered chicken, pancit canton and chicken pillow. They also serve them in big portions.
5.Narra Restaurant – This is one of the first restaurants in Butuan. Most of the people in Butuan has probably eaten here already. They have two branches. Many people recommend their garlic chicken as well as their pansit bihon. You should also try the Lumpiang Shanghai. This restaurant is part of Butuan’s culture and history already.
6.Margie’s Kitchen – This is one of the latest restaurants in Butuan. This place is more popular with the younger crowd especially during the night time. They are famous for their delicious desserts. They also serve complete meals like chicken wrapped in pandan leaves. Their best seller also includes tuyo pasta with black olives.
7.True Brew – This is a coffee shop where you can enjoy different coffee blends and some sandwiches. They recommend their clubhouse and pastrami melt. They are also famous for Cuban Grill and tacos. Their other drinks include Mango Fizz and some Spritz.
Butuan Hotel Guide
Butuan is quickly becoming an ideal destination for a vacation for many locals and tourists in the Philippines. This is the capital of the province known as Agusan Del Norte. It has become one of the premier centers for tourists where you can enjoy different sports and activities. Below are the following hotels where you can have a safe stay and enjoy your vacation.
1. Almont Inland Resort Hotel – This is one of the most popular hotels in this city. It gives the familiarity and comfort of a home to the guests. The hotel was established on land with four hectares. There are fifty two rooms and four suites. It gives a big space for comfort and relaxation. Businessmen can also do their business conference here. Every room has a television with cable, air-con and designed with an elegant style. Their restaurant offers their guests international dishes as well as local dishes. They have a pool that was designed like a lagoon. The stay here costs sixty dollars for a standard room. The deluxe room there costs sixty seven dollars and a suite room costs seventy one dollars. This hotel is in Rizal Park in the city. You can inquire them through their telephone numbers at 63-85-352-5263 or 63-85-352-5464.
2. Balanghai Hotel – This is a good hotel that is proud of the kind of comfort and service they give to their guests. The rate at this hotel is also affordable. It is located near some of the commercial establishments of the city. There are several facilities in this hotel including a pool, coffee shop, restaurants, a karaoke bar and a business function room. Guests can get the standard or a suite room. Every room has air-con, toilet and a bathroom and a television. The telephones they have installed can be used to call abroad. The rooms have mini-bars and a fridge. The rate of the rooms can range from one thousand five hundred pesos up to three thousand pesos. The standard room is for a minimal amount of eight hundred pesos. It is inside Malvar Subdivision in the city. You can call them at 63-85-346-3396 for inquiries.
3. Carl Patrick’s Hotel – This is the best hotel for many backpackers. The rate at this hotel is cheaper than most hotels. The rooms are equipped with all the standard amenities. They also have a lounge with music and another bistro. They also have their own Internet cafe. This place is in the city along Montilla Boulevard. You can call them at 63-85-342-6854 for their current rates.
4. Dottie’s Place – This is the place where guests can stay if you want to have a comfortable time with your family and friends. The hotel has a pool where guests can dive in after a tiring day. All the rooms have the general amenities like the other hotels. The accomodation rate begins at one thousand pesos for one night. You can find this hotel at Aquino Avenue in the city. You can reach them through 63-85-341-4579.
5. Gardenville Hotel – This is the place where you should stay if you want to enjoy an intimate time with your family. This hotel offers more privacy since they only have twenty rooms. The rooms have all the amenities the guests need and services like shuttle service and laundry. This hotel also has its own restaurant which sells steaks. The costs of the accommodation in this hotel range from nine hundred pesos up to as much as two thousand pesos. More amenities are available for the more expensive room. You can find this hotel at the national highway of the city. You can book by calling 63-85-343-5103 or 63-85-815-9381.
