If a tourist, by chance would be wandering around and see the beauty of the Philippines, he or she should see and experience the wonders of Butuan City. It has been asserted that, 'in the beginning, there was no Philippines but there was Butuan', and this assertion makes this place a symbol of civilization for the Philippines. The real question is: 'what can I expect in Butuan City?'
A tourist or visitor should never miss these places if he or she would have a chance staying in Butuan City. The following places are landmarks that define the identity of this wonderful city.
Ever seen a majestic view? Then this place would be the best offering Butuan would give. Located at the southwest part of Agusan Valley, a haven of grandiose mountain plateau awaits visiting tourists. This mountain highland rises 2,214 feet above sea level and its name was derived for ancient Madjapahit Empire. Butuan’s archaeological unearthing and prehistoric discoveries were tied up significantly to Sri-Vishaya era.
This museum serves as Butuan’s bulwark of rich cultural heritage and prehistoric existence or survival. There are two (2) galleries of exhibit one is the Archeological Hall which caters varieties of burial coffins, goldsmith, potteries, wood, metal and stone crafts and the exhibits also includes archaeological diggings. The Ethnological Hall (the other exhibit) showcases current cultural materials the locals of Butuan or Butuanon or every 'Pinoy' (Filipino) used for a living.
The Balangay Shrine Museum is situated at Balanghay, Libertad, Butuan City. This graveyard of Balangay One (1) was dated 320 A.D. or has already been 1688 years old. This 'balangay' is a built of wooden plank and edge-pegged vessels that have an average measurement of three (3) meters in width and fifteen (15) meters in height. As of now, there are already nine (9) balangays discoverded in Ambangan, Libertad spots. In Situ, however, there were three balangays (3) that have been excavated.
Agusan River is considered the longest, the deepest and the widest traversable river in Mindanao. The people, arts, culture and history of Butuan could be realized or seen if a tourist journey along the river barangays. They usually held their fluvial parade to honor and pay tribute to the Patroness of the river Señora Santa Ana. This has been the Abayan Festival a whole day celebration of fluvial convoy and baroto races at the Agusan River
Butuan City could be considered as the 'Cradle of Civilization' in the Philippines. The influence of the 'Balangays' are still prevalent even in this contemporary times. Municipalities are usually divided into units considered as ‘Barangays’ and the etymology of this word could be traced to those ancient vessels: 'the Balangays' meaning 'the sailboats'.
'Let us be ready for Kankabatok!' What? Then my cousin repeated it, 'yup, let us explore Kankabatok! As soon I started my assignment there.' These were my cousin's statements before we went to 'Kankabatok'. Nonetheless, I was asking myself then, 'where or what is Kankabatok?' In the last two (2) decades of my life I had not heard that word even once and that was the first time I encountered it. After some research back then, before we went to the place, all the while, I had already encountered 'it' numerous times. It was the City of Tacloban that my cousin was referring to.
'Kankabatok' was the first known name of Tacloban. It was a citation from the first settlers of the place-the 'Kabatok'. The place was once a preferred site for fishing and the natives used a certain piece of equipment made of bamboo called 'Taklub' to catch fish, shrimps and crabs. Thus the word 'Tarakluban' was born, a place where fishermen use 'taklub' as their tool. In time, the word 'Tacloban' took distinction. 'Waray' is the common dialect of this place and it has been officially considered or called as 'Lineyte-Samarnon'. Some noted landmarks of Tacloban City are San Juanico Bridge, Tacloban City Convention Center, Sto. Niño Church of Tacloban, Palo Cathedral, Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum, 'Crucified Christ' and Madonna of Japan. Christian or Catholic religious influences left significant dent throughout the history of Tacloban City obviously through some of these landmarks.
The logo of Tacloban City has been the summary or more so, a footnote of the city’s significant history and distinct heritage. The ship or the galleon signifies the discovery of the island of Limasawa by the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan. Limasawa had been referred to as the place in the Philippines where the first celebration of the Holy Eucharist happened. The right side or part of the logo connotes the Leyte side, where Tacloban City is situated. The San Juanico Strait and its scenic beauty had been visualized in the middle or center of the logo. The province of Samar, which is the main provider of marine and agricultural products or commodities to the city, is illustrated at the left portion of the logo. For this reason, Samar greatly contributes the stabilization of trade and business.
As soon as we arrived at Tacloban City, I was able to feel a sense of being 'at home' for some unknown reasons. All of a sudden, I just said 'Kamusta Kankabatok?', (an inflexion of 'how are you doing Kankabatok?', then I observed some faces staring at me with a soft grin on their faces. My cousin and I had to laugh it off. I had indeed a time in my life in my short stay in Tacloban City. My short visit to Tacloban City had been indeed very memorable. Well, as for my cousin, his three(3)-month short assignment had already become a three-year stay and counting because he had found his 'significant' other during his stay and they had decided to tie the knot for good. Right now, I am really looking forward seeing my 'mga inaanak' (godchildren) at Tacloban City.
More than 7000 fertile islands composed the country of the Philippines and the island of Samar is the third (3rd) biggest or largest one which is connected to Leyte which is an island on the southwestern part and flanking on the Pacific Ocean at the eastern part. The island of Samar has been defined by remarkable Natural Park, hot springs and stunning beaches. The Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Samar is located at the southern part of the island was established to conserve and protect thriving rainforest and mystifying caves. Another noted natural beauty of this island is the Blanca Aurora Waterfalls. It is a must for tourists or visitors to see and experience this natural landmark of Samar.
The beauty of Samar is still hidden in Catarman. Tourist spots in this location have yet to be discovered. For those who have had discover its wonder, the local government provided some tourist amenity and basic services. To accommodate tourists, pension houses are common in the place. Though the place is categorically rural, but its market and shopping center are significantly okay.
Catarman had been my place of refuge when I was in college. Especially during those times I was really burned out by thesis making. My thesis moderator encouraged me to submit every week at least, two (2) pages of my work for me to finish my thesis earlier than the usual so that I could relax. Honestly, it was really a good discipline; nonetheless, I had to admit it was very tough. I had to make ends meet during that two (2) month journey to Calvary as I tried giving him report every week. However, it was worth it, I finished my thesis before the first (1st) semester ended and it was such an achievement for me but my energy had been totally drained. My moderator asked me if I were okay and I frankly said I was not. I told him with due respect that it had taken the best of me I really needed a break. He just laughed and said that my efforts had been paid off because he would be giving us a total relaxation. He told me to be ready in two (2) days because we were set to Catarman-his hometown. I felt a rush of cold water showered upon me giving and ecstatic feeling! For the next few days my classmates and I enjoyed a wonderful distressing vacation in Catarman.
The Catarman getaway was definitely one of the most memorable experiences for me. It was the best place for me to relax because it had defined the real meaning of the phrase 'getting away from it all’. It was such a 'retreat' for me and maybe for some other classmates because unlike other tourist spots, it seemed that when we stayed there, it was as if it was our 'own place'. The people were so warm and hospitable that I made a pact to the place that I would be returning to the place if stress had taken a big part of me. O failed with that pact, simply because I used to go to Catarman, not to do away with stress, but to answer the call of its irresistible beauty.
I am certainly not from Makati City. I reside at one of the highly-developed cities around the Metropolitan Manila and it has been always that way for the past twenty-one (21) years with my family. However, I could easily say and express that my conscious being or my awareness has been formed by the city of Makati. If by chance, I would be a tour guide and I would be given options whether to tour visitors in my city or to guide tourists to Makati City, without a doubt, I would pick the latter. I maybe exaggerating to say this, but I would easily find my way back home anywhere from Makati City than to give directions how to roam around the city where I live.
With great pride and honor, I could definitely say that I am a 'Makateño' (a local resident of Makati)! I had stayed at Makati for always eight (8) formative years of my life. After finishing my primary education, I decided to take my secondary education in an all-boys institution at Guadalupe, Makati City. As the saying goes, high school life is the most memorable part of being a student. I do strongly agree with whoever asserted that phrase.
As a student, I am a bit sentimental about the places I have been in a way or the other. It started during high school. We were trained to look up or use a dictionary whenever we were unsure of the meaning of the words we encountered through our readings. The beauty of this discipline is that, students would be given a chance to encounter other 'words', enriching their vocabulary in the process. Using a 'bigger' dictionary than thesaurus may give students an edge regarding etymologies and from what place these words originated. A bit of a history could be sense because of the 'circas' indicated on the note. Since then I was given a sense of sentimentality about almost everything.
Makati City is far from what it was the time it was discovered by the Spaniards. It was a useless swampy area and due to language barrier it was baptized as 'Makati'-'ebbing tide'. The tides of progress started to favor Makati when Catholic Churches were built and since then, it was visited by devotees all over the country. Flocking people in certain place; even today 'spells' a possible good business venue. Since then, Makati has been evolved as the Philippines' premium city in terms of business and economy
Makati City, through the years has become the capital of commerce in the Philippines. It has become a 'symbol' of economic, financial and commercial status of the Philippines. It is said to be the 'Pinoy' (Filipino) version of the Wall Street because it has been the home of the prominent Makati Business Club and the venue of Philippine Stock Exchange. It is also because of the offices of multinational companies situated at Makati City made it a financial capital. As for me, Makati is a city that never sleeps because of the malls where my friends and I have fun to ease some tension from school demands.
Makati City is also defined by malls trying to allure you all kinds of materiality the corporate world could give. The definition my sound sarcastic but, nonetheless, strolling in the mall has been a favorite past time. Philippines is a tropical country and you do not expect people walking around the park most often than not because of the weather (with exemption to Philippines' Summer Capital-Baguio, which is one of the places I also love). I remember when we were still students; we made sure that we 'save' some from our allowance to spend on our gathering at one of Makati's famous mall, Glorietta. Though we have save a little, the point of 'being there' with your friends was a priceless moment. Makati will always be remembered because of those times.
After we graduated, since school was over, we stayed on our own hometowns to rest a bit. Nonetheless, after few months of unwinding, we found ourselves again at Makati City not as students, but rather as aspiring 'young professionals' trying to survive the corporate tide. We should be still spending more time at malls because of our salaries, but certainly, things have changed. Everything is in a constant flux and what is only constant in this world is change. Yes, we do have our own money to spend but time for ourselves has become an essence. Money can buy us whatever food we want to eat but it cannot definitely buy time. We tried other venues other than the malls of Makati to accommodate our other classmates but still, we would end up at Hard Rock Café boozing all the way.
Since graduating at one of the prestigious institution at Makati, we see to it that every Monday, my fellow alumni and I would be playing basketball at our school. Cherished memories will always be there to make us smile as we remember how we developed our own personalities.
Makati started out as a piece of 'worthless swamp'. Nonetheless, that imagery has become just a mere shadow of the past. Dubbed as the Philippines' 'Wall Street', Makati City is the representation of economic struggle on the way to financial progress and stability. Makati City's development throughout the history has been a representation of my own corporate career path. I started at Makati as a student; a nobody trying to learn the 'ways of life' and surprisingly, I went back to Makati to prove what I have learnt and right now I am still at Makati making ends meet as a 'young professional'. I am aware that after some time, I would be somewhere outside this great city, but definitely; Makati would always be a cherished part of my life.
I know for sure that everybody had 'head-turning' moments in one or two occasions in our life. Being mesmerized to a certain person, to a thing or to a specific place is nothing but natural: it is a fact of life. Nonetheless, here in the Philippines, there is a place that would 'snatch' the hearts of every tourist if ever they would have a chance to see and experience this destination. Get ready and be hooked up by the charms of Dumaguete City!
History dictates some proof why this place’s charisma is simply irresistible. 'Daggit' is one of the root word attributed to the location for two (2) possible reasons. During the ancient times, Muslim bandits or pirates frequently attacked this almost coastal place. Thus the word 'to snatch' or 'Daggit' was relatively attributed to the place. Another instance it was said that the natural charms of this place never failed to attract visitors and stay there for good and consequently another word was coined, 'Dumaguet', meaning 'to swoop' then it was named as 'Dananguet' in 1572 and was referred as 'Dumaguete' not until 1734.
Sea lovers and divers alike would definitely love this place of Apo Island and Sumilion Island dive spots. Apo Island dive site showcases the wonder of the various marine flora and fauna which is one of the best in the world. Scuba diving is another activity to enjoy in this city. Children and the 'young at heart' would definitely enjoy whale and dolphin watching near Bais Bay. Another aquatic related activity or sports is kayaking.
If a tourist loves nature tripping through the land, spelunking in Mabinay Cave System is possible. Long walk or hiking on top of Mount Talinis to enjoy the three (3) lakes is another reason why this island 'snatches' the hearts of tourists and visitors alike. These sites or locations are Dumaguete City's priceless gems and that is why the local government promotes and preserves them at the same time.
The City of Dumaguete is simply appealing. Its enticing charm had been its natural wonders and beauty since the ancient time and history attested to the place's alluring appeal was overwhelming that whoever had seen this place would just like to stay for good. Nature has given Dumaguete City one of the best places to spend a lot of reasons (diverse activities in land or sea) why tourists and visitors should visit this place and be mesmerized.
I answered the simple question with these following statements and descriptions. I lived at a city that is a expansive metropolitan area of more than a million residents situated in Mindanao particularly in the southeastern part of it. For a fact, my place is considered as one of the largest cities in the world. Natural advantages are the blessings of this place that the soil is so rich in minerals and very fertile. Our local government has always been taking benefit of its strategic location which is a typhoon-free region and balance or equal distribution of climatic conditions defines its weather the whole year round.
Our mountain stood tallest amongst any mountains in the Philippines. This mountain seems to overlook our humble city and appears to be a vigilant sentinel watching us for anything that could harm us. Climbing the peak of this mountain would make one realize how blessed this modest land is: intact forest, productive valleys, traversable river, extensive metro and first-rate beaches facing the gulf.
We value education as we had been recognized one of the cities with high literacy rates in Asia. Workforce is one of the best because we can speak English and we were trained to be industrious and self-reliant. Our city is a sort of melting pot of cultures and differences are respected and developed in a pleasant and peace-loving atmosphere.
Our metropolis has bee the center of services, trade and commerce in Mindanao and our facilities are among the best providing an avenue for further economic expansion. Urban living is at its best because we have the usual amenities and facilities and we can have them in reasonable prices as well. Accessibility to the usual needs is never a problem in this place such as communication, recreation and leisure. We have had the basic needs covered with a plus.
The economic pace of this metropolis is on the rise but the great outdoors and breathtaking wonders of nature make the stability between work hard and relaxation. The question I was trying to answer was 'where do you live?' Of course, the simple answer this question was Davao City. I did not answer it directly because I wanted them to realize that the word 'Davao' was not just another ordinary place. In a way, as I answered the query, I also set their expectations of this beautiful place called Davao.
Cebu City has been the considered to be center of industry, education, trade and business. It has become more than a place but it has been a symbol of progress and development in in the Visayas Region. Being there is tantamount (almost) as being in Metro Manila (capital of the Philippines). The famous Magellan’s Cross is also one of the main tourist attractions of Cebu City.
Since Cebu City is a highly-developed metropolitan in the Philippines, there are a lot of must-see places around the vicinity. Most of these places have historical and religious significance throughout the history of Cebu. Two (2) of my favorite places are Casa Gorordo Museum and Basilica of Santo Niño (Basilica del Santo Niño or Basilica of the Holy Child). Casa Gorordo is a well-maintained grand mansion with Spanish-themed design. The said mansion is built mostly of wood and it has one of the best garden settings I had seen. The Basilica of Santo Niño, however, has been regarded as the oldest religious artifact or relic in the Philippines. Unlike old churches around the world, this church is still active-meaning devotees, not just tourists, flock the church for Catholic liturgical or spiritual activities. This church marked as the symbol for the conversion of the natives of Cebu (since the Spanish colonization) to Christianity or Catholicism.
Philippines ‘King of the Road’ or Jeepneys are the main transporters of Cebu City. These jeeps are designed with colorful patterns that tourists would surely love! Minimum charge for the fare of this public utility vehicle is usually uniformed with standard fare in the Philippines. Buses are also available in the city transporting visitors on all parts of the island. Of course, if one has a bigger and heftier budget and would like to have some personal approach as per roaming around the city, taking or renting a cab would be the best option. Taxis are available virtually around the city. As per experience, it is always best to have somebody (a relative or local in the city) to guide through the city to do some bargaining to save some hard-earned money. Nonetheless, taxis provide better comfort compare to the usual public jeeps or buses, and of course, it always comes with an additional cost. Before I forget, tricycles are also available as one of the popular public vehicles that can get tourists and visitors alike in short distance travels.
Knowing and being informed of something about a certain place would definitely spell a big difference in traveling, roaming or exploring experience. As for me, it eases up away some tension or pressure and let me enjoy my precious moments of vacation worthwhile. Cebu has been a wonderful destination for me and I would be looking forward to be there anytime given another opportunity.
I have been here in Manila since I was born. Occasionally though, I had some chances in having sometime in a province or two because we were very attached to our parents homeland or hometown. It is a reality here in Manila that change and progress are two inevitable factors sweeping everybody's psyche. Unfortunately, these tides left unlikely 'dents' in Manila. It is really a sorry sight to see a sense of being not too organized and at the same time a lack of discipline. To say the least, the result has been extreme-either too good or not so good. That is the reason why the question that reoccurs in my mind is: can we do change and progress perfectly?
During my freshman year in high school, part of our summer program was to do some camping out. My classmates and I were so excited because we had to travel through a big ferry ship. Once we were in the shores of Palawan, we saw an unusual sight: people had a luxury to swim by the port area! The water in the port area was so clean that swimming was considered safe.
When we were welcomed by the bishop and gave us a tour of Puerto Princesa, it was a real haven of order and discipline! It was a highly urbanized municipality but it was well taken cared of. I remembered reading one of the sign that spitting was prohibited, so as throwing small trashes all over the place.
We camped out for almost a week at Mount St. Paul in Palawan. It was a baptism of fire for me because it was where I hiked two (2) to three (3) hours just to be at the campsite. It was very tiring and at the same time memorable. In Mount St. Paul as well, I was able to swim with the huge waves and enjoyed the experience a lot.
We have to trek the challenging and dangerous 'Monkey Trail' for hours to experience the beauty of the underground river of Palawan or the world-renowned Subterranean National Park. For the next few days, we were trained and encouraged to take an extra care toward Mother Nature. What thought echoed since our stay in Mount St. Paul was: 'We are all brothers and sisters and we have one Mother- the planet Earth.'
Our experience in Palawan made me realize that taking care or preserving Mother Nature and at the same time riding the waves of progress and change is never a conflict at all. As humans, we have the greatest gift Mother Nature could provide and that is our ability to rationalize or to think. Since we have this faculty, we have the authority to take care of the environment and not just utilize it for selfish motives. My experience in Palawan was indeed priceless. It had left a dent in my being to be in a way an advocate of Mother Nature in my own means.
The heat is on! Specifically the 'Summer Heat' is on! After almost ten (10) long months of formal education, now is the time to take the backseat, relax and unwind. Since the scorching summer heat makes us sweaty, we might as well try to be wet and wild as we consider taking our time or chilling in a beach resort. Of course one of the best resorts for me would be the Boracay Island
One of the factors why Philippines may be remembered around the world is because of this island. Boracay Island has been a major tourist attraction since it was accidentally discovered in 1970. From that time on, Boracay Island has been developed as one of the main tourist destination particularly to those who like to independently travel or the so-called backpackers.
From November until February (considered as dry season in the Philippines) the main beach is said to be suitable for swimming or very calm. During that period as well, large winds and waves define the other side of the island which is best for wave running, wind surfing and other suitable aquatic sports activities. Trained lifeguards are deployed and assigned to ensure safety (courtesy of the local government)
The last time I was at Boracay Island, I really tried to experience all the beaches; as in literally 'treading the waters' and of course the crowd! I love the ambiance and the scenery in Bailing Hai Beach. When I went there, it was maybe coincidental that it seemed that everybody was so relaxed. It was not boring, it was very at peace and I just float around the shore. The next stop for me was the Puka Beach which is at the north part of the tip of the island. Blue water, white sand and relatively few patrons defined this beach and it was a perfect picture of a tropical island. I made sure that I both a handful of local jewelries made from the puka shells the locals collected (the beach was named after the shells surrounding it) and I considered them as my 'pasalubong' (best or nearest translation would be 'present' or a 'take home present or presents') for my relatives and love ones.
Of course, one could never consider oneself to be in Boracay Island if one had not been to the island's main beach: the White Beach. White Beach is the center of the island in terms of business and commercial transactions. In this exquisite stretch of powdery white sand, I was able to see all kinds of trades that tourists can surely love-from food, drinks and what not's, visitors of this island were all well-pleased!
Boracay is definitely one of the best options if one would opt to spend his or her well-deserved free time in a tropical island. Boracay Island's guarantee of satisfaction has been proven since the time of its discovery until this very day. Yes, Boracay is indeed a paradise!
Bacolod is popular among Filipinos as the City of Smiles. Found in the Visayas group of islands more particularly in the Panay Island. This quiet and unassuming city is just an hour’s flight away from Metro Manila. However, its nearest airport is in its neighboring city of Silay, Bacolod is just thirty minutes away by private car.
Once you reach Bacolod, you are welcomed by the warmth of its inhabitants. A walk along downtown Bacolod can bring you just about anywhere. Its plaza is a great place for musings as you admire the city’s simple landscaping. Malls are just a stone’s throw away as well as localized tiangges to satisfy the bargain hunter within.
The primary means of transportation in the city is via the jeepney. Although its jeepneys look a little bit different from those seen in Metro Manila, these jeepneys are pretty much the same. It wouldn’t take you minutes before you learn the vernacular as to how to stop the jeepney or to give your payment.
One must try in Bacolod is its chicken inasal. Why the Ilonggos, those in Bacolod are commonly called, even have their own haven of chicken inasal that they fondly called Manukan Country. Manukan is the Ilonggo term for chicken.
Feast your eyes on a series of simple stalls all serving chicken inasal. Chicken inasal is barbecued chicken with the Ilonggos own kind of marinade. These are served on a banana leaf with white rice mixed with garlic. And if you should try the chicken inasal, you might as well try it the way the Ilonggos try it! Drizzle chicken oil generously on your rice and dip your chicken in a mixture of sili (local chili), vinegar and soy sauce. It is absolutely delicious.
Sampling the chicken inasal in Manukan Country is definitely better than any other commercialized representation of the inasal in Bacolod. Its simplicity is what gives it that edge.
Just an hour away from Bacolod’s city proper is Mambukal Resort. The resort is located on a mountain. Hot springs could be found all over the resort. It is said that these springs have a therapeutic effect on those who try it. Be careful though because the resort also offers several safety measures to visitors.
Another sidetrip that one can try at the resort is a trek to visit the seven falls. As the name suggests, seven falls can be seen during the hike. These falls offer cool and calming water to every Bacolod visitor.
These are just some of the attractions one could find in Bacolod. Of course, all these are best enjoyed among the Ilonggos who never seem to fail to smile.