Caraga...rising paradise

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

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:27:00 +0000

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.

photos courtesy from Jocelyn E. Morano

Butuan City - Kahimunan Festival, a Success Despite Heavy Downpour

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:51:00 +0000

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.

photos courtesy from Jocelyn E. Morano

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

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:04:00 +0000

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.

photos courtesy from Jocelyn E. Morano

Bislig City – a city by the bay

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:55:00 +0000

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

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

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

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:28:00 +0000

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.

Caraga And The Sunset

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 06:26:00 +0000

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

Caraga Parks – natures finds its way through the parks

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Sun, 31 May 2009 06:38:00 +0000

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

Caraga Night Haven – a videoke fanatic and addict

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Fri, 29 May 2009 03:16:00 +0000

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

Discounted Airfare – a boom for untouched caraga

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:33:00 +0000

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.

Proposed Butuan International Airport

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.

Jumping Season – caraga goes to manila at mall of asia

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Sun, 24 May 2009 05:31:00 +0000

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.

Traveling Around Caraga – a damn fine thing to happen

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Wed, 13 May 2009 07:20:00 +0000

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

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

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

A White Line Shoreline

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

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

The Islet and the Wild Adventures I’ve Got

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

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

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

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

Part of Adventures

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

Exchanging Vows at Caraga – getting the best of it everywhere

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Fri, 01 May 2009 13:31:00 +0000

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

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

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

Happiest Moments In Your Life

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

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

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

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

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:17:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peso Devaluation and the Side-Effects - cheaper hotels in caraga, and others

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 04:16:00 +0000

Caraga hotels are much cheaper whose accommodation in Las Vegas is at par, due to peso devaluation in recent years. If you are from America or Europe the currencies such as euro and dollar are making big waves against Philippines peso. This in turn makes the peso weak, and resulted to devaluation. Devaluation of peso will affect the value of any products and services. In my own analysis it will simply increase the price of importation products and the lower value of prices of exportation products.

The Law of Supply and Demand is the most fundamental basic of economics. Since currencies manipulation in the market are getting high and having a backlash, then I will consider the Law of Supply and Demand is freezing at this moment since the forces that make currencies in the market unstable from time to time. This will make prices jump high without notice. While the foreign markets tend to be benefitted from the currency explosion, it makes them to become a powerful asset in terms of exportation of our own products.

In my own country the Philippines, we survive the economic plague brought about the peso devaluation due to the increased demand of exports, tourism industries, and the remittances of our OFWs. This is the key to victory. This is a square-off to manage economic onslaught from time to time when peso slides to its lowest level.

Like the in-demand products of agricultures, electronics, and minerals, these things will become the top assets in Philippine exports because of being a lower price compare to other competing countries.

And, of course, tourism is also a key to economy. Yes, foreign visitors love them coming to Caraga to explore natures. Products and services in a hotel where they stay are the most in-demand in tourism for being such affordable in prices like the demand of cheap hotels in Toronto and accommodation in Las Vegas. You can not keep yourself away from the beauties that have shown here, and have a great escape.

Jumping Season - Caraga goes to Manila at Oceanarium

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:42:00 +0000

Here’s another jump from Caraga the way I did at Duka. Jumping season is another challenge because you have to track yourself the adventures that goes outside Caraga. The challenge is knowing stranger place, and here I’m getting trap at the most in-demand visit of Manila – the Ocean Park.

My friend got the oblivion visits...

I just excited when I went to this place with my two friends of mine who are also ecstatic to explore the best of ocean’s world. At the entrance, there were no fishes but a massive line up of people with their kids. Kids populated the whole scenery, and I’m also thinking of my little kids and I know they love this place too – exploring the best of the ocean’s world.

While I am getting a globe challenge here, it is clear to note that Philippines were surrounded with large bodies of seawater, and so, surrounded with different marine species as well. Abundance of seafood makes it a large percent of fish eater Filipinos.

Bahura Entrance

When I entered Bahura entrance, I dragged myself into a very cool atmosphere and feeling it like at the deep of the ocean. That’s the best of ocean world!

Here you witness different marine species that some of them you have not seen it in real life only in TV. Those creatures undersea remind me of my escape at Bagacay. The Bagacay escape making it the real turning of events the relationship between me and those sea dwellers.

Seeing those lovely creatures makes you feel that there are quiet friends out there who help you how to manage stress in life. Yes, just seeing those for hours and you will forget everything even those the bitter parts of day in your life, try to look the lovely swim and bitter became sweet. The money you have spent 400 pesos per head are worthy enough the value you have received, and it is more than that, it is a priceless possession. You can not buy happiness when you are at the deep of the ocean, really.

Well Not Just For Ocean Dweller

They are transforming the place not just for an ocean dweller but also for supermall lovers. Well this is just a perfect place for nature lovers combine forces of shopaholic individuals. The timing is right. Leisure is taking place in a one-stop shop affair.

Aside from the scenic marine dweller, after the tour, kids will be given an insight of what they learn and what they see. There will be an educational showcase with the arts expressing the beauty and respect of those creatures under the sea. Kids are enjoying a lot.

It’s family bonding time. There are problems in our life that can be that is sticky to loose but can be split in a seconds. Here it can split in seconds, and gone. The color of the story on how oceanarium affects our way of life is not on the group of fishes how they bonded together in one place. How sweet when I see them swimming together. But the lovely scene was when a child speaks to his parents, and parents do the same, the happiness reflects in their face is immeasurable enough. This will surely push a tight bonding, or else, bridging the gaps for those who are in breaking.

Caraga and the Caraganon Way of Life – how to connect them as one

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 04:07:00 +0000

It is very important to note that the way of life in Caraga can be understood through connecting ourselves in one setting. By the way, you can be part of Caraga and the Caraganon way of life by having you as part of the team, and that is be a part of networking site for friends and others.

I have submitted myself through different networking sites that are tantamount to knowing the culture of others. In this way, I have in mind a site that is for unity in one blood and one culture, one history and one way of life. I prefer myself to launch another site for this. And I’m in humble to say I can do it in the future to make go for reality of my dream.

Presently, I have a keen for this beautiful site the Jurnl.com. Although, it is newly launched last February, 2009, it has powerful features like the integration of iphone for mobile blogging and photo sharing that is unique from others.

Nowadays, the evolution of networking sites involves the most important thing like sending messages and articles where ever you are. That is the convenient way if you are far away from your love machine – the laptop mania. Yap, this is the best way in connecting yourself to others, especially connecting the Caraga and the Caraganon way of life.

I have already bought a domain name for this, and in the future I have visualized that it will be for one society. Shout for yourself when you became a member, and discovered a new country for Caraga.

Go Caraga!

Family Trip to Masao Island – pieces of history in caraga started in mazaua

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 06:00:00 +0000

We have decided having a side trip with my family to Masao Island. Just a purely family affair having we call it bonding time for all of us – me, my wife, and my two little angels. Going to Masao Island is the only thing that I have in mind since it is the best place to refresh you, and become in love with nature again. This is how I love Caraga.

Masao Island is found in barangay Masao which is one of the 86 barangays of historic Butuan City. It faces Butuan Bay and at the back was Masao River. I think the only place in Butuan City that is a beach resort, and to think that Butuan has 86 barangays, so sad to think that only two are on the coastlines and one of them was barangay Masao where Masao Island located.

In history, its old name was Mazaua Island. Almost the same tone of Limasawa Island of Leyte that is both names fighting the history of where the first mass was held in the Philippines.

Happy Faces of People

I remember 15 years ago when I went to this island, it is just a quiet place to see – no cottages and few peoples roaming around particularly the fishermen and their family to search food in the sea. And now when I came back, peoples are everywhere and the shorelines were lots of cottages lined-up. Peoples are keep coming from the city and enjoy their journey here.

One particular development was the construction of bridge along the river that makes it easy accessible to the island unlike before it is just a wooden bridge. Those beach goers diverted from neighboring town beach resort to Masao Island since it is closer than anything else.

With my family we enjoyed so much just like taking vacation away from home. The peoples that surrounds can never compare the feelings when they came here. It’s all fun, and forgetting those hustles and bustles behind. People all walks of life diverge in one setting. Butuanons and caraganons are really peaceful and fun-loving peoples.

Although the setting was cloudy, I have here the dramatic shot.

The sand was fine but not fine white sand like what I did in Siargao. But capturing the beauty is not in the sand but the happy faces of peoples that surround us.

This town folk serenaded us with his invented bamboo-made xylophone.

My little angels on the loose…

The Tone of History

Two Butuan kings, Rajah Siagu and Rajah Colambu were brothers who ruled Butuan in pre-Spanish times. When these two Butuan kings met, they proceeded to Mazaua Island (now known as Masao) as their hang-out for fishing and swimming. They devoted their time in Mazaua Island as bonding time like we did with my family and the rest of butuanons.

When Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan came on March 29, 1521, they met and settled in Mazaua Island where they established the first ever recorded blood compact in the history of the Philippines. Then on March 31, 1521 before Magellan left, a mass was held offered by Fr. Pedro Valderrama before the two Butuan kings, and later on, became the celebrated First Easter Mass in the Philippines (not Limasawa of Leyte as disproved by Geo-morphologists and Archeologists).

The footnote of history between Masao and Limasawa of Leyte is when chronicler in one’s of Magellan men calling it as Mazaua. The name itself provided the changes at the end by calling it as “masao” instead of adding”li” in “limasawa” which is telling us as Masao today and not Limasawa of Leyte.

Sometimes I have to think, ‘history is a mystery’ to me until proven guilty.

Caraga and the Gettysburg

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:11:00 +0000

Caraga has a complete trip for nature lovers as they come and go here. But when I stumbled at Gettysburg Camping, I glued myself here. It is just a tempting paradise that nature lovers love so much. One thing for sure, they have a complete line of facilities from the old place to modern stature of life. You can go to anywhere in the world but here in RV Camping Gettysburg you can find the best anything about nature and family togetherness in one set of harmony.

It has more than 215 camp sites in PA RV Camping although Caraga has that kind of number and some are waiting to be discovered but here has an excellent trip. Why? Because of its combine living of old and modern camping style that captures the spirits of adventurers and nature lovers. Like going to a forest where swimming pools exist or children’s playground, or have fun with motorhome for a ride and stay to the coolest place, or dwell with different cottages and open your laptop for surfing. That is just a list of the many more activities in the wooded area.

Your family is the source of your inspiration. Share them the beauty of nature that makes them happy, feel safe and comfortable that makes this place a second home to them. Or else, you have to find the other way around, and go back to a place where population dwells and tear yourself down.

Caraga and the Camping Spell – a place for first class encampment

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:35:00 +0000

When I learned in 1995 that the Girl Scouts of the Philippines held its national encampment in Sta. Ana, Tubay, in the province of Agusan del Norte, well I can say it that it has the best location, and the best of natures for everyone who loves natures and adventures. Embracing the uniqueness of nature in Tubay not just for campfire in the evening but during the day you can do kayaking, water sliding, hanging bridge crossing, or else trekking in the mountain. You can do anything you want until you became exhausted. Or else, if not for these things, I will jump to rv park nc – another host for nature lovers.

I was a member of Boy Scouts of the Philippines way back in my elementary years. We went to Looc, Tubay for an encampment, and there experienced mountain trekking and sea diving. Looc was named for a place because it was hidden by mountains, at the foot of the mountains were beaches embraced by the sea with the lovely sunset. I went to the top of the mountains, and all you can see was large body of blue water trimming to the horizon and feel the crisp sea air coming.

In the early morning, we went to the sea and submerge into the clear cold beaches of Looc. Later lots of dolphins began to emerge and making tweaking sounds that everyone loves to see and hear. Whew! That was the best of natures. When you appreciate the beauty of nature like the one in nc rv parks, or jumping to rv park north Carolina, it makes you closer to natures and became a lovers. I will never forget the kind of experiences when I was at Looc. It was a starting point of my career and getting the diploma, well a certified nature lover.

Tinuy-an Falls – niagara of caraga II

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 07:13:00 +0000

It’s been sometime that I’ve been for a while gazing memories back when I conquered this falls a year ago that started from the first lane of layers then climbed at the top of it. The memories are worth nothing but real treasure. Now I’m back to the amazing place which is called Tinuy-an Falls. Possibly, the widest falls in the Philippines.

It’s My Second Post

I remember my first post about Tinuy-an Falls full of wonder how it was discovered when a story came out. When you enter the center of a thick covered virgin forest, falls were nowhere else but when cleared everything magnificent falls started to emerge before your naked eyes. That was the logging boom in the 60s and 70s when the story started. Well a story started easily from the scratch but it turned out to be an added fascination and attraction for curious individuals out there who don’t know about Tinuy-an Falls. For those who do not know the story of Caraga, well it will add color to your curiosity about the land of the brave, and became a frequent visitor here.

I have gone to different falls in Agusan del Norte with its beautiful mountain ranges. Even the dominated flat lands of the historic Butuan and the Shangri-La adventures of Surigao del Sur, I can tell you simply amazing, but you can not resist the beauty of Tinuy-an Falls. It makes me a crazy person, and easily lost all my 2 gigs of digicam for wild shots of different angles.

On The Road To Redemption

It started with a bumpy ride for almost an hour from the heart of Bislig City. I was stuck with my friends in an old jeepney ride that turns out to be over crowded that some of us became a sandwich. The backache, headache, butt ache and some kind of ache turned out to be so vulnerable whenever the vehicle jumps from the rocky and hollow portion of the road. Well, I will tell you its part of adventure to an unknown place beyond.

But when we reached Tinuy-an Falls all of the ache vanished. Tiredness and weariness lost when you saw the scattered glistening white falling like crystal that crushed into the rocks, so big and wide as mountains. The sound of the falls is more than a music, you will never get tired of listening. The place was surrounded with thick green trees that refresh your eyes that were strained too much from the exposure of computer screen. And here, you will forget everything. It makes you a renewed person: body and soul.

I remember Siargao escapade. You can see the beauty of nature between seas and mountains, the escape route was the beaches. But here, it is not, you must be at the center of the forest, and find the magnificent view of nature that captures your eyes so much – the gigantic flow of water from the top of the mountains.

A Three-Layered Falls

You can see the first batch of water that falls from the top of the mountain. The first layer…

The second layer is the most gorgeous because of its highest fall. Wanna know where my friends are….let’s move closer…

Get closer…follow the red marking…

Gotcha!

The third layer is the first you can see after moving out from the vehicle I am in.

To sum up all in all, here’s the whole world of Tinuy-an Falls.

I find it very interesting when Tinuy-an Falls of Caraga turns out to be the Niagara of Caraga. Someday, Tinuy-an Falls will be remembered as Tinuy-an of Niagara. Err, I think, they are both the best of natures.

You can reach Tinuy-an Falls for almost 1 hour from the heart of Bislig City and from Butuan City to Bislig City for 5 hours by bus.

Travel Caraga – the most important things that go with me

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 13:54:00 +0000

Travel is the most exciting part in going to the place that you have not been before, or in a place that is rare to you. When I went to Manila a month ago just an exciting part was an unusual place to me although I’ve been here six times. The urbanization and modernization of a certain place sometimes alienated you compare to a place you have grown naturally, especially a certain place that is a paradise…yes, Caraga.

That night I have prepared the best luggage I’ve got. For tomorrow it will be a place of concrete streets, high rise buildings, and heated weather conditions, and even the smoke belching of a millions vehicle that paraded you most in the streets. Time is also a constraint because of monstrous traffic along EDSA. This is how you witness metropolis Manila. Well, I’m sorry Manila, this is the way I see it!

While in Manila, the strain and stress makes me a disastrous person, and you have to adjust the way of life. These are the things that I have to defend myself: kremil-s and diatabs. Although, I have vitamins and minerals in my unique designed bag but obviously I have to clear my stomach first. This is the weakest part of me since being a young child.

I am going through a lot of things when going to a busiest place, and you must have to prepare yourself physically. That’s why when I went also to other places in Caraga, well these two medicines are all part of my menu, and they are there in the most secret compartment of my dedicated bags.

Sometimes I have to think when I’m grow old, still in my mind the dependency of taking those medicines. Can’t take away how you can cope up yourself without them. Or else your cells gonna die slowly as time goes by.

Anyway, it’s been a threat when strain and stress makes me a disastrous person, if not a useless person when going to stressful metropolis Manila. Anyway, modernization is part of it, and it will takes place soon in a paradise Caraga, maybe for the third generation to come. I am convinced that modernization and tourism will be the main objectives for Caraga to succeed to become a tourist hub in the future. At the start, modernization should be an environment friendly in a form of travel facilities and communications, even you have the best laptops as a tool for invitation globally. At the end, tourism will become the recipient all in all.

Surfing Siargao – the scenic goes even at summer for different breaks

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 05:41:00 +0000

Surfing Siargao will never cease even at summer. That’s how the beauty of Siargao. If you can’t surf the Cloud 9 then goes for another surfing breaks. Discover the whole breaks in Siargao…until it breaks you.

Be prepared when you go for the action. If you are beginner choose the area that is suit for you, or else go to Tuason Left.

Nevertheless, if you are skilled have some more fun and adventures jump to Barangay Pacifico.

For unisex adventures and good for beginners when small go to Jacking Horse.

Stimpies is a good for left hander, perfect tropical surf.

Rock Island is best for right hander with so much fun.

My friend told me that Dako waves also started gaining ground for neophytes. Yes, possibilities are endless. You can even find out there are other secret breaks that awaits you. Just make a magnificent tour around Siargao and became a breaks discoverer if not a surfer.

When I went to Siargao, of course the famed Cloud 9, I felt so lucky seeing giant waves forming for the first time before my eyes. A lot of Australian surfers getting in with their surfboards and wetsuits make them a pro. The Caraganon are also making big in this field of sports when drawn into competition. Yes, because it is an inborn gift for Caraganon having surfing sites in Caraga.

I have seen surfers with their wetsuits, and it makes my thumbs up. Unfortunately, we don’t have a complete store for surfing equipments unlike the demand for park city ski rentals for snow player, or the professionally sound deer valley ski rentals for winter spree. It is the best treat for online reservations when dealing with the best equipments. I hope we can do the best surfing online for Caraga in regards to surfboards, wetsuits, and other surfing accessories then after that you can jump the surfing water in Siargao.

I dreamed of myself becoming a surfer. When you go to this kind of sports activities, your body drained not just for physical but the excitement when flying above the level of water. The clear blue water splashes you in the midst when you can not make it. And there is nothing else except when you made it you’ll become a star…and healthy…and slimmer.

And when you retire in the late afternoon or even at 6:00 pm, you retire clean and physically sound as well, and have a nice sleep. A true value when you go into surfing.

There are a lot of important things when you go into surfing, and one important thing is that you go with natures. Natures are your best friend this time. Not just the beauty of horizons, the islands, mountains, white sand beaches in Siargao but you played with nature by expressing yourself through surfing. Nevertheless, you can compete yourself happily with natures as well.

I remember the best surfing online for beaver creek ski rentals for snow player, can we have it here for Caraga for water breaks. Gee, I’m dreaming this time for another surfing activity.

Anyway, I am proud I was born in Caraga – a region of never ending adventures. Wish all your luck here!

Photos and infos courtesy from cloud9surf.com

Best Hotel for Caraga – how about sprouting world-class amenities?

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 09:52:00 +0000

When you are in Caraga, you can choose the best hotel and dine in with the sumptuous food that it can offer. Aside from that, Filipino hospitality can never be compared by any other means outside the realm of our beloved Philippines, a character that was molded by our forefathers centuries ago and was drawn in the life of every Filipino. You can also sense that when you are away it feels like home today. Sweet and cool atmosphere, yes, somewhat a combination of them all is the best hotel to show that kind of qualities that it will makes you go back… and back again.

When I attended the convention, of course, there is no other place like Balanghai or Almont Inland Resort in Butuan City, and the Gateway in Surigao City. You’ve got to pull you out from the world-weariness in Caraga. If these hotels are not here, If you can’t find the best hotel in Caraga, then I will jump myself to no other than Mayflower hotel in London, 10 minute walk from Hyde Park. Gee, that’s it, far away from home.

But thanks, since I was born and live in Caraga, a lot of beautiful things happen, the rise of tourism industries such as increase visiting domestic and international tourists, which in turn, hotel booking increases. The result, hotel number increases too, to feed up the increasing demand. Well, I dreamed the rise of world-class hotel like the one in Mayflower Hotel in central London. Sometimes I have to admit that I admire the already established Londoner heritage – preserving the cultures and arts in a hotel vicinities.

Getting the best of historical background as the same here with Caraga, you can find it in Balanghai featuring the history and culture of Butuanons in Butuan City. This kind of hotel shows the face of Butuanon in early times as 400 AD. Anyone will try to visit Balanghai, well, when you go home you know already how Butuan started in the pre-Spanish times.

Hotels are not only a place for living and dining but a place for learning as well. Yes, knowing the place where you go is an example of well success travel and adds your world in an uncharted place. Like it will add me if ever I go to a place like Mayflower Earls Court, that is a far away from me.

It is a beauty and money in a place when you have a break of yourself and retire in one of the best hotel in Caraga. I really love going to these places, of course, you have to prepare the savings in your pocket but the value of experience in a hotel like this one in Caraga cannot be measured by any circumstances since it is your second home. You feel secured and empty, peace of mind, and the flexibility are limitless.

Photos of Almont Inland Resort courtesy of butuanon.org

Sleepless in Caraga

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:23:00 +0000

It happened 2 months ago until now it shocked me all the way. It stopped me from hemorrhagic days of blogging for Caraga. The trauma has never been gone easily. It always reminds me the fear and sadness when I look at my baby who suffers from dengue hemorrhagic fever. When you are a father, you have to exert so much effort for the sake of you baby to survive, but nevertheless your being a father it makes go to the weakest part of your life, and all you have to do is cry.

The Pain Has Started

My 6-month old baby girl has been in fever for 5 days, I thought it as a simple illness normal for an infant. But during the sixth days, her temperature drops, and she is weak and always sleeps. I always cradle her till she relax and sleep, but when she awake, she vomited that drops all over my shirt. She is so frail and uneasy that I decided to send her to a nearby hospital in the afternoon.

At night, I was able to look the blood results at the Nurses Station, I found out that her platelets drops from the regular 150-300 to 90, I was so shocked because it alarmed me so much of the result. My wife, I see her started to cry in the ward. When our doctor came informed us that our daughter is suffering of dengue hemorrhagic fever. This time her platelet drops from 90 to 60 in just for two hours.

When I heard this, I approached our doctor and talk to her like a little man, with shaky voice and ask her will our baby survive this time. The doctor answer us slowly with a straight words that she is okay as long as we have to cope-up the falling platelets count up to 40, then prepare for two blood donors.

After hearing the words two blood donors, I felt cold and nervous since in my entire life I don’t have any donor of blood replacing my own blood, and this gonna happen of my very own baby of six months.

We have to monitor her platelet count every two hours. The tense and sadness overtakes us whenever the results of platelet count delivered to us. Sometimes I felt hopeless and being a father is losing some part of me. I thought of myself being the lowest father of all times. It seems I am losing the battle against the enemy that horrified my family.

Time flying so fast, we have to hurry-up catching for the remedy but the viruses ate her platelets so fast. She is weak and tired, and her eyes are bulging. The pain and suffering that we felt as parents so much there to hold as we look into the eyes of our baby. But I see in my baby’s eye that she is fighting for the major battle of her life. The next day her platelet drops to the lowest 35, and so I and my wife prepare for the worst. We have to get in the two blood donors to sustain the life of my baby.

Blood donors were sometimes difficult to find in a rush situation especially at the middle of the night. Even the same type of blood, you have to find the right person for cross-matching, and interview him for any background activities.

Light At The End Of The Tunnel

In the morning, new platelets were added in my baby’s bloodstream, and so, it is just a matter of relief for a couple like us. But her platelets continue to drops every five hours of monitoring. It seems the dropping is still there, and we always uneasy of the result until it reach the platelet count to 67. But our doctor assure us that our baby is now in the safe period since she now reach 3 days of the critical period. Our doctor assurance renewed our strength and our hope for our baby to be with us forever.

You can really feel how important this little angel in your life. For six months she was with us, and it is so difficult for us when she is back where she came from. We almost lost her. This time we are hoping for the best of her, and back her new form of life to us.

I really found out that the best place to make your heart happy, not in the beautiful place that your eyes can see, not even in paradise Caraga, but the real tourist destination is a place that we call it home.

But most of all we thanks God for His help and guidance during those times of trials and sufferings that happened in my family.

The Culprit

According to the study, I found out that dengue hemorrhagic fever is caused by a dengue virus which is carried by Aedes aegypti mosquito that feeds during the day. To control the spread of dengue hemorrhagic fever, no stagnant clear water inside and outside your house that has an opening. Even a clear glass of water that is stayed for one week is dangerous because Aedes mosquitos lives and reproduce in clean water. In our house there were some bromeliads, a plant that forms receptacle when rain water comes. We should be careful anything that holds clean water, even those in our surroundings that we can see clean water exist. Well, these are just simple precautionary measures.

Travel Facilities for Caraga – dream of the future!

noreply@blogger.com (deejay) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 09:16:00 +0000

I have been in love with travel sites going places around the globe, the services, and the magnitude of access to different tourist destinations. This could be my latest haunt across the internet in searching for the best deals to anyone that loves traveling. I have been dreaming that Caraga will be listed in one of their destination sites, unfortunately, nothing you can search, and it seems it is a hidden paradise in the eastern part of the globe – untouched and unexploited. Yes, Caraga is a rising paradise that you love to exploit in the near future.

photo of NAIA 2 Terminal - courtesy from skyscraperlife.com

In order to reach Caraga, three main important facilities are needed such as airport, seaport, and land travel. Airport is the most convenient of them all because it will carry you to the fastest of time. Besides it is the most demanded if it has the cheap flights than traveling in the water.

Although we have some marine boats to transfer passengers into an inter island escapade. Then, how about a world class cruise to suit the needs of the visiting tourists in Caraga? Come on, let me see it in the future. Land trip is one of the easiest things in going to a place that is in your mind. But when the road cut right away for another island, you have to take some boat ride. And there you can choose the best cruise facilities in your niche. How I wish for a cruise facilities in Caraga.

Flights direct from Manila posed significant value in reaching Caraga with now a total of 4 domestic flights in Butuan City which is the center of Caraga. The airport needs to be expanded in terms of infrastructure and modern technologies just to accommodate the needs of every tourist or visitors coming to the region. The Department of Tourism already reported last year the 5% increased of tourist arrival. By the way, do we need to have international flights here in Caraga? Yes, it is my dreamed someday that this thing will becomes a reality.

How I love seeing large and international aircraft started to operate in Caraga. Getting the best of Qantas and United airlines in the future. Nevertheless, it is appropriate to say that Caraga is an international tourist destination.