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One city serves as the gateway to the province while the other teaches us the joys of a simple life. These two cities in Misamis Occidental have its colorful history plastered around town. A casual morning or afternoon walk will give you a glimpse of the cities' colorful past that comfortably blends with the its modern development.
Ozamiz City is the gateway of northwestern Mindanao and is a gem for its history and culture. From its shores to its hills, there is a touch of history to discover and enjoy. Oroquieta, on the other hand, is a city that is not a city. Its old town vibe slows down your pace to enjoy THE moment. It allows you to enjoy the a day without the usual hustle and bustle of city life. Get ready as we unravel the stories and the history behind the rustic ambiance of the cities of Ozamiz and Oroquieta. Ozamiz City: For Whom Its Bells Toll The city of Ozamiz was born from the old Spanish town of Misamis. Stradled along the shores of Panguil Bay, its location was a strategic vantage point to set a Spanish fortress to stand guard against pirate attacks coming from the Lanao area. It has blossomed through the years to become the center for economic growth in region. Ozamiz has its own tourism brand that is rooted in its rich history and the Catholic faith. More than just a gateway to northwestern Mindanao, it also prides itself as a historical, cultural, and pilgrimage destination. Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral At the heart of the city is the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral, the center of the Catholic faith in the city.  The Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral is the city's center of Catholic faith. The present church was built from the ruins of the original church that was destroyed by an earthquake. Its first design was one of the first works of Leandro Locsin with his unique style of circles, semi-circles, and squares which is still evident with the church's interiors.
One of the most treasured attraction of the church is its pipe organ - the only pipe organ in Mindanao. It was fabricated in Germany, was assembled in 6 weeks, and was inaugurated in July 1967. Bukagan Hill Bukagan Hill, located in the outskirts of the city, is a small hill that offers a beautiful view of the city. It is also starting to become a favorite morning or afternoon hiking spot by locals because of its accessibility.
The hill is also the home of the 4 great bells of Ozamiz - St. Peter, St. Marien, St. Joseph, and St. Michael. The bells were commissioned to be installed at the Imaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral, however, the combined 7-ton weight of the four bells was too much for the church's belfry. Since the construction of a new belfry was not feasible, the bells found its home at Bukagan Hill where it has remained silent for decades. Getting there: You can rent a tricycle or a habal-habal to go to Bukagan Hill. Ozamiz Seaside Road Cruising through the Ozamiz Seaside Road, I enjoyed a panoramic view of Panguil Bay and Lanao del Norte. The seaside boulevard is a diversion road, over a reclaimed area of the bay, connects the city's outskirt to Ozamiz Port.  The fossil of an old ship along the seaside road. Although the project is still in the process of completion, I could already see that it will be one of the city's main attraction because of the amazing view of the bay and the surrounding areas. In fact, business establishments are starting to pop up along the stretch of the road. Cota Shrine and Beach Built in 1755 to serve as a Spanish outpost, the Fuerte dela Concepcion y del Triunfo or the Cotta Shrine is a mute testament of the city's colorful history. The rectangular fort was built along the shores of Cota Beach with four outposts - San Fernando, San Jose, Santiago, and San Ignacio. The shrine served as a Spanish Command Outpost and a garrison during World War 2.  The Cotta Shrine is the prime tourism icon of Ozamiz City.
Just in front of the fort is a beach spot frequented by locals - the Cota Beach. Its black sand shores is a favorite spot for a quick beach chill or a quick beach dip. It offers an amazing panoramic view of Panguil Bay and Lanao del Norte.  Enjoying the morning sun and view of Cotta Beach. The shrine and the beach are currently undergoing a major facelift to accomodate the growing interest of tourist in the city. Apart from the beautification of the actual fort, a replica of a Spanish Galleon and a business complex is now under construction to help in attracting tourists and driving commerce in the area. Birhen sa Cota Once enshrined within the walls of the Cotta Shrine is the image of the Nuestra Senora dela Immaculada Concepcion y del Triunfo de la Cruz de Migpangi or the Blessed Virgin of Cotta. She is the patroness of Ozamiz City.  The miraculous image of the Birhen ng Cotta. On one the side of the fortress' wall is a carved image of the patroness which is believed to be miraculous. It is believed that the image is growing and has been an object of pilgrimage. The courtyard on this side of the fortress has been developed as a sanctuary for the faithful who visit the image. Ozamiz City Hall A ride away from the city center is the Ozamiz City Hall - the center of city governance. The complex sits along the main highway with the Mayor Bernard Memorial Hall as its main attraction.
The city's version of Rizal Park sits right across the city hall with a statue of Rizal as its main centerpiece. The open space park is currently under a beautification program. Old Houses of Ozamiz Exploring the streets of Ozamiz City will give you a glimpse of the old days of the city. It has a collection of heritage houses that transcend from the Spanish period to the American period.  A Spanish-period "Bahay na Bato" still in use and some of the city's old houses. Walking along Ledesma Street was like walking through a time capsule. The old soul in me got excited as the city treated me with its collection of heritage houses. From a Spanish-period bahay-na-bato to the 70's style of American-designed house, the city has managed to fuse these decades in one vibrant destination. Oroquieta City: Where City Life is Simply Re-defined An hour away from Ozamiz City is the city that defines the good life - Oroquieta City. It is a city that is not a city because its rustic and laidback vibe is a complete contrast to the chaotic city life that we are accustomed to. Oroquieta City has a unique place in Philippine history during World War 2 when it was made the capital of the Free Philippines in 1942. The city was also the host of President Quezon when he was being evacuated to Australia from Corregidor. It has managed to keep its stature in governance, only this time as the center of Misamis Occidental's provincial governance. Although it still remains almost unheard of when it comes to its tourism branding, Oroquieta is proud of its collection of its city attractions. Misamis Occidental Provincial Capitol True to its role in Philippine history, the city of Oroquieta is the center of governance in the province. My first stop during my short visit to the city was the sprawling complex of the Misamis Occidental Provincial capitol.  The Provincial Capitol of the Misamis Occidental.
The white-washed Capitol Building stood out as the main centerpiece of the local government compound in Oroquieta. The sprawling open-space park in front make the capitol building standout. The building architecture and the aesthetic design remind me of American-colonial influence. Oroquieta City Hall and City Plaza One of the things that really stood out during my exploration of Oroquieta City was its City Hall. The two-storey government office takes its home in a heritage structure (by the way it looks). It was a real beauty to appreciate.  The elegantly beautiful Oroquieta City Hall. Like most city hall complex in the region, an open-space park is located just right in front of the hall. The park had a statue honoring Rizal as its centerpiece and adjacent to it is the City Kiosk that is a common feature of American-colonial designed park. The park was a welcome relief from the midmorning sun that I enjoyed a quick break by just enjoying the view and the breeze.  Taking a break from all the walking at the Oroquieta City Park. The park sits adjacent to the shoreline of the city facing Iligan Bay. Independence Street is the city's version of a seaside boulevard where you can also enjoy a lazy afternoon by the beach. Holy Rosary Church The Holy Rosary Church sits right across the Oroquieta City Plaza. Just like most Philippine cities and town, the Catholic faith plays a crucial part in the city's humble beginnings. That is the reason why its location is strategically within the city center.
The church sits at the heart of its sprawling courtyard. A driveway leads you to the front of the church where you get to appreciate its simple facade highlighted by an image of Mother Mary. A three-storey belfry adjacent to the church completes the experience. Oroquieta City Hanging Bridge and Layawan River About two blocks east of the church is the Oroquieta City Hanging Bridge. A suspension bridge that traverses the Layawan River.  Enjoying the view at the Oroquieta Hanging Bridge. The hanging bridge is a must place to check out because it offers a panoramic view of Layawan River as it meets the waters of Iligan Bay. POST TRAVEL NOTES Ozamiz and Oroquieta are two unassuming destinations that has a colorful history to share. Both may not be popular tourism spots but its history and its unique city vibe make it a destination for travelers who want to have a different travel feel. Its tourism spots may even require a different kind of appreciation - one where you get to appreciate the simple old and laidback town feel. It is that kind of vibe where you just want to sit down at the park, watch the locals go for their afternoon run, and enjoy the "ooh-la-la" of being in the moment.  Getting ready to explore Rizal's influence in Mindanao. Yes, we have a lot of tourist spots that sweep us off our feet and, on the other end, there are also destinations that is best enjoyed for its rawness. Destinations that stand out not for its amazing tourist spots but for its unique blend of history, culture, and rustic hometown feel. It is these unassuming destinations that gives the Philippines the balance in its tourism ecosystem - the ones that keep us grounded that we cannot live without. Getting There: Philippine Airline and Cebu Pacific Air offer regular flights to Ozamiz City. From Ozamiz City, one can take a bus to Dipolog City at the Ozamiz City Integrated Bus Terminal and you can ask the driver to drop you off at Oroquieta City. From Pagadian City, one can take a bus to Ozamiz City at the Pagadian City Integrated Bus Terminal. Travel Notes: Here is my #ByahengPaDODO itinerary Day 1 (Pagadian City) 8.00am – Arrival at Pagadian via Cebu Pacific / Drop off bags at hotel. 9.00am – ETD to Pulacan Falls 9.30am – Pulacan Falls 11.00am – Brunch or Early Lunch (Suggested: Brew and Bake) 12.00nn – City Walking Tour (Santo Nino Cathedral Parish Church/Pagadian City Hall/ Plaza Luz / Zamboanga del Sur Capitol Building / Rotonda Park) 3.00pm – Isla Putting Balas / Dao-Dao Island 5.30pm – Walk around Pagadian Boulevard (You can also opt to do this in the morning to catch the sunrise) 7.00pm – Dinner then back at the hotel You can read my full Pagadian travel blog here. Day 2 (Pagadian City / Ozamiz City) 5.30a – Sunrise at Pagadian Boulevard. 7.00a – Breakfast and check out of the hotel. 8.00a – ETD for Ozamiz City 11.00a – ETA at Ozamiz City / Check-in at Hotel / Lunch 12.30p – Visit Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral 1.00p – Visit Bukagan Hill / Ozamiz Seaside Road 2.30p – Visit Cota Shrine / Cota Beach / Birhen sa Cota / Ozamiz City Hall 4.30p – Explore the streets of Ozamiz City (Heritage Houses) 7.00p – Dinner 8.00p – Back at hotel Day 3 (Oroquieta City) 8.00a – ETD to Oroquieta City 9.30a – ETA at Oroquieta City 10.00a – Visit Misamis Occidental Capitol Grounds / Oroquieta City Hall and Plaza / Holy Rosary Church / Oroquieta City Hanging Bridge 12.00n – Lunch at Payling’s
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The city sizzles in an amazing mix of urban and rural vibe as we navigated its streets. Its locals were already out doing their usual morning routine as my habal-habal coasted through the city center. From my vantage point, I caught a glimpse of Dapulisan Bay at the end of the the famous sloping boulevard of this city. Finally, I am finally exploring the city popular for its uniquely-angled tricycles - Pagadian City!  I finally explored Pagadian City after two years of planning. Pagadian City blossomed, from being a stopover town for traders plying the Zamboanga Peninsula, to become the second largest city the region. The city, nestled along sloping terrains, serves as the provincial capital of Zamboanga del Sur and gateway to the region through the Pagadian Airport. The city is relatively new in the tourism front and most of its destinations are off-beat and raw. But that did not stop us from my birthday exploration in search for its unadulterated attractions. Pulacan Falls The sound of the water cascade can already be heard from the highway. There are no signboards that direct you to Pulacan Falls. It was with the help of google maps that I figured where the jump-off point was but there were no visible trail leading to the falls. I asked one of the locals in the area who pointed to where I would find the trail to this beautiful waterfall.  Pulacan Falls is one of the hidden wonders of Pagadian City. Pulacan Falls is a waterfall located in Upper Pulacan, about 30-minutes away from city. Surrounded by forest cover, the lush greens hides the waterfall from full view along the highway. One needs to make a short two-minute trek through a dirt trail to get to its base where you get an amazing view of Pulacan Falls.
Water cascades in streams on a huge rock wall surface from the top, creating an image of an inverted fan. The water then flows downstream as a water source for irrigation. A small trail on the side leads up to the top of the falls.  Pulacan Falls is surrounded by trees and vegetation. Pulacan Falls is a real beauty to admire from its base. What makes it more appealing is its rustic feel that remains untouched despite its relatively easy access. You can enjoy the tranquility of the place while getting immersed with the sights and sound of nature. It is an unassuming beauty that managed to shy away from the eyes of most travelers. Getting there: Take to tricycle to Pagadian City Integrated Bus Terminal and hop on a bus bound for Ozamiz. Ask the driver to drop you off at Upper Pulacan. The trip takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Landmark is the Tabak Base on the right. Ask the conductor to drop you off at the waterfalls of Upper Pulacan. From the highway, you need to take a 5-minute hike on a dirt trail down to the waterfalls. Santo Nino Cathedral Parish Church Pagadian City's veneration to the Santo Nino de Cebu was due to migration of Christians to the area during the early 20th century. In 1938, the first Catholic church was established to cater to the spiritual needs of the new settlers. The site of the original church was right across the Plaza Luz.  The Sto. Nino Cathedral Parish Church is the center of Catholic faith in the city. The present-day church was built in 1968. Its simple green facade blends perfectly well to the simple and laidback feel of the city. Its interiors evoke the same feel with its elegance and a simple cross as the altar's main highlight. Large windows provide natural lighting inside giving the church a more homey feel.
On one area of the church's courtyard is a small altar that honors the image of the Santo Nino. Devotees honors their patron saint by offering a candle and a short prayer. Pagadian City Hall and Plaza Luz At the heart of city, the Pagadian City Hall is the center of local governance. Similar to most governance halls in the Mindanao area, the city hall sits on a vast area with a park situated in front of its main building. Our national hero, Rizal, is the highlight of the park with a globe underneath its pedestal.  The Pagadian City Hall is located at the heart of the city. Right across the city hall courtyard is the sprawling Plaza Luz. It is a huge area that features an open-space park. The main activity area features a clam-shaped stage where most of the city's activities are staged. Basketball courts are located beside the main activity area which indicates a strong thrust of the local government towards sports activities. Zamboanga del Sur Capitol Building Pagadian City, being the provincial capital, also serves as the home of the provincial government offices. The Capitol Building sits on one of slopes of Pagadian City, overlooking Dapulisan Bay.  Pagadian City serves as the provincial capital of Zamboanga del Sur.
The sprawling compound houses most of the provincial offices of national agencies. The compound also features a small park in front of its main building. Rotonda Park The Rotonda Park atop Bulatoc Hill offers a panoramic view of Pagadian City and Illana Bay. From the vantage point of the Rotanda Park, one can have a picturesque view of Pajares Avenue sloping down the hills of Pagadian City towards the bay.  A view of Pajares Avenue from the Rotunda Park atop Bulatoc Hill.
The park also offers horseback riding activities for its guests. It is undergoing improvements at the time aof my visit and I hope that, after these changes, the park will be able to offer its guests more activities in the future. Pagadian Iconic Tricycle Of course, one should not miss out a ride on Pagadian's iconic tricycles. The city's tricycles are inclined by 45 degrees for the utility vehicle to easily navigate the steep slopes of the city. The incline gives its riders a different feel.  The iconic Pagadian tricycle is designed with a 45-degree incline. I tried riding the tricycle both on the high end and low end, and each gave me a different feel. Riding at the front was more comfortable because of my height. But that did not stop me from trying out the back end of the tricycle. Isla Puting Balas Off the coast of Dapulisan Bay is a small white sand bar called Isla Puting Balas. The sandbar reveals itself only during the lowtide so right timing is necessary when you plan to visit Isla Puting Balas.  One needs to get the timing right when visiting Isla Puting Balas to enjoy its full beauty. It was a nice birthday treat in Pagadian. Isla Puting Balas is unspoiled and raw. It gives you that unique feel of being in the middle of the sea. The sandbar also gives its guest a nice view of Pagadian City from the sea. I was lucky to have the sandbar all for myself that afternoon - a cool birthday treat from Pagadian. The trip to Isla Puting Balas takes about 45 minutes from the San Pedro Port. One needs to charter a boat and one needs to make sure that your boatman knows how to get to Isla Puting Balas. You can contact Kuya Rico at (0948) 4859544 to make boat arrangments to the sandbar. Getting there: Take a tricycle to Port San Pedro where you can charter a motorized bangka to Isla Puting Balas. You can contact Kuya Rico at (0948) 4859544 for boat arrangements. Dao Dao Islands (Daku and Gamay) On the way back from Isla Puting Balas, I requested that we pass by the Dao Dao Islands - a popular beach destination of Pagadian locals.  A view of Dao-Dao Daku and Dao-Dao Gamay from Pagadian City.
Daku Gamay is the largest of the two islands located around 10 minutes from the port. Daku Gamay is actually a sandbar that emerges during low tide. Both islands were developed for tourists and locals with resort facilities. Guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the waters surrounding Dao-Dao Islands. Pagadian Boulevard Just before leaving for Ozamiz, I made a quick visit to the Pagadian Boulevard. The boulevard, located close to the seaport of Pagadian, is a favorite morning/afternoon spot of locals where they can do their regular exercise, relax and enjoy the view of the sea, or simply chill out and enjoy the evening breeze.  The Pagadian Boulevard is being developed as a leisure park for both locals and tourists. The boulevard still needs a little improvement on the business side to make it a watering hole for locals and guests. It is a great place where locals and tourists can converge to enjoy a quick morning run, a lazy afternoon sharing stories, or an evening cap off over a few bottles of beer. POST TRAVEL NOTES Every year I have always strived to explore a new destination during my birthday month. Pagadian was one destination that's been on my list for the past two years and I am happy that the city was my trip opener for my 2019 birthday trip dubbed as #ByahengPaDODO, short for Byaheng Pagadian-Dipolog-Ozamiz-Dapitan-Oroquieta.  Getting ready for my next adventure. Are you ready? Pagadian's beauty is raw and unadulterated. Most of its destinations still shy away from the eyes of the usual travelers. As I was doing my research and even during the actual trip, I always had to ask "San sa Pagadian?" to make sure that I don't get lost trying to find the spot that I am looking for. Pagadian still has a long way to go on its tourism front. There are still a lot to be explored and discovered - the small hills that rise from its flatlands, a waterfall hiding behind the trees, or the sandbar that requires an appointment to fully enjoy its beauty. What is good about having to explore these now is that you get to see and enjoy its raw beauty ahead of everybody else. Getting There: Philippine Airline and Cebu Pacific Air offer regular flights to Pagadian City. I highly recommend Chandler Suites for overnight hotel accomodations. Travel Notes: Here is the sample itinerary of a day trip in Pagadian City. #ByahengPaDODO Day 1 (Pagadian City) 8.00am – Arrival at Pagadian via Cebu Pacific / Drop off bags at hotel. 9.00am – ETD to Pulacan Falls 9.30am – Pulacan Falls 11.00am – Brunch or Early Lunch (Suggested: Brew and Bake) 12.00nn – City Walking Tour (Santo Nino Cathedral Parish Church/Pagadian City Hall/ Plaza Luz / Zamboanga del Sur Capitol Building / Rotonda Park) 3.00pm – Isla Puting Balas / Dao-Dao Island 5.30pm – Walk around Pagadian Boulevard (You can also opt to do this in the morning to catch the sunrise) 7.00pm – Dinner then back at the hotel
The iconic boardwalk of the island loomed ahead of us as we disembarked at the resort's pier. The view of the white sand beach and its turquoise waters was a perfect summer scene. The island's landscape dramatically changed years after it was devasted by a super typhoon that left its residents migrating back to the mainland.  The iconic boardwalk of Lakawon Island is the first to greet you when you arrive in the island. Lakawon Island is a small island resort off the northern coast of Cadiz City in Negros Occidental. The island was once a sleepy fishing village with a beautiful white sand coast where locals would head off to rough it out and chill. But super typhoon Yolanda changed the island's landscape permanently from a local hotspot to one of the most promising beach destinations in this side of the country. Lakawon comes from the Cebuano word "lakaw" which means "to walk" and walking is the operative word on this banana-shaped island. There are no other means of going around but with your feet as you enjoy the beauty of the island. Let me walk you through the things that we enjoyed when we spent the night at Lakawon Island. BoardWALK Lakawon Island's boardwalk is the most iconic spot in the island. It gives you a panoramic view of the island on one end and a dramatic view of the sea and Negros island from the other. It is a photogenic spot so it is not surprising that a lot of guests take a lot of time to get that perfect shot.  Lakawon's boardwalk is probably the most photographed spot on the island. The boardwalk is the most photographed spot above and below its platform. The visual appeal of an endless walkway makes a dramatic backdrop for photos. They even installed a swing to make the views more dramatic. Capturing a flawless picture can be a challenge though as you expect guests to flick and take their time on the boardwalk. Go for a leisure WALK to Westpoint After taking a photo fill of Lakawon's Boardwalk, take a 15-minute walk to Westpoint. The walk, through the paved pathways of the resort, will give you a glimpse of the island's developments. Westpoint is the island's activity center where you can try your hand on windsurfing.
Westpoint's main attraction is its sandbar. Low tide reveals its white sand coast that stretches out to its turquoise waters. We had a great time walking its shoreline, getting our pictures, and enjoying a panoramic view of Panay Island. A small hut was our refuge from the sun. WALK around Tawhai Floating Bar You can enjoy the Lakawon's chill vibe aboard the Tawhai Floating Bar. Considered to be the largest floating bar in Asia, it is a great place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beach vibe while having a cold drink and an afternoon snack. The deck was designed with foam mattresses and large pillows where guests can lounge around. And if you feel like taking a break from doing nothing, you can jump off the bar into the cool blue waters of the Visayan Sea.  Enjoying the view of Lakawon from the Tawhai Floating Bar. We stayed on the lounge area by edge of the bar where we had a full view of Lakawon Island. The cool sea breeze and the afternoon sun were the perfect combination for a laidback afternoon chill. We enjoyed sitting by the edge of the bar and watching a school of small fish doing their run. The whole experience was both fun and relaxing. WALK and Wade Of course, walking along the white sand shores of Lakawon is a must. Beach bumming is a perfect activity to do when you find yourself in Lakawon Island. Both Asher and I did not mind getting a tan and enjoying a dip in its cool waters. We had a grand time diving and searching for starfish and trying to swim with the small fish.  A Lakawon visit is not complete if you don't get to enjoy its cool waters. If you are staying overnight, take the time to slowdown and just watch the beauty of the sunset. Get mesmerized by the beauty of the skies as it changes color hues. Work your way to beach and capture your silhouette shot with the dramatic sunset skies of the island. I have to say that Lakawon has one of the most visually amazing sunsets that I have seen.
You can also wake up early to catch the sun rising on the other side of the island. Take the time to walk and explore the more rustic side of Lakawon and you'd be amazed with the different facet and charm of the island. SleepWALK Staying overnight at Lakawon Island is not a problem. They have bamboo hut accommodation to airconditioned rooms. We opted to go rustic with the bamboo hut accommodation and Lakawon did not disappoint. The hut was well maintained and the comfort rooms were beyond expectations.  We had a good night's rest in one of the Bamboo cottages of the island. It is safe to go around Lakawon Island even at night. You can walk along the shore and find your spot to gaze at the stars. The island is a perfect spot for stargazing.
And after a day of fun and frolicking under the sun, you can then catch a comfortable night's rest in the tranquil and peaceful vibe of Lakawon Island. POST TRAVEL NOTES The operative word in Lakawon Island is "walk". You explore and discover its beauty by walking around the 13-hectare sandbar. You let your feet enjoy the feel of its white sand shoreline and you let it cool down by wading into its cool waters. It is a place where you either let your feet dangle by the edge to enjoy the beauty of the sea or you raise it to relax and chill while having a cold drink on hand. Lakawon Island is a destination that frees your mind and body from your usual daily grind.  Fooling around with photos! The "pagod" shot. Rising from the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda, Lakawon Island is another example of how Filipinos stand up after a calamity. The fishing village has now turned into a promising and exciting tourist destination that, not only showcases its natural and man-made attractions, but has also provided locals with economic opportunities. I hope that its ongoing development will spawn a better economy in the area and that it will continue to provide opportunities to its locals every step of the way. Tara... lakaw 'ta! Getting There: Bacolod City is the closest gateway to Lakawon Island. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have regular flights to Bacolod-Silay Airport. You can then take a van to Bacolod City and asked to be dropped off at the Bacolod North Bus Terminal where you take a bus bound for Cadiz City and ask the driver to drop you off at the Burgos Public Market. Travel time is approximately 1 hour. You can then take a tricycle at the Burgos Public Market for Lakawon Island. It will take another 45 minutes to the Cadiz Viejo, the jump-off point to Lakawon Island. Travel Notes: Lakawon Island charges an entrance fee of Php350 per head that covers the entrance fee and the boat trips to and from the island. The resort operates through a cash card system and you can reload the card provided at the resort’s office on the island. Tawhai Floating Bar charges an entrance fee of Php285. You can check out the Facebook page of Lakawon Island for their accommodation rates and other details.
Trips are never complete without having a fill of the flavors of your destination. The sights and the sounds of the place are best complemented by the yummy treats that give you that comforting full tummy. Always remember... mahirap mamasyal ng gutom.  Foodspotting in this region is an adventure in itself. Talagang nakaka-buSOX! Mindanao is not only a destination worth exploring for its beauty and culture. It is a food haven that gives you a taste of its local cuisines and popular dishes, made even better with their own twist. Our travel did not only amaze us with natural and man-made beauty but it also had our palates enjoying a rice meal that has become a personal favorite, a salad with a mango twist, fresh seafood, and an amazing steak treat. Pastil If Cebu has its popular "puso", Mindanao gets its fill on the "pastil" - a complete meal of rice and adobo chicken flakes wrapped in banana leaves. This "rice meal" is a staple in Mindanao and it goes well with inasal or grilled chicken or boiled egg. You can also add soy sauce for that extra flavor.  Pastil is a local dish that has become a personal favorite. I had my first taste of Pastil last year when I took a trip to Mati in Davao and it quickly became a personal favorite. I loved how the salty flavor overwhelms the palate that would make you want more. So when I saw it in one of the stalls of Cotabato City's barbecue stands, I had to satisfy my taste buds. Cotabato City: Reese Resto Tucked along Cotabato City's Quezon Avenue, Reese is an unassuming restaurant that will definitely make you say "wala bang hindi masarap dito?"
Reese is a highly recommended restaurant in Cotabato City and, after a great meal, we totally agree! The Mango Shrimp Salad is a must try. The unique flavor of sweet mango puree and toasted sesame seeds on shrimp and lettuce had me at first bite. I enjoyed our shared meal of baked mussel and baby back ribs. We capped off the meal with a great dessert of ice cream cake. Again, everything here is worth trying.  Their Mango Shrimp Salad is one of the best that I have tasted. I am still working on replicating the recipe. Reese Restaurant really stood out for me during our visit in Cotabato City. It is important to note that the restaurant closes early like most establishments in the city. But it is a great way to cap off a visit in the city of Cotabato. Lake Sebu: Tabaculde Restaurant Locals of Lake Sebu claims that the lake produces the tastiest Tilapia in the region so do not be surprised to see a bustling tilapia aquaculture industry in almost every corner of this town. It is a common sight to see small fishponds of live tilapia in most of its restaurants. We asked our guide, Kuya Ronald, to bring us to where we can try the best tasting tilapia cusine in Lake Sebu. And so he brought us at the Tabaculde Restaurant.  A lakeside view of Lake S'bu.
Void of the usual flair, this makeshift restaurant along the highway claims to have the best crispy tilapia in town. So we ordered their specialty of crispy tilapia and matched it with Tilapia in curry sauce and they did deliver. I guess, a great meal of freshly caught tilapia is the best way to cap our Lake Sebu adventure. General Santos City At this point, let me give General Santos City a thumbs up for being a runaway winner for our foodspotting. This city may not have the usual collection of tourist attractions but it is a goldmine for foodie explorers! The city has a very wide selection of restaurants to choose from at whatever time of the day. You will never go hungry in this city.  General Santos is a food haven. Tiongson Arcade is said to be a great food stop in the city. Fisherman's Wharf Resort After an early morning immersion at the GenSan Fish Port, you can enjoy a quiet brunch of fresh seafood at the Fisherman's Wharf Resort. Located on the southern end of the GenSan Fish Port compound, the resort is an oasis after all the rush at the port. You can enjoy a quiet meal of grilled fresh tuna panga matched with mixed seafood in curry.
You can enjoy a laidback late morning rest and enjoy the cool breeze from Saranggani Bay. If you are feeling the rush, you can hop on and enjoy the inflatable island a few meters from its shore. The resort gives you that calm beach vibe complete with nipa huts and sandy shores. Southern Brew Coffee and art speak of class and that is exactly what Southern Brew is all about. Located along Osmena Avenue, this cute and cozy cafe is a great place to chill and relax after a full day of exploring the city of GenSan. They have local coffee flavors that you get to enjoy while you browse through your photos of the day's action.  Southern Brew is a perfect coffee spot in the city.
What made me fall in love with the place was it also serves as a venue for local artistry with artworks displayed prominently inside the cafe. You get to enjoy a cup of coffee, chill out, and get creativity flowing with the artworks around you. Now, that is perfect! Best part of the whole experience is that you get to support local enterprises. Roland's Steakhouse This unassuming restaurant along Catolico, Sr. Avenue prides itself as a GenSan brand for its steak experience. With a culinary heritage that dates back to the 1960's, Roland became a household name in the city for its burgers and steaks. The heirloom steak recipe easily becane a favorite among locals that it was dubbed as the "Home of the Best Steak in GenSan".  Roland's Steak is now a personal favorite. Yummy! You can still feel the vibe of Roland's humble beginnings when you eat at the restaurant. Its facade, void of the usual fancy, opens up to a simple restaurant with its interior designed to showcase the history. But its best piece to showcase is its steak! It is one of the best that I have tasted. It was oozing with the perfect flavor and tenderness. A definite must-try when you are in GenSan. Fire and Flavor Pizza Another unassuming foodspot in GenSan is the Fire and Flavor Pizza, popular for their flaming pizza... literally a pizza on flame. This watering hole is popular for its pizza and pasta. And yes, the pizza and pasta did not disappoint. For an extra hype, you can request to have your pizza on flame for an extra minimal charge.  Fire and Flavor is popular for its flaming pizza. It is literally on fire. Again, the pizza parlor is an unassuming restaurant with a facade that is void of any fancy that you would think that it is the usual run of the mill restaurant. But you will get to be amazed by its instagrammable interior and amazing food selection. POST TRAVEL NOTES From Cotabato to GenSan, we explored and discovered amazing destinations and enjoyed getting our fill of their own brand of food spots. I enjoyed a satisfying pastil breakfast with locals, admiring art works over coffee, or a heirloom recipe of my favorite meat dish. The region is bursting with a wide selection of food spots for every kind of palate.  Up next is another amazing summer beach adventure! Food and adventure are travel companions. Remember that after an exciting and exhausting exploration is a tummy that needs to be filled. It is also safe to say that tourist attractions share a part of the story of a particular destination. Food completes the experience whether it be a story behind a dish or the stories shared with locals over a meal. Getting There: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air have regular daily flights to General Santos City. You can take a jeep or a cab to SM City General Santos where you can take a van to Glan in Saranggani. Tricycle is the way to go around Glan. Sample Travel Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Cotabato City / Cotabato City Tour (Click here for details of the trip) > The Grand Mosque (Habal-Habal Contact: Mohammad Edsa - 0935 9063067) > People’s Palace > Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral > PC Hill and Tantawan Park > Old Cotabato City Hall > Cotabato City Plaza Day 2: Asik-Asik Falls, Alamada, Cotabato (Click here for details of the trip. Contact person for habal-habal arrangements from Midsayap: Jun Camap – 0919 4558958) Day 3: Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat Road Trip in the morning enroute to Lake Sebu. > White Mosque (Datu Odin Sinsuat) > Margues Blue Lagoon (Datu Odin Sinsuat) > Pink Mosque (Datu Saudi Amapatuan) > Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol (Isulan) Lake Sebu Walking Tour (PM) > Lake S’bu > T’Boli Museum > Lake Sebu Town Center Day 4: Lake Sebu Tour (Click here for details of the trip. Contact person for Lake Sebu Tour: Ronald Maguan – 0997 2482160). Travel to Glan in the afternoon. Day 5: Glan Tour (Click here for details of the trip.) > Lago Beach > Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church > Glan Municipal Hall > Taban Beach > Gumasa Beach Travel to General Santos City in the afternoon Day 6: General Santos City Tour (Click here for details of the trip.) > General Santos Fish Port > Queen Tuna Park > Pioneer Street > Plaza Heneral Santos > Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage > Tiongson Arcade Day 7: Early morning departure to Manila
Mention "General Santos" and two things come to mind - Tuna and Manny Pacquiao. These two has been the iconic association to this huge city down south that serves as the gateway to SoCCSKSarGen.  You get to experience a unique morning adrenaline rush in General Santos City. Formerly known as Dadiangas, the city was later renamed to General Santos to honor General Paulino Santos, a military man from Tarlac who pioneered the settlement when he led the first group of migrants to the area in 1939. The city developed tremendously from thereon becoming the region's center for commerce with a strong agro and fishing industry as its backbone. In fact, the city is the largest producer of sashimi-grade tuna in the country earning the monicker as the "Tuna Capital of the Philippines".
The city is a bustling community that is at par with Manila, Cebu, and Davao. It has its own mix of old and new businesses that give it both the urban and provincial vibe. We walked around to look for pocket destinations that will give us that unique GenSan fill. Plaza Heneral Santos and the GenSan City Hall At the heart of General Santos City is a sprawling park honoring the man that pioneered the settlement in the region – General Paulino Santos. Born in Camiling, Tarlac, General Santos led the first batch of migrants to the Lagao area of Koronadal where he helped establish the first batch of communities in 1939. These colonies would help drum roll the development in the area that gave birth to the present-day General Santos City.  The sprawling park at the heart of the city that honors the man behind the birth of GenSan. The centerpiece of the park is a valiant gold statue of General Santos and a historical marker that outlines his contribution in the birth of the city. This monument also serves as his final resting place together with his wife.
Looming on the background is the city’s center of governance – the General Santos City Hall. The government complex houses the various offices that provide basic services to the people of General Santos City. Pioneer Avenue If we Metro Manila has EDSA and Cebu has Colon Street, General Santos City has Pioneer Avenue as its main artery in the city. This main thoroughfare cuts across the city from the Plaza Heneral Santos down to beachfront area facing Saranggani Bay.  Pioneer Street is GenSan’s iconic thoroughfare. Walking along its sidewalks, it will give you a glimpse and feel of the old General Santos because of some of the old and iconic stores that line the streets. And don’t forget to get a ride on a motorela that ply the roads of the city. Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish A few meters from Plaza Heneral Santos is the center of the Catholic faith of General Santos City – the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish. The quaint and simple façade and belfry of the church is dwarfed by the multi-story buildings in its area.
The simple vibe of the church transcends within the interior of the sanctuary. The altar is void of any grand design and its only highlight is the crucifix at the center of the altar. Despite the strict security at the time of our visit, you can feel the peace and serenity of the sanctuary. General Santos Fish Port A trip to General Santos will not be complete if you do not visit the General Santos Fish Port. The fishport boasts itself with modern facilities that are at par with international standards. Its daily yield of 750 metric tons of fish is the 2nd largest total fish catch in the country, next only to Navotas.  One of the arteries of General Santos City’s economy – tuna! The best time to visit the facility is in the early morning when fishing vessels unload their catch. Make sure that you wear pants and socks because the facility follows strict protocol on the dress code. You need to wear boots within the premises of the docking and processing area. General Santos is the largest producer of sashimi-grade tuna and it was interesting to observe the whole process of classifying tuna at the fish port. The process begins when the tuna harvest are off-loaded and lined up for weighing. After the fish is weighed, its meat is then checked for quality. It is then classified whether it is for export, local consumption, or canning. I was lucky that I also got the opportunity how some of the harvests are cleaned and packaged for consumption.  Enjoying the early morning buzz of the General Santos Fish Port.
The view of Saranggani Bay with tens of docked fishing boats and the organized chaos of the morning grind of the fishport will definitely get your adrenaline pumping. You can feel the intensity of the action as you admire the tremendous work put in by each worker. As the buzz slowly dies down in the late morning, you can see the smiles flooding the area - another day's done and tomorrow is definitely going to be another exciting one. Getting there: You can take a blue trike to Tambler from Kimbol. Fare is at Php20 at travel time is 30 minutes. Just inform the trike driver that you are headed to the General Santos Fish Port. Queen Tuna Park Immortalizing its monicker, the city developed a beach spot within the city and aptly called it the Queen Tuna Park. The public park is a cheap and easy escape from the heat by some of its locals. Family and friends can enjoy a lazy afternoon or a quick dip in its waters.  Queen Tuna Park is a public beach within the vicinity of the city.
The beach spot is an easy find with its tuna design gates along P. Acharon Boulevard. If you intend to stay a while, there are picnic huts and tables for rent in the area. Pacman Wildcard Gym General Santos is Manny Pacquiao country. The world reknowned boxer considers the city as his hometown. He is considered a hero in GenSan that his mansions and the gym that he works out in and owns are tourism attractions. Previously, you can walk in to these attractions and just pay fees however Manny Pacquiao's foundation have streamlined their tourism initiatives. The fees collected are channeled to the scholars of the foundation.
We did manage to visit the Pacman Wildcard Gym beside SM GenSan where we got a peek of the gym where Pacman works out and prepares for his fight. You cannot deny his influence in the gym with huge pictures of the boxer-turned-senator. POST TRAVEL NOTES The heneral in Santos was a major turning point for the city that was once known as Dadiangas. His unwavering trust to heed the call to lead the first settlers spurred the development in the region creating a bustling metropolis. The city, through time, has earned its own corner in economics and soon in the tourism front being the gateway to SoCCSKSarGen.  Get ready to get your palates teased on my next blog. Tiyak na mabubu-SOX kayo! General Santos have pocket of destinations that gives you the raw beauty of the city. Its economic development in itself is an attraction worth exploring. It is at the forefront of its tourism offer. But there is another tourism draw that General Santos can bank on and it goes beyond what we get to see and feel. Something that would literally warm your tummy. Let's talk about GenSan as a foodie hub on my next travel blog. Getting There: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air have regular daily flights to General Santos City. You can take a jeep or a cab to SM City General Santos where you can take a van to Glan in Saranggani. Tricycle is the way to go around Glan. Sample Travel Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Cotabato City / Cotabato City Tour > The Grand Mosque (Habal-Habal Contact: Mohammad Edsa - 0935 9063067) > People’s Palace > Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral > PC Hill and Tantawan Park > Old Cotabato City Hall > Cotabato City Plaza Day 2: Asik-Asik Falls, Alamada, Cotabato (Click here for my trip details. Contact person for habal-habal arrangements from Midsayap: Jun Camap – 0919 4558958) Day 3: Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat Road Trip in the morning enroute to Lake Sebu. (Click here for my trip details.) > White Mosque (Datu Odin Sinsuat) > Margues Blue Lagoon (Datu Odin Sinsuat) > Pink Mosque (Datu Saudi Amapatuan) > Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol (Isulan) Lake Sebu Walk > Lake S’bu > T’Boli Museum > Lake Sebu Town Center Day 4: Lake Sebu Tour (Click here for my trip details. Contact person for Lake Sebu Tour: Ronald Maguan – 0997 2482160). Travel to Glan in the afternoon. Day 5: Glan Tour (Click here for my trip details.) > Lago Beach > Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church > Glan Municipal Hall > Taban Beach > Gumasa Beach Travel to General Santos City in the afternoon Day 6: General Santos City Tour > General Santos Fish Port > Queen Tuna Park > Pioneer Street > Plaza Heneral Santos > Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Day 7: Early morning departure to Manila
The city is sizzling under the summer sun and most of the city dwellers are trying to get a piece of the beach. With the summer sun glaring mercilessly on us, it is definitely the best sanctuary to be in at this time of the year. Most of us don't mind the heat when we are feeling the sand under our feet. But did you know that there is a G-spot down south... err... i mean, a go to beach spot down south that could give Boracay a run for its money?  Glan in Saranggani has a perfect summer mix of sun, sand, and salt. Saranggani may not ring a bell as much as Aklan or Palawan but the municipality of Glan on the western coast of the province is a great destination to explore and discover for beach lovers. The beauty of its white sand beach and clear turquoise waters have earned it the monicker as the "Summer Capital of Saranggani". Roughly about an hour away from General Santos City, Glan is also being positioned to being included in the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites for its collection of well-preserved heritage houses similar to that of Vigan's. Lago Beach Located on the north of Glan, Lago Beach is a peaceful sanctuary where one can enjoy a steady day by the beach. Its cream-colored sand and calm turquoise waters is a perfectly relaxing view to appreciate. Taking a dip in its cool waters is a good way to break away from reading a book or the monotony of not doing anything.  Lago Beach is a great spot to relax and enjoy the beach. Hacienda Don Juan sits at the heart of its coast. The sprawling resort was established by the heirs of Don Juan Escobar who converted the beach spot into a realxing and instagrammable resort. The resort boasts of unique cocoon accomodations and family houses for the bigger crowd. The resort has its own restaurant and a small store that operates 24 hours. The staff are locals from Glan who are tapped to help during peak season and when needed.
At the heart of the estate stands the Escobar Ancestral Home which doubles as a home for the clan and a museum that displays family memorabilias. On display on its courtyard are some of the car collection of the family and a pen where they safekeep their pet ostriches. Its beachfront was designed to give its guests that relaxing and laidback beach vibe.  Enjoying the peaceful vibe of Lago Beach.
Kuya Lito gleams with pride that a lot of their guests enjoy the privacy that the resort provides. There is no doubt that the resort does provide a beach sanctuary away from the usual crowd. Glan Town Center Glan is a sleepy and laidback municipality and you get that kind of provincial vibe as you explore its town center. As mentioned earlier, the municipality is also known for its heritage structures and going around town by foot can be an interesting experience. It felt like I was in a scene of a movie set in the 1960s. Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church Void of the usual glam of a Catholic church, the Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church is a sanctuary that evokes simplicity - a reflection of the community. Its simple facade and belfry blends perfectly well with its surroundings. In fact without the belfry, one would probably mistake it as an office structure.  The simple façade of the Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church.
Natural light brightens up its interiors with its large window frames along the sides of the church. Its main altar evokes simplicity with only the crucifix as its main focus. The place is a sanctuary of the faithful with its peaceful and serene ambiance. Glan Municipal Hall A few blocks from the church is the new Glam Municipal Hall facing the town plaza. The structure stands at the heart of town and dominates the skyline of Glan. A small gold-colored monument is the main centerpiece of the town that depicts the life of the locals in Glan.
Taban Beach 15 minutes away south of the town center is Taban Beach - a small public beach strip with white sand and clear turquoise waters. The beach stop is undeveloped and it has a small fishing community along its shores. Except for a small store, a couple of benches for rent, and a makeshift toilet, the beach is pretty much oozes with rawness.  Enjoying a quick dip at Taban Beach. The beach strip is bounded by rock formations on both ends. We explored the rock formations on the southern side where you get to view Gumasa Beach. You can actually cross its shallow waters to get to the more popular beachfront of Gumasa. It is a good beach spot for those who want to enjoy a laidback day by the beach for FREE unless you plan to rent out one of the benches for a picnic or a longer stay. You can actually find your own spot and enjoy its sand and the sun without the usual commerce of a beautiful beach. Gumasa Beach Gumasa Beach is probably the most popular beach spot in Glan. Its 6-kilometer white sand shoreline that stretches in a crescent-shape cove is so impressive that the beach is often referred to as the "Boracay of the South". The beach is not crowded despite the development of resorts in the area. It is the venue of the annual Saranggani summer festival - Sarbay Festival.  Gumasa Beach can give Boracay, Cebu, or Palawan a run for their money. The pristine beach of Gumasa Beach is a must-visit in Glan. We enjoyed its powdery white sand and its cool waters under the summer sun. It is one of the beaches in the country that oozes with charm, not to mention that it is very photogenic. The best part of it is that it did not have the crowd that we associate with a beauty like this. It can give Boracay a quick run for its money. But getting to enjoy Gumasa Beach can be quite tricky. The beach is already lined up with a number of resorts that charge "entrance fees". The access road of the Sarbay Festival is also closed at the time of our visit. One can choose to wade through shallow waters from Taban to Gumasa or go the way we did - charmed our way with a caretaker of a newly bought property to allow us to do "viewing". POST TRAVEL NOTES Pristine and without the crowd, the beaches of Glan can give Boracay, Cebu, or Palawan a run for its money. It is largely untouched and less developed so you get to see and experience the rawness of the place. It is a great option to consider for those who want to enjoy the heat of the summer without the usual crowd of the more popular destinations. Although it is starting to get traction and you can expect for development to increase its pace in the coming years. If there is a great time to enjoy the raw beauty of Glan, now is the time.  There is something cool and fishy. Are you ready? Mindanao is Philippine tourism’s pot of gold. A lot of its natural attractions remain untouched and it is largely from the misconceptions that come with the “Mindanao”. It is a haven of on-spot destinations that will surely delight every kind of traveler. The challenge that Mindanao faces is how they can develop these attractions with sustainably for the benefit of the community. Getting There: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air have regular daily flights to General Santos City. You can take a jeep or a cab to SM City General Santos where you can take a van to Glan in Saranggani. Tricycle is the way to go around Glan. Sample Travel Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Cotabato City / Cotabato City Tour (Click here for details of the trip.) > The Grand Mosque (Habal-Habal Contact: Mohammad Edsa - 0935 9063067) > People’s Palace > Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral > PC Hill and Tantawan Park > Old Cotabato City Hall > Cotabato City Plaza Day 2: Asik-Asik Falls, Alamada, Cotabato (Click here for trip details of the trip. Contact person for habal-habal arrangements from Midsayap: Jun Camap – 0919 4558958) Day 3: Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat Road Trip in the morning enroute to Lake Sebu. > White Mosque (Datu Odin Sinsuat) > Margues Blue Lagoon (Datu Odin Sinsuat) > Pink Mosque (Datu Saudi Amapatuan) > Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol (Isulan) Lake Sebu Walking Tour (PM) > Lake S’bu > T’Boli Museum > Lake Sebu Town Center Day 4: Lake Sebu Tour (Click here for details of the trip. Contact person for Lake Sebu Tour: Ronald Maguan – 0997 2482160). Travel to Glan in the afternoon. Day 5: Glan Tour > Lago Beach > Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church > Glan Municipal Hall > Taban Beach > Gumasa Beach Travel to General Santos City in the afternoon Day 6: General Santos City Tour > General Santos Fish Port > Queen Tuna Park > Pioneer Street > Plaza Heneral Santos > Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage > Tiongson Arcade Day 7: Early morning departure to Manila
The smell of the cold wind filled my lungs as my "owong" cut through the still waters of the lake. The early morning sun that softly touched my skin was enough to give me a snugly warm feeling in the cold weather of this lake community. The gentle sound of water slushing as the we paddled through its waters had a calming effect on me. A sea of pink lotuses was in full view. This is the kind of experience that you will remember when you visit Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.  These pink lotuses warm you up at Lake Sebu. Lake Sebu is a 42, 450-hectare landscape in South Cotabato made popular for a lake of the same name and its T'nalak Dream Weavers. Its landscape composed of water resources, mountains, rolling hills, and rainforests which is home to fauna endemic to the country like the Philippine deer. At the heart of these natural resources is the placid Lake Sebu - a 354-hectare fresh water lake which is a center of the aquaculture in the region. It is now being developed as an amazing ecotourism destination in Mindanao. There are a lot of places to explore in Lake Sebu. It is a place blessed with a rich cultural heritage and natural attractions that will keep tourists at the edge of their habal-habal seat. It was also great to see that tourism efforts are well-coordinated by the local government that tour rates are standard. A half-day tour will cost you Php500 per person, covering 4 spots, while a whole day tour that covers 6 destinations is at Php750 per person. With the help of our tour guide, Kuya Ronald (contact details: 09972482160), we explored interesting spots in Lake S'bu that showcased its natural beauty and rich culture. Lake Sebu Owong Morning Cruise Lake S'bu is one of the tourism icons of the province. The placid lake is a beauty that can be admired the whole day with its panoramic view of the daily grind of its locals and the rugged mountains as its backdrop. The lake, situated within the Allah Valley, sits at an elevation of 1000 meters and is said to be the source of one of the tastiest tilapia in the country. It is a normal scene to catch a fisherman cruising through its still waters aboard a wooden canoe called "owong".  Early morning owong tours on Lake Sebu will perk you up better than coffee. But the real beauty of Lake S'bu manifests as the first ray of sunrise lights up its still waters. The warmth of the early morning sun lets hundreds of pink lotuses bloom in the lake. We took an early morning cruise aboard an "owong", a makeshift wooden or fiberglass canoe that can fit 2-3 people, to an area where the lotuses flourish. You will get to enjoy the view of these pink blossoms as the owong cuts through the vegetation.
The charm of the lotus bloom can only be enjoyed in the morning until close to lunch time when these flowers fold up. It was also good that we came in to visit Lake S'bu on a weekday so the usual tourist crowd was absent and we had unadulterated view of the blooming lotuses. Hikong Alu (Falls 1) and Zipline Lake Sebu has 7 waterfalls within its domain and only two these waterfalls are easily accessible to tourists. A trip to Lake Sebu is not complete without visiting Hikong Alu and Hikong Bente.
Hikong Alu, commonly known as Falls 1, is the most developed in terms of tourism facilities. This is the jump-off point of the zipline that will give you a top view of Falls 2, 3, 4, and 5. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to try out the zipline as it was still closed at the time of our early morning visit.  Feeling the vibe of the T’boli while enjoying the view of Hikong Alu. In T'boli dialect, "hikong" means falls and "alu" means passage. Spring water cascades from a height of a 35 feet on a rock wall surface. Some locals fish for freshwater shells along the banks of the river that flows downstream towards Falls 2. Getting close to its cascade is possible because of the paved walkway leading close to its catch basin.  A local fishing for freshwater snails at Falls 1. A few meters from the waterfalls is a cemented bridge where you get a full view of Hikong Alu. This is where you also get a chance to wear T'boli costume, for a minimal fee, for that culturally sensitive photo with Hikong Alu on the background. Hikong Bente (Falls 2) Hikong Bente is the biggest and the most beautiful waterfall among the seven with water cascading from a height of 70 feet. The rock wall surrounding the cascade and its downstream water flow makes its landscape more dramatic.  The mystical beauty of Hikong Bente. Unlike Hikong Alu, the riverbanks of Hikong Bente is rocky and getting a close look at the base of its cascade is challenging. It does not help that the catch basin of the falls is hidden behind a rock wall. It was a beauty to catch the sun's rays break through the foliage atop the falls while a thin mist of water rises into the air. Lake Sebu's Falls 2 did not disappoint. The thunderous sound of water cascading was enough to excite guests as you take a 10-minute walk from the jump-off point to its viewing area. It is so majestic that one wouldn't mind taking the time just to enjoy and capture its beauty. Divine Mercy Tucked in one of the hills of Lake Sebu is a tranquil sanctuary of the faithful - the Divine Mercy. The sanctuary is a great place to sit still and commune with God.  The Divine Mercy image overlooks Lake Sebu. The sprawling garden is lined with the images of hundreds of saints. Each saint was given his or her own space where devotees can offer a short prayer. At the center of all these saints is the huge image of the Divine Mercy that sits at the highest point of the prayer hill overlooking the rolling hills of Lake Sebu. One can actually have a panoramic view of the rugged terrain that surrounds the prayer sanctuary from that vantage point. The imposing image of the Jesus Christ seems to be looking over the stretch of Lake Sebu. There are pocket areas where one can sit down, meditate, and pray so loud noises are frowned upon in the area. They also have a strict dress code for ladies. Guests are expected to observe the solemnity of the place. Lang Dulay Weaving House Lake Sebu is an ancestral domain of the T'boli, an indigenous tribe in the Philippines. Their culture and heritage are very much alive as you go around Lake Sebu as their bead bracelets and necklaces, brass ornaments, and tubao are offered as "pasalubongs" or memorabilias of the trip. But the ornament that really reflects their culture is their T'nalak - a traditional abaca textile woven by their dream weavers.  A T’boli weaving what their dreams and beliefs are made of. Lang Dulay is the face behind the preservation of the traditional weaving of the T'nalak. She was a T'boli princess who learned the art from her mother at the age of 12 and later on passed on the knowledge to her grandchildren. She was conferred the National Living Treasures Award in 1998 for her efforts. Up until her death in 2015, she had over a hundred patterns that was based on her dreams.
We met Sabulan Dulay and the other dreamweavers at the Lang Dulay Weaving House. Sabulan Dulay is the daughter-in-law of Lang Dulay, and now leads the other dreamweavers in the preservation of their traditional art of weaving. They were very accomodating and gave an insights about the T'nalak.  Sabulan Dulay follows the footsteps of her mother-in-law in keeping their tradition alive. The T'nalak is a traditional clothing that holds a prominent place in their culture. It is a peized possession that outlines the T'boli culture - their dreams, belief, and religion. The inspiration for the design is based on the female weaver's dreams hence the term "dream weavers". The ability to interpret dreams into the design determines their level of weaving skills.
The creation of the T'nalak textile is a long process of 32 steps from cooking the abaca, crafting of the design, dyeing the abaca threads, and the actual weaving of the fabric. The whole process can take 3-6 months depending on the availability of materials. We had the opportunity to capture Sabulan Dulay was in the middle of starting a new design during our visit. Despite the language barrier, I could feel her eagerness to share their culture as she worked her design on the abaca threads.  Let us support local products like the T’nalak. You can order the textile from Charlie Dulay at (0935) 656 5280. The weaving house also offers great pasalubong items designed with T'nalak fabric. Having seen and heard the story behind this fabric, I am glad to be a proud owner of an iPad travel organizer made from T'nalak. If you want to order the T'nalak fabric, you can contact them directly through Charlie Dulay at (0935) 656 5280. T'Boli Museum The T'Boli Museum is one spot in Lake Sebu where you get a good glimpse of their culture and traditions. The museum, just a 5-minute from the town center, is a repository of the artifacts that detail the history and way of life of the indigenous Philippine tribe.
The museum was designed similar to a typical T'boli house - a bungalow wooden house that is elevated from the ground. The house doesn't have any partitions and the space is multi-functional depending on the need. At the far end of the house is an elevated platform which serves as the patriarch's sleeping area. The museum houses the largest collection of brass gongs in the region. These gongs are symbols of wealth and prestige among the T'bolis. The museum also has a collection of porcelain wares from the 8th and 15th century indicating strong trading relationships during those times. On display are brass, beaded, and woven ornaments that reflects the the history, culture, and life of the T'bolis of South Cotabato. POST TRAVEL NOTES As the caretaker/curator of the T'boli Museum drummed on a brass gong that created a haunting bass sound, I took in everything that I can in to grasp a deeper understanding of the T'bolis. I have to admit that I got enchanted with the T'bolis and Lake Sebu. I got so mesmerized by the place that I wanted to stay longer and discover more.  It’s summer so it is time to hit the beach! Lake Sebu was the highlight of my Central Mindanao trip. The natural beauty of the place, the culture, and its vibe captured my heart. It simply oozes with natural beauty and personality. Its charm seeps into your soul that you leave the place with a heavy heart and you make the promise to visit again soon. There is no doubt that Lake Sebu is now one of my favorite destination in the Philippines. Getting There: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air have regular daily flights to General Santos City and Cotabato City. You can take a bus or a van to Surallah. Once in Surallah, you can take a van to Lake Sebu. You can hire a habal-habal from the van terminal. For habal-habal and Lake Sebu tour arrangements, you can contact Kuya Ronald Maguan at (0997) 2482160. Sample Travel Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Cotabato City / Cotabato City Tour (Click here for trip details of the trip.) > The Grand Mosque (Habal-Habal Contact: Mohammad Edsa - 0935 9063067) > People’s Palace > Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral > PC Hill and Tantawan Park > Old Cotabato City Hall > Cotabato City Plaza Day 2: Asik-Asik Falls, Alamada, Cotabato (Click here for trip details of the trip. Contact person for habal-habal arrangements from Midsayap: Jun Camap – 0919 4558958) Day 3: Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat Road Trip in the morning enroute to Lake Sebu. > White Mosque (Datu Odin Sinsuat) > Margues Blue Lagoon (Datu Odin Sinsuat) > Pink Mosque (Datu Saudi Amapatuan) > Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol (Isulan) Lake Sebu Walking Tour (PM) > Lake S’bu > T’Boli Museum > Lake Sebu Town Center Day 4: Lake Sebu Tour (Contact person for Lake Sebu Tour: Ronald Maguan – 0997 2482160). Travel to Glan in the afternoon. Day 5: Glan Tour > Lago Beach > Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church > Glan Municipal Hall > Taban Beach > Gumasa Beach Travel to General Santos City in the afternoon Day 6: General Santos City Tour > General Santos Fish Port > Queen Tuna Park > Pioneer Street > Plaza Heneral Santos > Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage > Tiongson Arcade Day 7: Early morning departure to Manila
Mention Maguindanao or Sultan Kudarat and one would surely get the question whether it is safe to go and visit these places. It is a resounding "yes" everytime I encounter the question having spent a total of two nights and a full day on the roads of these two beautiful provinces and getting immersed with the rich culture and history of our Muslim brothers and sisters.  Tough and rugged, Maguindanao is now ready to show the world its natural and manmade beauty. Prior to 1966, Cotabato was counted as one province with its rich and colorful history and culture dating back to pre-Spanish times. It was under the leadership of Sultan Kudarat in the 1600's that this region came together to successfully supress the Spaniards from their efforts to christianize the area. By the turn of the American regime, the Moro Province was recognized and established. It was in 1966 that South Cotabato was recognized as a separate province and was subsequently followed by the creation of Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat as independent provinces in 1973. Our trip will bring us around the Cotabato City, the province's gateway, and on the roads of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat to discover our Muslim heritage and culture as Filipinos. The Charm of Cotabato City Cotabato City is an independent city in Maguindanao. Founded in the 1500s, Kota Wati served as the capital of the Maguindanao Sultanate until its collapse in 1888. The sultanate ruled over a vast area of Mindanao during those times.
Called by a number of nicknames, the city aims to be the "Halal Capital of the Philippines". It is the gateway to Maguindanao with the Cotabato Airport and its bus transport network connecting it to other cities in Mindanao. It now serves as the capital of the Bangsamoro Regional Government with the recent ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. The Grand Mosque of Cotabato City The Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, more popularly known as the Grand Mosque, is Cotabato City's premiere tourist icon. Situated along the banks of Tamontaka River, the mosque is the largest in the Philippines and costs a whopping US$48 million. Its construction was completely funded by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei with its architecture by Felino Palafox.  The Cotabato Grand Mosque was my first taste of Muslim architecture. The Grand Mosque stands by its name. Coming in from Manila by air, our first glimpse of this architectural beauty was on our final descent to Cotabato Airport. But nothing beats having to see it face-to-face against the afternoon sun. Its grand design with its 141 feet minaret stands out of the skyline of Kalanganan's flatlands.
I have been fascinated with the history and architecture of old churches. I love the story intertwined with the aesthetic beauty of its structure. And coming face to face with the Grand Mosque of Cotabato City, it was my first time to appreciate the beauty of a place of worship of Islam. Unlike the places of worship of Christians, the mosque is void of too much fancy. Its main prayer room is bare as the faithful sits on the floor during their prayers. I was amazed at the sheer beauty of the mosque. There are a lot of photogenic spots that would tease your creativity but be responsible and conscious of the creative shots. Remember that the place is a sacred place among our Muslim brethren.  I enjoyed exploring every corner of the Grand Mosque. The Grand Mosque is open to the public but certain protocols need to be observed like clothing. Shorts, sandos, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed but do not fret as their is a store that rent out traditional Muslim attires when you need to dress appropriately. One should also be conscious that there are specific areas where photography is not allowed. Getting there: From the city, take a public jeep to Awang and ask the driver to drop you off at the intersection of Sinsuat Avenue and the Tamontaka Bubong Road where you can get a habal-habal ride to the Grand Mosque. For habal-habal arrangements to the Grand Mosque, you can contact Kuya Mohammad Edsa at +63935 9063067. People's Palace The grand Muslim architectural design of the new city hall of Cotabato against the setting orange sun was a perfect backdrop to describe a lazy afternoon in Cotabato City. Aptly called as the People's Palace, it is the center of the governance of the city. Its Muslim inspired architectural design make it unique and reflective of the region it represents.  A playful afternoon at the Cotabato City People's Palace. Its sprawling grounds turn into a playground of sorts in the afternoon as the young adults play a round of soccer while the smaller kids enjoy playing tag. It was fun as we interacted with the kids who had no inhibitions having their pictures taken. The kids were very warm and friendly that we had a grand time interacting with them. Getting there: From the Grand Mosque drop-off point along Sinsuat Avenue, take a jeep back to the city marked "Town" and ask the driver to drop you off at the new City Hall. Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral At the heart of the city is the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral - the center of the Catholic faith in the city. First built in 1948, the church sits, quietly, with its modern architecture, along Cotabato City's main street. Its simple facade scores differently against the grand designs of mosques found in the city, evoking a simple and yet elegant design.  The Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion is the city's center of the Catholic faith.
Its interiors create a homey atmosphere with its high ceilings highlighted by gold and white retablo. Its altar is higlighted by an image of the Crucified Christ. Getting there: From the People's Palace, take a jeep with the signboard "Town" and ask the driver to drop you off at the church. Tantawan Park and PC Hill The Tantawan Park and PC Hill forms part of the city's historical core. This small hill in the city provides a panoramic view of Cotabato and once served as the center of governance in the province - the building of the old provincial capitol still stands to this day. This is where you will also find the historic Kutabato Caves which, unfortunately, was closed during the time of our visit.  The statue of the great Sultan Kudarat is the centerpiece of Tantawan Park.
At the foot of the hill is the Tantawan Park which bears the image of the great Muslim leader and local hero, Sultan Kudarat. The highly honored sultan once ruled a vast empire in Mindanao and was responsible in deflecting Spanish conquistadors in Mindanao. Getting there: The park and the hill is just walking distance from the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral. Cotabato City Plaza Like other Philippine city or municipality, the Cotabato City Plaza is at the center of the activities and the city, in terms of its location. This is the location of the old city hall which is also stands out for its unique architecture that highlights Muslim culture. The city's own version of the Rizal Park stands at the front of the old city hall.  At the heart of the city is the old city hall of Cotabato City, Across the street is another open space where city celebrations and assemblies are done. A huge stage highlights this part of the plaza. The plaza is also a great spot to warm up in the late afternoons with locals. Getting there: The Cotabato City Plaza is just a few minutes walk from the Tamtawan Park. Datu Odin Sinsuat A 30-minute jeepney ride away from Cotabato City is the sleepy municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat. Visitors of Maguindanao arriving via planes get to be greeted first by this municipality as the airport is within its jurisdiction. Traveling through its roads will make you wonder as to what other off-beat natural and man-made beauty this municipality is willing to share with the world.  The Cotabato Airport is located at the Datu Odin Sinsuat. White Mosque Hiding behind the shadows of the Grand Mosque, the Masjid Al-Nasser Abpi, more commonly called White Mosque, is another mosque worth admiring as you traverse the roads of Maguindanao. The mosque highlighted by its domes and two minarets, donned in white and gold, is an unassuming attraction in the neighborhood. We can only admire it from a distance because the caretaker was out during the time of our visit.  The unassuming White Mosque of Datu Odin Sinsuat is just 30 minutes away from the city. Finding the mosque can be quite tricky because most locals are not aware that the mosque is a point of interest in the municipality. It is located inside a village along the highway. And while your there, check out Pon de Monggo while waiting for the van to the next destination. Getting there: From Cotabato City, take a jeep to Awang that goes to Magelco. Ask the driver to drop you off at El Grande where you can ride a payong-payong to the White Mosque. Pan de Monggo is located along the highway. Margues Blue Lagoon 20 minutes from the White Mosque is another hidden gem of Datu Odin Sinsuat - this time it is a natural wonder. Tucked along the sleepy town of Margues is a lagoon that forms part of the local's daily life but it is an amazing off-beat destination for travelers.  The off-beat destination in Datu Odin Sinsuat is the Margues Blue Lagoon. The blue hues of the lagoon, its surrounding flora, and the serene atmosphere create an enchanting vibe of the place. Locals say that the water springs from the bottom of the lagoon and its depth create the blue hues. It also serves as a water resource for locals where they take a bath or wash their cloths. The Margues Blue Lagoon is a perfect place to relax and commune with nature because it is still void of the usual influx of travelers. Getting There: The Margues Blue Lagoon is about 15-minutes away from the White Mosque by van. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Margues Elementary School. Pink Mosque, Datu Saudi Ampatuan A color that symbolizes peace and love turned this lovely mosque into an attraction. The striking pink color of the Masjid Dimaukom, also known as the Pink Mosque, stood out to be noticed, not only by the locals, but by travelers traversing the area.  The famous Pink Mosque of Datu Saudi Ampatuan. The construction of the Pink Mosque was commissioned by Samsodin Dimaukom, a prominent politician in the province. It was beautiful to look at the mosque as it glistens under the noon sun. Interestingly, the color became so prominent that the whole town seem to be painted in pink. I guess the local government took the color a notch higher by literrally painting the whole town pink. Getting There: Take a van or a bus along the highway in Margues. Ask the driver/conductor to drop you off at the Pink Mosque. Travel time is about an 45 minutes to an hour. The place is hard to miss because the town is pretty in pink. Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat Hands down to the province of Sultan Kudarat for having the grandest provincial capitol that I have seen in the Philippines. The new capitol building sits on a sprawling field that faces the vast oil palm plantation. It was like a palace in the midst of a hacienda.  The Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol in Isulan is one of the most beautiful capitol in the country
What makes the provincial capitol stand out is its unique architecture that reflects the Muslim culture. Its yellow-gold dome is evident againsts its white facade that it takes on a similar look of a mosque. It really has the vibe of a sultan's palace - a true representation of one of the great sultans that ruled Mindanao. A monument honoring Sultan Kudarat sits at the center of the sprawling lawn of the Getting There: From the Pink Mosque, head back to the main highway of Datu Saudi Ampatuan where you can take a van or a bus headed to Isulan. The trip takes about an hour by van. You can ask the driver to drop you off at the Isulan Rotonda where you can take a tricycle to the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol. POST TRAVEL NOTES Maguidanao may seem tough on the outside but, in reality, the vibe is very laidback, peaceful, and tame. There are a hundred and one checkpoints as you traverse the province but you get used to it. I guess most locals do because the province has long been in the middle of skirmishes between the military and rogue groups. But let us be clear that these skirmishes, most often than not, are easily controlled, isolated, and far from the usual tourist trails and local communities.  Get ready to be charmed by Lake S'bu's lotus. We are heading there next. What stood out for me was the warmth of the locals. From small kids, bus ticketing officers, bakery owners, and your habal-habal driver, they were very helpful and made us comfortable through their smiles and conversations. I did not feel any fear at any given time of the trip. I seriously wish that off-beat travelers continue to open the province to the world. There are still a lot to discover on this side of the Philippines and, with these discoveries, open more opportunities for the locals and its communities. Getting There: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have regular flights to Cotabato City, the gateway to Maguindanao. Sample Travel Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Cotabato City / Cotabato City Tour - The Grand Mosque (Habal-Habal Contact: Mohammad Edsa - 0935 9063067) - People’s Palace - Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral - PC Hill and Tantawan Park - Old Cotabato City Hall - Cotabato City Plaza Day 2: Asik-Asik Falls, Alamada, Cotabato (Click here for trip details of the trip. Contact person for habal-habal arrangements from Midsayap: Jun Camap – 0919 4558958) Day 3: Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat Road Trip in the morning enroute to Lake Sebu. - White Mosque (Datu Odin Sinsuat) - Margues Blue Lagoon (Datu Odin Sinsuat) - Pink Mosque (Datu Saudi Amapatuan) - Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol (Isulan) Lake Sebu Walking Tour (PM) - Lake S’bu - T’Boli Museum - Lake Sebu Town Center Day 4: Lake Sebu Tour (Contact person for Lake Sebu Tour: Ronald Maguan – 0997 2482160). Travel to Glan in the afternoon. Day 5: Glan Tour - Lago Beach - Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church - Glan Municipal Hall - Taban Beach Travel to General Santos City in the afternoon Day 6: General Santos City Tour - General Santos Fish Port - Queen Tuna Park - Pioneer Street - Plaza Heneral Santos - Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage - Tiongson Arcade Day 7: Early morning departure to Manila
The warmth of the morning sun caressed my skin as I took a moment to take in the beauty that was in front of me. The view was surreal. My mind cannot find a more fitting word to describe the beauty of the curtain of water cascading on a rock face with green vegetation. I have seen it in pictures and, now that I am standing in front of it, the mystery behind Asik-Asik Falls begin to deepen.  Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada, Cotabato is definitely one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines. Located deep within the mountainous terrain of Alamada in the province Cotabato is one of the country's most beautiful waterfalls, Asik-Asik. This tourist destination stands out because its springwater cascades through a wide rockwall surface with green vegetation creating a stunning image of a curtain of water. This unique cascade make it an extraordinary destination to explore and discover. Its beauty was kept well-hidden from the world until its discovery by the locals in 2010 but it was only two years after its initial discovery that it started to catch the attention of off-beat travelers. Getting a first hand view of Asik-Asik Falls is no joke. One needs to endure a two-hour habal-habal ride through paved and rough roads from Midsayap, our jump off point, to Brgy. Dulao in Alamada. My driver mentioned that the roads are a lot better now compared to earlier years as most of the access roads to Brgy. Dulao are close to completion making the trip faster and more comfortable. He shared with me that during earlier years, they had to contend with rough roads that compromises their safety and their guests. By the way, it is highly recommended to have one guest per habal-habal for safety reasons.  The 2-hour habal-habal ride from Midsayap was a cruise with our driver, Kuya Jun.
The two-hour ride will traverse through the agricultural fields of Midsayap, Libungan, and Alamada giving you a refreshing view of the rural scene of the region. The endless view of the valley bordered by the mountains of the nearby provinces will keep you entertained and amused during the habal-habal trip. I enjoyed the rustic views especially when we were already traversing the hills of Alamada that overlooks the valleys of Cotabato. The first thing that I noticed when we arrived at Brgy. Dulao was the efforts of the local government to build tourist facilities in the area. There is a registration/waiting hall, with a nice view of the hills, where tourists can re-charge before and after visiting the famed waterfalls. Local residents have also set-up small snack and souvenir shops beside the hall where I had my favorite breakfast of pastil! These are strong indications of the robust commerce that Asik-Asik Falls is bringing in to the community. After we registered and paid a minimal fee of Php20, we started our trek down the ridge to the waterfalls. The downhill trek is easy because of the cemented pathways. There are shaded rest stops along the way but it is more often used during the uphill trek back. One would not notice the steep descent down the trail because your eyes will be treated with a panoramic view of Alamada's mountain farmlands. Note that there are no streams or river that run parallel with the trail to the waterfalls.  Enjoying the view during the 30-minute downhill trek.
For a brief moment, I was in awe at the raw beauty of Asik-Asik Falls when I first saw it in full view. I was dumbfounded with its beauty that I wondered how such a natural wonder was kept hidden from the world for a long time. I breathed in its beauty while enjoying the warmth of the sun and the gentle trickles of mist on my skin. It was worth enjoying the moment first before doing anything.  The view of Asik-Asik Falls up close left me breathless. The trip was worth it. The beauty of Asik-Asik Falls is its unique cascade that covers the whole rock surface of the cliff covered with moss and ferns. Spring water cascades from a height of 60 meters into a shallow basin creating a veil of water and mist. Visitors can wade into the pool and enjoy a refreshing cold shower at the base of the rock wall. The more adventurous ones climb up its slippery rocks for photo ops or to get a better view of the cascade.  A panoramic view of Asik-Asik's curtain of water. Asik-Asik's beauty is also clouded with mystery. The water that cascades onto the wall surface emananates from a spring beneath its walls unlike other waterfalls where its water comes from a water source upstream. I have asked locals where the water source of this unique waterfalls and they could only point to two nearby lakes as its possible source - Lake Lanao or Lake Putian. The water then snakes under the ground to spring out of Asik-Asik Falls.
There is no doubt that Asik-Asik Falls is one the most photogenic waterfalls in the country. Every corner and every angle is worth capturing on photo. The fallen trees and potruding rocks add to the drama of the scene. The best area to capture a panoramic shot of Asik-Asik Falls is downstream ofcthe tributary where you get to see the whole beauty of the falls. The best time to visit is early in the morning to avoid the crowd. POST TRAVEL NOTES As we slowly trudged uphill to the registration area, I was still in awe of Asik-Asik unique beauty. I was amazed with how majestic it looked up close. Its unique feature definitely make it one of the best destinations in the country. It is a trip that is worth taking.  Maguindanao may seem tough but I assure you that road tripping through the province is fun! What makes the whole Asik-Asik Falls experience more interesting is the fact that it was a recent find by both the locals and the traveling community. It begs the question - what other uniquely beautiful destinations can we find in Mindanao? I am excited with the opportunities of exploring this part of the country now that it is getting the spotlight that's been long overdue. And for starters, it is definitely safe to travel in Mindanao. Getting There: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have regular flights to Cotabato. In Cotabato City, you can take a trike to Novo Merchandise along Jose Lim Street where the terminal for vans that pass through Midsayap are located. Fare to Midsayap is Php70 and travel time is approximately 45 minutes. You can ask the driver to drop you off at the Midsayap Community Doctor’s Hospital where most of the habal-habals are located. Habal-Habal rates to Dulao, Alameda from Midsayap is at Php750 roundtrip. It is highly recommended to have one habal-habal per person for safety reasons. You can contact our habal-habal driver Kuya Jun Camap at +63919 4558958 to arrange for your trip. From the Dulao registration center, it will be another 20-30 minute downhill trek to Asik-Asik Falls. Sample Travel Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Cotabato City / Cotabato City Tour - The Grand Mosque (Habal-Habal Contact: Mohammad Edsa - 0935 9063067) - People’s Palace - Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral - PC Hill and Tantawan Park - Old Cotabato City Hall - Cotabato City Plaza Day 2: Asik-Asik Falls, Alamada, Cotabato Day 3: Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat Road Trip in the morning enroute to Lake Sebu. - White Mosque (Datu Odin Sinsuat) - Margues Blue Lagoon (Datu Odin Sinsuat) - Pink Mosque (Datu Saudi Amapatuan) - Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol (Isulan) Lake Sebu Walking Tour (PM) - Lake S’bu - T’Boli Museum - Lake Sebu Town Center Day 4: Lake Sebu Tour (Contact person for Lake Sebu Tour: Ronald Maguan – 0997 2482160). Travel to Glan in the afternoon. Day 5: Glan Tour - Lago Beach - Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church - Glan Municipal Hall - Taban Beach Travel to General Santos City in the afternoon Day 6: General Santos City Tour - General Santos Fish Port - Queen Tuna Park - Pioneer Street - Plaza Heneral Santos - Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage - Tiongson Arcade Day 7: Early morning departure to Manila
The weekends leading to the grand celebration of the Panagbenga are not exactly the kind of weekends Baguio locals enjoy. With the worsening problem of the city's traffic and waste management, the additional congestion is not something that we welcome with a big smile and open arms. Don't get me wrong, we love the attention and the business it brings but not the human behavior problems that go with the annual celebration. With the festival gearing up for its grand celebration, we decided to spend a quiet beach weekend in Camp Avenue.  Somewhere along the shores of San Juan, La Union lies this photogenic beach spot.
Camp Avenue is a beach campsite tucked along the shorelines of San Juan in La Union. Unlike the popular surf spot, the camp is void of the usual development associated with the influx of tourists. It has maintained a low key aura despite the attention that it initially received through Facebook and other social media platforms. Its socmed exposure was enough to pique my curiousity to check and give it a grade. A+ for the camp vibe The vibe of Camp Avenue is grade A+ and spot on as a beach chill spot. They were able to blend the laidback atmosphere and its beautiful shoreline with the campsite's structures.  Camp Avenue's Indo Bali Huts is a must-try accommodation. There are three ways to enjoy a night's rest in Camp Avenue - camping, glamping, and the Indo Bali Huts. In our case, we experienced staying in one of the huts. Do not expect much because Camp Avenue is still a camping site and not a resort. Expect the basics. The Indo Bali Huts are triangular huts, like Indian teepees, made of bamboo with coconut roofings. It is designed with a mattress and a desk fan for a comfortable sleep. The hut is large enough to accomodate 2 to 3 adults and it is located within the fenced perimeters of the camp. The huts do not have locks but a swing door safekeeps your items inside. Just make sure that you bring with you all your important stuff.
If camping and glamping is your style, the campsite is located closer to the beach. Glamping facilities are the same with that of the Indo Bali Huts except that you are in a bigger tent. A for camp facilities Again, do not expect much because Camp Avenue is not a resort. They have clean common restrooms and shower areas. It is well-maintained but the camp needs more shower areas to cater to the surge of campers, which in our case was very evident since we came in on a long weekend.
The camp has a restaurant and a swing bar where you can get your alcohol fix. The complimentary cocktail drink is grade A. I loved the mix. There is a small store a few steps from the reception area for anything else that you need. There are hammocks within the premises that you can use to enjoy a nap or if you just want to be lazy even for just a day. Cooking is not allowed in Camp Avenue as a precaution considering that the huts are made of light combustible materials. Although, I think a designated grill area would be able to give an extra flair to their camping experience. A- for camp food The biggest drawback for Camp Avenue is the food. While bringing in food is charged corkage as per camp rules, they really need to level up their cooking game in the kitchen. Food is one aspect that help create the experience and, in Camp Avenue's case, it does not.
We tried their pasta, sandwich, and rice bowl meals and it was not value for money. Too bad though that there are no other restaurant options unless you would like to drive up to the surf spot in San Juan. Even their breakfast was not enough to perk me up the next morning. A- for camp parties Camp Avenue has a perfect spot for a beach party and they have a good DJ to boot. The early evening music mix was really inviting that I was anticipating a huge crowd as the night deepens. I actually thought that it was going to be a nice way to introduce parties to my 10-year old lady. I'd rather that we introduce it to her than someone else.  This is how millennials party. Hahahaha! After having dinner and taking a short nap, we came back to the party grounds but it did not pick-up as expected but the music was inviting. Then the flamboyant host suddenly announced that it was "manyakan time". That caught us by surprise. He then scooped a couple to do body shots on stage. Now I have been to parties that escalate towards that kind of scene BUT this particular party was not that kind and was not even close to that. It seemed that it was trying to use "it" as a come on for those who were either on the beach or inside the tents. It tried to emulate Boracay by using the famous tagline "what happens in Boracay, stays in Boracay" but using "Camp Avenue" instead. One thing missed though was that Boracay never uses it to "attract" party goers. It may escalate to that but it was never forced down people's throat as THE highlight for the night the way the host did it at Camp Avenue. I think that rolled the party vibe further down after that. A+ for camp art Camp Avenue has a lot of artistic nooks - from its swing bar to its Indo bali huts to its campsite. Although it is not as glam as what I have previously seen on Facebook posts, these photogenic spots does not deviate that much from expectation.  A perfect La Union sunset is Camp Avenue's biggest draw. The swings carefully place by the beach front are great spots for photos, without the tents around it. Or their version of the bird's nest that gives you a perfect view of the beach and the sea. Its 3-D Camp Avenue sign would have been a perfect spot for the sunset except for the rows and rows of tents behind it. These artsy nooks would stand out if they just organize their campsite. For those who want to play around with their creativity, there is a pottery-making corner in front of Camp Avenue. Locals will teach you the basics of pottery-making before setting you out to explore your creative mind.  Watch the sunset on the camp's nest. But the beach of Camp Avenue stands out when it comes to camp art. It is one of the most photogenic beach spots that I have seen in the north. Unlike the surrounding beaches in the area, the rocks by the beach stop the rolling of the waves creating a lagoon-like basin by the shore. It makes a perfect spot for dramatic photos matched by a perfect sunset. I would let the picture speak for itself. POST TRAVEL NOTES Overall, Camp Avenue in San Juan, La Union is grade A. There is no doubt that it is in a perfect location on this side of town but it still has a lot of room for improvement to level up to other camping/glamping sites in the country. With a little reorganizing and re-wiring, it has the potential to be a preferred camping/glamping spot in Luzon.  Getting ready for the summer of 2019! My expectations of Camp Avenue did not really match up to my experience considering that I have tried other glamping spots, but only on a few notes. I did not come out amazed neither disappointed. It was still a good weekend beach break and it could have been better. And I hope to get a better experience the second time around. Getting There: Partas Bus Lines and Viron Bus Lines have regular trips to the north that pass by San Juan in La Union. You can ask the conductor to drop you off at Camp Avenue at Taboc, San Juan. You can reach Camp Avenue at +63917 7942293 for advance reservations.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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July 2019
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