North Mindanao Daily Life

Magsaysay's classic houses

2010-04-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

Rustic, hidden...

In my return trip from Cagayan de Oro City to Surigao early this month of April 2010, I take the opportunity to enter interior municipalities of Misamis Oriental. The town of Magsaysay is one of them. It is the last town of eastern Misamis Oriental if you are Surigao bound.

So close is this town in Agusan provinces that Cagayan folks already regarded this place and its people as the same as in Butuan.

I was interested in this place because sometime in April of 1995, exactly 15 years ago, I was invited by a friend to visit the place in time for the fiesta in nearby Barangay Artadi . It falls on April 5, Saint Vincent Ferrer's Day.

I can vividly remember how they ate a fresh but raw tulingan, biting its flesh right then and there without the benefit of vinegar and spices. Thats kinilaw in the purest sense of the word.

Anyway, I can't imagine? I passed by this town every 3 months and only now I was able to re enter it again? After 15 long years. I remember, by the time I was here, the most popular singer in the Philippines is April Boy Regino.

So as I passed Barangay Kibungsod, I left turned and enter the town which is formerly called "Linugos."

So much has changed after 15 years. The streets are cemented, and there are more houses already. I can no longer see the beach front from the street.

I never get to see my old friend there, as he has relocated in Medina town. But what I got was an unexpected visual treat.

This is one of the oddest designed houses I have ever seen.

You might think of it as a perfect setting for another horror movie. But at the time I was there, heavy metal rock music was blaring from that house.

Anyway, would you dare, live in this house with fewer than say, 5 people? I appreciate that the owner did not demolish this house in exchange for a new one. The municipal government should turn this into something like a tourist attraction. Just an unsolicited advice.

This balcony below reminds me of my lola's home in Camiguin.

from a wider perspective...

I was here 15 years ago and these houses were just there, ignored by me.

Anyway, it was a golden opportunity. I finally was able to scratch an itch that was bothering me for sometime now-to re enter and re visit the rustic and isolated but charming town of Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental.

Death of a Bishop

2010-04-19T06:01:00.000-07:00

I was privileged today to witness the funeral Mass of one of the most revered Catholic figure in years, Bishop Emeritus of Surigao, Miguel C. Cinches, SVD, D.D.

Aside from being educated in an SVD school, I came to know Bishop Cinches when I was a kid. I used to listen to our Avegon battery transistor radio in Camiguin. By accident, I always tuned in to the broadcast of DXSN Budyong Silangan, because it has a very clear signal. Our town in the eastern part of Camiguin Island is facing the Surigao side of the Mainland Mindanao and that explains why the signal from Surigao is strong. Every Sunday, Bishop Cinches' homily is one of my most anticipated routine of the day. His clear and booming voice on radio is so powerful.

I never thought I could met Bishop Cinches in person until I was planning for my wedding in Surigao in 2001. My wife were choosing for a venue for our wedding. At one point, we were with Fr. Ernesto Lagura SVD, former President of the University of San Carlos in Cebu at the convent of the San Nicolas Tolentino Cathedral. Then later, there was Bishop Cinches laboriously climbing the stairs of the convent. I thought the man would be so formal. Then suddenly, Fr. Lagura greeted him with a joke, in a Boholano kind of banter, and to my surprise Bishop Cinches reciprocated him with another joke. There was an exchange of jokes of two old friends when we were introduced by Fr. Lagura to the good Bishop. The Bishop's comment almost floored me. "Hey are you the ones requesting for a wedding Mass at the Bishop's chapel?" We sheepishly replied, "No, Bishop. Maybe some other couples." He replied, " Okay, I think a request has been made to use the chapel. I thought that could be you."

The funeral mass officially called Mass of the Final Honors, started with the procession of priest, Diocesan, and Religious, notably SVD's. Aside from Surigao Bishop Antonieto Cabajog, among those in attendance are CBCP President and Bishop of Tandag, Nerio Odchimar, Bishop Juan De Dios Pueblos of Butuan, Bishop Honesto Pacana of Malaybalay (Bukidnon), Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Butuan Zacarias Jimenez, Archbishop Emeritus of Zamboanga Carmelo Morelos, Bishop Antonio Palang SVD, Bishop of San Jose Occidental Mindoro, Archbishop Romulo Valles of Zamboanga, Bishop Arturo Bastes SVD of Sorsogon and Bishop Leonardo Medroso of Tagbilaran(Bohol).

Before the Mass officially started, the casket was covered with a pall, a traditional rite accorded to Bishops. Then a Bible and a Cruxifix was placed on top of the casket.

The first reading was taken from the Book of Wisdom 3: 1-9,

1: ¹ But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.
2: They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction
3: and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace.
4: For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality;
5: Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself.
6: ² As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
7: ³ In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble;
8: They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD shall be their King forever.
9: Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect.

A very emotional responsorial Psalm was rendered by some members of Cantate Domino, the choir that Bishop Cinches organized with an antiphone, "Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God."

The Second Reading was taken from Romans 8:31-39

31

⁸ What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32: He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?
33: Who will bring a charge against God's chosen ones? It is God who acquits us.
34: Who will condemn? It is Christ (Jesus) who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.
35: What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
36: As it is written: "For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered."
37: No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.
38: For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, ⁹ nor future things, nor powers,
39: nor height, nor depth, ¹⁰ nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Homily was rendered by Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, a fellow SVD and a close friend of Cinches. He started his homily by citing an anecdote about St. Therese of Lisieux. When St. Therese was still a child, she told his mother, "Mother, I wish to die." Her mother ask why? She replied "because if we die, we got to be with Jesus."

He then shared a story how Bishop Cinches became the Bishop of Surigao. At one time, when he and Bishop Cinches were in their 40's in their house in Tagaytay, there was a vacancy somewhere in Luzon. Cinches was suggested to be the new Bishop. He recalled that Bishop Mike as Cinches was known, beg off because of his difficulty in learning Tagalog. Then another vacancy occured, this time in the Diocese of Surigao. This time, Bishop only commented, "Aw kung ganahan ang mga Surigaonon sa ako ug ako ganahan sa Surigao, suwayan. Kung dili mo click aw mouli ko sa Tagaytay.

So without an adequate pastoral experience Bishop Cinches assumed the mantle of the Diocese of Surigao replacing then Bishop Charles Van Den Ouwelant, MSC in the year 1973.

According to Bastes, Cinches was appointed Bishop because he is an SVD and as such, he was expected to become a magnet for SVD priests to come to Surigao. It was not long before that SVD priest handled some parishes in the Diocese.

Bastes said Cinches inherited a Diocese which lacked priests. This is because in 1978, the once united Diocese of Surigao was divided into two, with the creation of the Diocese of Tandag. Most Diocesan priests at that time were absorbed by the newly created Diocese. In Siargao alone, there was only one priest serving the entire island. But with Cinches modern outlook and open mindedness, he was able to formulate a systematic diocesan pastoral plan. He was able to strengthen the foundation of small Catholic communities which became the precursor of the now Basic Ecclesial Communities.

Bishop then continued his Homily by telling the congregation that death does not end life, it merely changed life. "Life is changed and not taken away," he said. He said Bishop Cinches only slept. He then compared the life of a person to a star. According to him, most of the stars we see in the sky today are dead. But their light continued to travel and be seen from here on earth. In the same way, the light of a person shines through with his memorable legacy even after his death. He later reminded the congregation that while the physical body dies, the spiritual body was born. He mentioned the Saints. According to him, the fiestas of a patron saint falls not on the day of his birth, but on the day of their death because it is that day that the Saints or any person for that matter is born to eternal life.

Frankly, after listening to the homily, I felt relieved as I too is still reeling from the double whammy of last year, Mama Thelma and cousin Bombei's sudden deaths. It was comforting and very reassuring homily.

The Mass went on, with Mallote's Our Father sung during the Lord's Prayer part. The communion capped with the singing of what could be Cinches musical masterpiece, "Buhi Sa Kanunay" (Always Living).

During Bishop's Cabajog's response, he shared his light moments with Bishop Mike. At one time, Bishop Mike told him, "You will be the one to say the Homily when I will die." Bishop Cabajog replied, " And when will that be? I will start writing now." Bishop Mike perplexed, "Why are you writing that this early?" To which Cabajog replied, " So that I can show it to you so that you could make proper corrections." That elicited laughter from the crowd.

At one time also, Cabajog remembered how Bishop Mike told him that he is leaving but assured him that he will be back in Surigao when he will die and nowhere else. Cabajog replied to him " You can come back anytime here, but please dont die yet." This elicited another guffaw from the congregation.

He remembered how Bishop Mike toured him to the Bishop's house. Bishop Cabajog recalled how often Bishop Mike would remind him, "28 ko ka tuig nag Bishop diri."

Vice Superior for SVD Southern Province, Fr. Eduardo Rocha recalled how Bishop Cinches did not try to act like a Bishop when he spent his time in the University of San Carlos after his retirement. He wanted to be treated like everyone else and worked like an ordinary priest.

After Rocha, I went out of the Cathedral because its about closing time in the office. How I wish I was able to stay until the burial of the good Bishop inside the Cathedral. But then I still have kids to fetch.

In the end, it was such an experience to know the man once and for all and to witness the bestowal of the Final Honors to him.

So long Bishop Mike.
."

Divine Mercy Hills, Ulaliman, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental

2010-04-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

LOCATED in the tranquil Hills of PSB Ulaliman, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, Divine Mercy Hills is fast becoming a popular pilgrim site in Mindanao.

Discovered in 2003, Divine Mercy Hills used to be planted to coconut tress and sineguelas.

Today, it is the home of the 50-foot Divine Mercy Statue, so far the tallest Divine Mercy statue in the world.

The events leading to the discovery of this place dates back to the year 2000.

The intercessory prayer group of the Divine Mercy Foundation Mindanao (Phils) Inc. an offshoot of a Catholic Charismatic group in Cagayan de Oro City began receiving visions and messages from the Lord to build His church of Mercy.

For three consecutive years, the visionaries of the group repeatedly received the same message of the Lord, to build His church of Mercy with the vision of the Lord, standing on top of a hill overlooking the ocean.

In 2003, the group was fully convinced that this was an authentic divine instruction from the Lord.

In a leap of faith and with only P2,000 in their savings account, they embarked on a search for the site spearheaded by the president of the Foundation, Atty. Guerrero Adaza and executive director, Mrs. Paquita Adaza.

After several attempts and on the verge to give up, the group in February 11, 2003, discovered Divine Mercy Hills in PSB Ulaliman, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental.

The place has a total area of 8.5 hectares and its hills slope in three levels. It has a spectacular view of Macajalar Bay of Cagayan de Oro.

To the group's amazement, they learned that this place has long been prepared by the Lord and kept from public view.

During a prayerful discernment upon discovering the place, the Lord said, "I have prepared this place a long time ago. This is a holy ground. It will be known all over the world because of the many miracles, healings and conversion that will take place here."

The presence of the Lord is truly manifested in all events and developments of this place. The negotiations alone with the different lots owners, to the full payment of the 9.8-hectare lots including the four parking areas in barely two years time, could only be made possible with divine intervention.

The project developer, Architect Felino Palafox Jr. and the statue's sculptor, Mr. Nick Reyes both world-renowned in their fields were likewise handpicked by the Lord.

The whole project is funded by donations from individuals. The Lord moved the hearts of people to help build His place and has promised to bless the families of those who responded to His call irregardless of amount.

To date, the 50-foot Divine Mercy Statue is nearing its completion. This coming September 8, 2008, there will be a triple grand celebration in the Divine Mercy Hills.

First will be the solemn dedication and blessing of the 50-foot Divine Mercy Statue. Second, the formal turnover of the 50-foot Divine Mercy Statue to the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, and thirdly, it is the Birthday of our Blessed Mother.

The blessing of the 50-foot Divine Mercy statue according to the Lord will be the biggest celebration in Divine Mercy Hills. It is a celebration of victory and invites everyone to come, as He will lavish His blessings and graces on this day.

Regular activities at the Divine Mercy Hills include the following: every Saturday between 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., healing, counseling and confession; every Sunday, at 3:00 p.m., Pilgrims Holy Mass.

The development in Divine Mercy Hills is ongoing. After the blessing of the statue on September 8, 2008, the construction of the Church of Mercy will begin. Other projects include the Mary's Garden, the Stations of the Cross, retreat houses, view decks and children's park.

The Divine Mercy Foundation Mindanao (Phils) Inc. invites you to help support and be part of this project through your generous financial assistance. As the Lord said, "Do not refuse anyone. Everyone has a right to my blessing."

Testimonies of healings, conversions and petitions answered are continually reported.

For donations please send it to, DIVINE MERCY FOUNDATION MINDANAO (PHILS) INC., at G&P Adaza Garden, Nemesito Chavez Village, Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro City od deposit funds PBCOM # 292-10-001092-6, or to Chinabank # 374-000081-7.

Call Divine Mercy Foundation Mindanao (Phils) Inc, at telephone No. (088) 350-9095, 09295468052.

Article from Sun Star Cagayan de Oro

"Painitan" sa Cabadbaran

2010-04-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

Its a part inside the Cabadbaran Public Market where rows of long tables offer a uniquely Filipino merienda treat, the chocolate drink locally known as sikwate and the now famous Cabadbaran puto maya.

It taste so heavenly that after one had the first bite, one can asked the address of the maker. (Makapangayo ka sa address)

Cabadbaran is the Capital of the province of Agusan del Norte. It is located midway between Butuan City and Surigao City.

It is famous for its water, gold and rice paddies.

It is also the home to its leaders like the walang kupas Edelmiro Amante who served as Congressman since the time of Marcos.

Balingasag's Old Houses

2010-04-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

A closer look on the details of its architecture

Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.

One of the populous and progressive municipalities of the Province. It is one of the oldest municipalities and also the home of great leaders like Governor Oscar Moreno.

It is highly an agricultural town.

The house above is only one of the Old Houses dotting the town. The said house has a refreshment spot below it.

Good Friday in Surigao City in 2010

2010-04-03T04:32:00.000-07:00

Mass of the Lord's Last Supper

2010-04-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

The procession of the Holy Host around Saint Nicholas de Tolentino Cathedral, Surigao City

Draped cruxifix at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, Bilang-Bilang, Surigao City

Maundy Thursday...

It is the day, Catholics commemorate the Last Supper of Our Lord Jesus Christ with his disciples. The highlight of the Mass is the washing of the feet of the disciples which is usually done by the priest. Here in this Mass, the washing is done by no less than Bishop Antonieto D. Cabajog, D.D., Bishop of the Dioceses of Surigao, Philippines.

The Mass culminated with the procession of the Holy Eucharist inside the Church.

Maundy Thursday is also dedicated for the conduct of Visita Iglesia (Church visit) with the vigil of the Holy Host. Other activities sanctioned at this time are the prayer of the Holy Rosary and the Stations of the Cross

"Suroy Isda"

2010-03-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

People have developed new ways to peddle fish. They no longer carry huge "nigo" to carry fish on their heads. Now, they use a transport complete with sound system to announce their goods.

Thats another way of adopting modernization. "High tech" na.

Here a fish vendor selling fish in Benoni, Mahinog, Camiguin.

Balingoan port

2010-03-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

Balingoan Port of Misamis Oriental, the gateway to Camiguin Island, Mindanao, Philippines.

"Pastel Center"

2010-03-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

Vendors selling "Pastel", Camiguin's famous food product, in Benoni Port, Mahinog, Camiguin.

"Laban!"

2010-03-12T18:10:00.000-08:00

Noynoy and Mar mobbed like rockstars in Surigao City

2010-03-12T18:01:00.000-08:00

Who says Surigao City is Villar country?

"Negosyo"

2010-03-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

Signage of establishments at Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City.

"In Demand"

2010-03-06T05:56:00.000-08:00

Generator set.

Selling like hotcakes as people scramble for means to beat the worsening Mindanao power crisis.

These Gensets are available on display at an establishment at Osmeña St. Cagayan de Oro City.

"Pabugnaw"

2010-03-02T06:49:00.000-08:00

Children lining up for a cold juice to cool under the El Niño sun. The picture is taken in the center island of Agora Bus Terminal in Cagayan de Oro City.

Caraga Regional Meet

2010-02-27T07:44:00.000-08:00

Butuan City

Agusan del Sur (yellow) Surigao City (blue)

Surigao City hosted the ongoing Caraga Regional Selection Meet starting last February 25 to March 1, 2010. Games are currently played at the new Surigao City Grandstand.

The events include athletics, Chess, Sepak Takraw and Lawn Tennis.

"Guinsiliban Peak"

2010-02-26T13:02:00.000-08:00

Guinsiliban Peak. The "sentry" of Camiguin Island.

"Not only Pastel"

2010-02-25T07:08:00.000-08:00

Vjandep's other specialty products.

This picture is taken at VJANDEP's Cagayan de Oro branch at Tiano-Yacapin sts, Cagayan de Oro City.

"Amag"

2010-02-24T04:27:00.000-08:00

"Amag" in Cebuano means "luminous." The fish might have derived its name from its characteristics. It is luminous in water. I am searching for its scientific name. So far, I am not successful.

I have never seen "amag" for a long time, more than 10 years I think. Recently, it making a comeback. I took this picture from a vendor in Benoni, Mahinog, Camiguin.

This is the favorite stuff my parents were buying before because it is always cheap though I do not like eating it. It is best cooked deep fried after being dipped with thick starch (tayobong).

Warning: Do not fart in public places when you ate this fish. People will always find out you're eating amag by the odor you emitted.

Gross.

"Sipaca"

2010-02-24T03:13:00.000-08:00

This picture is taken near Benoni Elementary School in Mahinog, Camiguin. My focus is on the boat but the Sipaca Point in Balingoan in the background appear prominently.

Sipaca Point is actually part of the Municipality of Talisayan in the Province of Misamis Oriental. That land mass is not separated from the Mindanao mainland but is connected by a narrow strip of land. It has become the home of cellsite towers and is used as a pilgrimage area during Holy Week.

I am so fascinated with Sipaca that I used it as my email address.

"Sugnod"

2010-02-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

Wood for fuel delivery. "Little Baguio", in San Roque, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.

"Top Load 2"

2010-02-19T13:57:00.000-08:00

Public utility jeep. A south bound barangay jeep in Butuan City.

"Noventa"

2010-02-13T00:02:00.000-08:00

"Noventa"

Means KM. 90. The highland boundary of the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, Philippines.

The view is breath taking. The place however has become the site of the various mining operations both on the Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur side of the highway.

"Manokan"

2010-02-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

"JRJ"

A Chicken Barbecue place along Tiano Bros. St. Cagayan de Oro City.

"Domingo"

2010-02-09T20:25:00.000-08:00

After a mass at Saint Augustine Cathedral, Cagayan de Oro City.

"Sports Center"

2010-02-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center, Apolinar Velez St., Cagayan de Oro

This is the newly renovated Pelaez Sports Center in Cagayan de Oro. It has now a rubberized track oval. It will play host to the 2010 Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic meet.

The picture showed the Grandstand and the Cagayan de Oro Polymedic Hospital at the background.

"Mambajao"

2010-02-07T12:45:00.000-08:00

Rizal St., Mambajao, Camiguin.

It is the home of the prominent establishments in Mambajao, Rooftop Hotel and Restaurant, Shell and Petron stations, the Dychauco store and other business and government establishment.

"Sea Cat"

2010-02-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

Paras Sea Cat, the fast craft plying Cagayan de Oro-Camiguin route. The picture shows the fast craft docking at Benoni Port, Mahinog, Camiguin.

"Cogon"

2010-01-31T15:25:00.000-08:00

Cogon Market Area, Cagayan de Oro City.

Welcome, 1st Congressional District of Surigao del Sur!

2010-01-30T06:25:00.000-08:00

Boundary Marker for Surigao del Sur, First District, Kinalablaban, Cagdianao, Surigao del Norte

Cantilan Beach Palms

2010-01-29T16:17:00.000-08:00

Barangay San Pedro, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Belfry

2010-01-09T04:16:00.000-08:00

Saint Augustine Cathedral, Cagayan de Oro City.

Nativity Scene, Surigao Cathedral

2009-12-25T06:32:00.000-08:00

Nativity Scene, San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral, Surigao City

December 25, 2009

2009-12-14T16:43:00.000-08:00

Consuelo Bridge, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur

This bridge connects Barangays San Pedro (Baybay) and Barangays Consuelo.

Only one motorcyle can pass at a time.

The place is so serene.

Kinalablaban hiway cut off

2009-11-27T18:05:00.000-08:00

Pictures from Janette Azarcon's facebook account.

A big crack in the highway at Sitio Kinalablaban, Cagdianao, Claver, Surigao del Norte in the vicinity of Gawad Kalinga Housing Project caused by rains.

Tropical Depression Urduja dumped rains for four consecutive days. In this portion, water seeped under the highway causing the soil to soften until it finally collapsed. A very unfortunate Starex Van fell into the hole. Luckily for all the passengers, all of them survived though injured.

The highway paralyzed traffic from Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. Bachelor Bus Company suspended its trips as of this writing.

"Old Cagayan de Oro"

2009-11-27T03:56:00.000-08:00

St. Augustine Cathedral. Notice the flower vendors are not still there as well as the Tennis Court

Gaston Park. No fountain yet

The prominent Cry of Balintawak Monument in Divisoria.

The Iligan-Cagayan de Oro National Highway

These pictures are not mine. I got this from this website www.skyscrapercity.com. I just like to share these rare pictures of Cagayan de Oro when I am not yet around.

"Tago"

2009-11-24T05:06:00.000-08:00

Municipal Hall, Tago Surigao del Sur

Tago, one of the oldest towns and parishes in Surigao del Sur.

Its the hometown of PBA players Zandro Limpot and Sunday Salvacion. It is also the birhplace of Sam Milby's mother.

Tago is famous for its delicacy called "pudding."

"Timonggot"

2009-11-21T22:44:00.000-08:00

Timonggot Hill, Mahinog, Camiguin

The dominant hill overlooking the poblacion area and its environs. It is a mute witness to the history of the town and events unfolding each day. People come and go but timonggot remains.

When I was a child, the sight of Timonggot gave me always an assurance-that I am home.

Tabo sa Mahinog

Done every Sunday at the front of the public market. My favorite item are the suman, the thing they called "ibus." It is a welcoming sight for Mass goers who are expecting to have a treat after a week's toil.

"Resting Place"

2009-11-19T14:09:00.000-08:00

Claver cemetery, Claver, Surigao del Norte

Named after its patron saint, San Pedro Claver, the Saint of Colored Peoples. Claver has a significant number of indigenous tribes and hosts probably the largest nickel mining sites in the country.

De Lara Park

2009-11-18T13:45:00.000-08:00

De Lara Park, Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City

Named after former Misamis Oriental Governor Vicente De Lara who hails from Gingoog City. It is the park fronting the Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol. Its a favorite place for morning walks and jogs.

Presently, its the site of monuments designed by National Artist Eduardo Castrillo which are still under construction.

Liceo de Cagayan University, Vamenta Ave. Cagayan de Oro City

One of the premiere learning institutions in Northern Mindanao.

"Powdery"

2009-11-17T06:55:00.000-08:00

Sands of Socorro, Surigao del Norte

This sandy beach can give Boracay a competition. This is located in La Fortuna Beach Bucas Grande Island. The island is part of the Siargao group of islands in Surigao del Norte. If you are looking at the map below, this beach is found on the western side of the island opposite the Socorro town proper.

When we got there, there was no electricity but lots of seafoods. At nighttime, you feel you are inside a planetarium. Stars are seen clear and unobstructed.

The personnel manning the facility are 2 tourist guides, a headmaster, a woman cook and two assistants. Dont expect too much. There is no room here, no buildings. We simply sleep on tents, some on the kiosks, the only central structure of the place.

"Top Load"

2009-11-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Double tire jeeps.

In rural areas in Mindanao, jeeps are retrofitted from single tire to double tire to accomodate heavier load of passengers and goods. The means of transportation is scarce that is why bigger vehicles are made to compensate the lesser frequency of trips.

In this particular scene at Barangay Lingayao, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, people prefer to ride "top load" rather than inside the jeeps to breath fresh air.

Camiguin motorela

2009-11-16T20:09:00.000-08:00

Camiguin motorela

Its the common means of transportation in Camiguin. Unlike in most places where the tricycles are built with sidecars, Camiguin motorelas are designed like a jeepney. It can accomodate 10 passengers, 8 on the back and 2 on the side of the driver.

Camiguin motorelas are usually assembled from welding shops in Misamis Oriental. Which explains why Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin motorelas are identical.

In this photo, motorelas are lining up for their turn to pick up passengers after a Sunday mass in Mahinog, Camiguin.

Streetlife in Mahinog, Camiguin

2009-11-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

Mahinog, Camiguin

This is the blogger's birthplace. It is created in 1949 from the municipality of Mambajao. It is the gateway of Camiguin as it hosts the port of Benoni. It has 13 barangays and a population of over 10,000.

Its tourist attractions are the Mantigue Island eco marine sanctuary, the Taguines man made lagoon and the Macau cold spring in Tupsan Pequeño.

Cantilan beaches

2009-11-15T23:10:00.000-08:00

Consuelo, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur

Taken from the beachlines of Consuelo, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. Cantilan is one of the five towns comprising the Carcanmadcarlan area. As a matter of fact, Cantilan, known as the "cradle of towns" is the mother town of the municipalities of Carrascal, Madrid, Carmen and Lanuza.

The Carcanmadcarlan area is the northernmost part of Surigao del Sur and is more accessible coming from Surigao City.