Caraga rising paradise

journey into a mystical place caraga.

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

February 4, 2010 3 Comments

written by Guest Blogger Jocelyn E. Morano on February 3rd, 2010

The 24.7-meter long 2nd replica of Balangay christened Masawa Hong Butuan, was finally launched on January 31, 2010 witnessed by local and foreign tourists amidst the muddy ground of the Luna Compound in Barangay Bading, Butuan City and intense heat of the sun. Caraga and Butuan City proudly celebrated the historic launching of Balangay boat that comes to life.

Astoundingly, Masawa Hong Butuan glided into the Agusan River at past 1 in the afternoon almost the same hour when the 20.12 meter long Diwata ng Lahi was launched into Manila waters in June of last year.

It took more or less 3-hours, 2-backhoes we luckily got on short notice from the Bradco Attachment Parts online shop. We couldn’t of done it without the help from the experts to lift the Masawa Hong Butuan from the muddy ground of its building site.

People screamed when the 7-ton Balangay tilted a little bit on its side as soon it touched the strong current of Agusan River, but with a little push Masawa Hong Butuan move smoothly into the river with cheers from people who witnessed the historic event.

In a very touching and inspiring message, former DOTC Undersecretary Arturo Valdez, Voyage of the Balangay Team Leader said in his speech, “People of Butuan, you should be proud because in your veins run the proud blood of an Ancient Kingdom which you can tell to everybody, ‘we have a civilization long long long before’, five times earlier before the coming of Magellan and the Europeans. I’m asking the people of Butuan you should realize that sense of pride, that you have such great inheritance as a people. I hope with the Balangay Project you will be together as a people to show to the whole country, that KAYA ng BUTUAN, KAYA ng PINOY.”

Masawa Hong Butuan will be joining the newly repaired Diwata ng Lahi to continue the journey of the Voyage of the Balangay on February 4, 2010 for their Mindanao 6th leg which is the Butuan – Ozamiz route and the first stop would be in Carmen, Agusan del Norte.

After finishing the journey visiting ports of Mindanao, Voyage of the Balangay will begin its Southeast Asia travel before coming back to Manila by the end of October while Masawa Hong Butuan will be back in Butuan on December, 2010. This could be an astounding accomplishment of the peoples of Butuan and Caraga.

Mr. Greg Hontiveros, Chairman of the Butuan Boat Building Committee said the cost of re-creating the second Balangay is more or less 1.7 million pesos, spearheaded by the Butuan Global Forum, Inc supported by Butuan Historical and Cultural Foundation and the city government of Butuan.

Wood used in building the Masawa Hong Butuan which the Manobo’s from Barangay Binicalan, San Luis, Agusan del Sur called the Dungon Tree, or Yakal tree as it is known by many was donated by the Banwaon Manobo Talaandig Tribe.

photos courtesy from Jocelyn E. Morano

Butuan City – Kahimunan Festival, a Success Despite Heavy Downpour

January 20, 2010 8 Comments

written by Guest Blogger Jocelyn E. Morano on January 20th, 2010

Heavy rains blanketed Caraga Region since January 10 until the day Butuanons celebrated Kahimunan Festival on January 17, nevertheless JC Aquino Avenue was full of spectators lining up sides along JC Aquino Avenue to witness the street dancing parade.

Spectators lined along the street wet and unmindful of the cold to watch and took some pictures every time contingents from Agusan National High School, Libertad National High School, Caraga State University (NORMISIST) Cabadbaran, Libertad Women’s Organization and Butuan City Hall passes by.

The Kahimunan Festival is celebrated every third Sunday of January in celebration of Barangay Libertad fiesta with its patron Señor Sto.Niño – the counterpart of Sinulog Festival in Cebu City.

Kahimunan is a Lumad term which means “gathering”. One of the most prestigious gatherings in Caraga and Butuan City.

The main theme of the ceremonies in the Kahimunan Festival is a combination of the pre-colonial culture and its affiliation with Christianity that reflects Butuan colourful past.

During the street parade participants’ line up the streets to present exotic dances and ceremonies where dancers are all dressed up in colourful costumes as they dance to an indigenous music.

Theatrical performances of ceremonies and dances are highlighted as they decorate the streets with their exotic costumes and native ornaments such as baskets, native wide brim of hats and other accessories.

The City Sports Complex in Libertad was likewise jam packed with people, devotees, local and foreign spectators to witness each contingents dance performance.

Agusan National High School was adjudged this years’ Champion receiving 200 thousand pesos cash prize.

Declared 2nd winner is Butuan City Hall contingents with 150 thousand pesos cash prize while Caraga State University (formerly NORMISIST) in Cabadbaran won 3rd prize with 120 thousand pesos cash prize.

Contingents from Libertad National High School and Libertad Women’s Organization were also accorded 10,000 pesos as consolation prize.

The city government supported Kahimunan Festival in its effort to boost tourist potentials of Butuan City.

photos courtesy from Jocelyn E. Morano

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

January 5, 2010 3 Comments

written by Guest Blogger Jocelyn E. Morano on January 3rd, 2010

November 28 was a big day for Butuanons who waited anxiously for Diwata ng Lahi to finally come home in Butuan. The historic fate comes to life as the Pre-Spanish sailing boat known as Balangay Boat or the Butuan Boat reached the historic City of Butuan and the region of Caraga.

At past 9 in the morning, a message from those with the Voyage of the Balangay Team said that the Balangay has entered the mouth of Agusan River, used to be the homecourt of travel companies, slowly navigating towards PPA Port where a good number of crowds were waiting.

However, the strong current makes Balangay to sail at a slow pace since it is manoeuvred manually.

The Balangay anchored PPA Port at exactly 11o’clock in the morning, greeted with cheers from crowds, some are waving flags and others were teary eyed as they watched Balangay slowly cruising her way at the famous Agusan River.

Riverside Barangays in Butuan City also had their way of welcoming the historic event wherein bancas decorated with colourful flaglets joined the approaching Balangay.

City Tourism Council Chairperson in her message said, “Madyaw nga pagkani Butuan. You have honoured our Butuanon people with this epic voyage that highlights the significance of the Balangay boat and validates our claims to history. To Team Balangay headed by former DOTC Undersecretary Art Valdez, let me thank you for your invaluable contribution in awakening our people’s historic consciousness.”

In a grand celebration held at PPA grounds, City Councilor Benjie Calo announced in public that the Sangguniang Panglunsod of Butuan have adopted through a resolution the crew of Balangay as Honorary Citizens of Butuan.

Meanwhile, Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II wished the Balangay Team the success of such historic expedition including all activities they initiate in every port of call. “Being the Honorary Citizens of Butuan City let me assure you that you are still welcome here the next time you will be visiting,” said Mayor Plaza in his speech.

Balangay Team Leader Art Valdez on the other hand said in his speech, “Seeing the big crowd, seeing the warm response, seeing kids, children along the river some waving the flag as we pass by gets us emotional and you get moved and humbled as we enter the PPA port.”

“We in the Team Balangay feel honoured by the warm reception by the people of Butuan,” added Mr. Art Valdez.

Balangay is synonymous with Butuan, as the site of the excavation which makes a glorious history in the Philippines when the first Balangay was dug up in 1976, a proof of good maritime heritage long before colonialism.

The Voyage of the Balangay is a great pride of Butuanons as local historians have once said that this shows proof of civilization in Butuan where trading with neighbouring countries is full of life.

After sailing for 3 months, anchoring at 35 ports and braving 8 storms, Diwata ng Lahi will stay at Luna Compound in Bading –site of Butuan Balangay boat building-to undergo major repair.

Voyage of the Balangay will then wait for the completion of the second replica of Balangay built in Butuan and together they will continue the journey in January 2010.

The Butuan Balangay Crew composed of Toto Calo, Sato Raypon, Nico Calo and Lemzar Manginsay has now been declared by Art Valdez, as official crew members of the Voyage of the Balangay.

Butuanons and neighbouring people in the region of Caraga will also have their opportunity to experience a river cruise in Agusan River with the Diwata ng Lahi.

Agusan River became one of the major seaports in the Philippines in the 1970s turning a hub to travel companies where passengers meet en route to different destinations in the country.

This week, the Balangay Team will conduct disaster preparedness seminar, coastal clean-up at Barangay Masao, mangrove tree planting in Barangay Lumbocan and Marine Conservation and Effect of Climate Change symposiums to different schools before heading home for the Christmas holidays.

photos courtesy from Jocelyn E. Morano

Bislig City – a city by the bay

July 1, 2009 40 Comments

This is one of my most exciting visit since this is the place where the famous Tinuy-an Falls located. Bislig City is the opposite end of Butuan City that is end to end to each other in Caraga. If you want to look at the map, Bislig City was 158 kilometers away southeast of Butuan City, and is heading at the last part of Caraga in going to the South to Davao Oriental.

Bislig City was located in the province of Surigao del Sur. It is known as – a city by the bay – because most its land mass occupying the scenic bay facing the great Pacific Ocean. Bislig City owns the whole part of the bay. No more, no less. Both Butuan and Bislig have a bay in honor to its name. Bislig City got its name from a forest vine of the rattan family that grew in abundance along the banks of its rivers.

In 1990, the then Bislig town was converted into a city. Other cities that comprise Caraga aside from Bislig are Butuan and Surigao.

A Portal of Virgin Forest

It is just about 5 hours ride from Butuan City. While as we move closer to Bislig City, the rough road has started to bump my seat but there were lots of entry point in order to get through to the city. There you experience big trees along the side of the road as you have never seen before like a trip to a never ending forest. You are heading the road as if you are passing the cradle of giant trees and wild plants but it seems they are just the leftover of boom logging in the 70’s.

If you think of it, Bislig City before the boom of logging industries was part of a cradle of virgin forest, or else a frontal image of a nude forest in the Pacific. This is where the defunct PICOP Resources discovered the best location of it. PICOP was formerly the largest paper mill in Asia.

PICOP, Mangagoy, or Mangagoy, PICOP

It can not be deny that word PICOP and Mangagoy – are famous name compare to the name Bislig. When you say PICOP refer to Mangagoy, and Mangagoy known where PICOP Resources located. It is just simply both name overshadowed the name Bislig. When I was young I always hear the name Mangagoy and PICOP until then in high school, I have a research on it and discovered that they are all came from Bislig town.

Someone is telling me, to that effect that comparing Mangagoy is like a city and Bislig was just a plain rural area. Later I learned that Mangagoy was just a downtown barangay envelope by not famed Bislig town. PICOP became a household name because most of its inhabitants were connected to PICOP as human resources and the source of livelihood. In short, most bisliganon survives due to PICOP existence.

Tourist Attraction

I have already discovered the beauty of Tinuy-an Falls which is known as “Niagara of Caraga.” It is a 3-layered falls with a height of 55 meters and a width of 95 meters, and possibly the widest falls in the Philippines. When I went there, it will cost 45 minutes to jump from the city proper. It is one of the best waterfalls in the entire Philippines because of its majestic and unique natural formation. Its colorful picture was once appeared in the International Travel Magazine.

Another hotspot is Hagonoy Island is a pearl shape island with clear blue water and white sand suitable for tropical getaway. It is 45 minutes pumpboat ride within the Bislig Bay.

The Lawigan Beach which faces and considers a part of the Pacific Ocean is a host of white sand beaches in the coastal area with fresh ocean breeze and sun bathing.

The enchanted underground river of the Hinayagan Cave. Famous for its unique features and has an atrium at the center reflecting sun rays. Experience a thrill while riding a banca or bamboo raft with bats hovering over your head.

The Togonan Cold Spring which is a 30-minute ride a far from the city proper.

Forester Park where amazing rock formation carved by nature through time which includes century old trees amidst mahogany tree plantation.

Bislig also hosts an annual festival called “The Karawasan Festival” during the charter day of the city which features an inter-school ethnic dance competition. Karawasan came from a local dialect which means “movement of the crabs”.

Never-ending Nature Parks and Resorts

• Ocean View Park – found at Gangas Drive 300 step up in a forest. You can see the panoramic view of Bislig Bay, Pacific Ocean, and Bislig City Skyline
• Baywalk Boulevard
• Mone River – offers a boat ride tour and witness the tropical getaways
• Florland Resort
• Restiseta Farm Resort
• Villa Salud Resort
• Villa Maximilla Resort
• Sian Resort
• Highland Function Farm

some photos and info from bislig city government website, other pics from bislig tambayan, and friendster from bislig karawasan photo

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

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

June 19, 2009 15 Comments

I was born in Caraga. I’m proud when I came out in this world as a baby my mom was the best caretaker of all the mothers in this world. In her arms, you will hear the first ‘hello’ and when sharing your first cry you will hear a song of lullaby to calm your soul, and put you to rest for awhile. Even more, sharing your first smile will inspire your mother to sing more and more… and rocking you softly in her arms.

Mother Earth Versus Mother Mercy

My mom real name is Mercedes, so her friends call her Mercy, a magic word that has full of hearts and emotions like what I’ve heard “have mercy on us”.

What’s the difference between her and mother Earth is that when you do something bad to mother Earth, bad things will return to you. But if you do something bad in the family, your mother will return the good things to you, and it will makes you a fine and better person in the process.

Like for example for Mother Earth, when illegal logging activities happened in a mountains of St. Bernard of Leyte. The continuous cutting of trees in the mountains will weaken the soil foundation and erosion takes place. Continuous rainfall will result to landslides that covered villages and thousands people buried alive. That was horrible. Mother Earth is the fiercest thing alive.

While mother Mercy is a kind heart. I remember when I lost one thousand pennies that caused a lot of headache. My father will be angry of the thing I did since it was his money. When I informed my mother about it, all she did was patch-up the mess, and borrowed money from her friend. Everything put in order as I returned the money to my father. She take care the load while I learned something about it. I should be careful in dealing with money because it was a price of blood and sweat from the hands of my parents.

The Best BabySitter of All Times

Of course, being the eldest of all five children, everything was her first touch and first care (now it all is much easier with mommy lists). And so, time goes by, of all the five children grow up was the product of her selfless devotion. Never forget the stress that you can see in her face of having five children in a row.

And now the next batches of children were coming. All of her children were married, and got the first move to babysit the eldest daughter of my sister. The following year, I have my eldest daughter, and then the following year, my youngest brother had it with a son. And so the same thing that goes to the next, she has no remorse of the back subject but no failing grade at all.

Because of her unfailing performance she was promoted and rewarded a Green Card holder in the US. My youngest sister who was based in Ohio also dreamed of having a child of her own. It is not easy of dreaming a child in American dream since the atmospheric pressure and the time pressure is part of it. So, she petitioned my parents (my father opted to stay here). The timing is right. When the time she got pregnant my mom is already there, and does her duty, anyway, as a babysitter hehehe.

American Dream

If I have here the Canadian visa, I will choose it rather than in American Dream. Since my mom was in Ohio, the Canadian visa is not in my brain this time. Canadian visa is my first choice in going for immigration since it offers distinct services such as Corporate Immigration Services and Individual Fully Assisted Service, and living in Canada is one of the best economies in the region.

By the time the petitioned papers handed to my mother is a sure way to go to a place that most Filipinos love working and living in American Dream. It’s thirty seven years she is with us this moment and beyond she is out of sight. But if you ask me heartily, I prefer living in Caraga Region for the rest of my life with our mother.

Mother Knows Best

Your mother is the best person ever alive. Without her you have no place in this world. From the first day you were born, she knows the things that are best for you, that are right for you, and she can see what lies in the future for you. The best evidence to prove is you that you are still here alive and kicking and fighting. The wisdom you will learned will never fade even when she is not anymore in this world.

Me As Babysitter

My second baby is coming, and since mom is far away, how I wish that she could go back to Philippines to take care my new baby. But since mom was not here, I became an alter ego of her. My wife is in caesarian section, so probably, I will be the next in line to become a babysitter, huh.

When I was a bachelor then, I don’t want to cradle a baby in my arms, not just baby is small but so soft to carry, I have a phobia to do it, or else I will shout and help me to take it away from me.

Since this day you are a certified father, you can’t help but be a father of your daughter in the first place. The first touch and the first care, place it in your arms when she was still a two-day old, the warm embrace and the sweet scent of a baby that move you closer to each other through time. Bathing your baby and changing her diaper is important for proper hygiene. Cradling in your arms for hours is building your muscles as well hehehe. Learning and persistence in babysitting is your daily struggles. In the end, you and your baby will become closer than ever the way I see it. It is not easy to be a babysitter, anyway.

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