butuan city — Page 3 — Caraga rising paradise

Travel Facilities for Caraga – dream of the future!

January 25, 2009 3 Comments

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

photo of NAIA 2 Terminal – courtesy from skyscraperlife.com

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

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

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

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

Caraga – a place of never-ending adventures

April 20, 2008 42 Comments

CARAGAcan be traced back to the 15th century when explorers discovered the existence of Kalagans, believed to be of Visayan Origin in one of the three districts in Mindanao. The word Caraga originated from the Visayan word “Kalagan”: “Kalag” meaning soul or people and “An” meaning land. The “Kalagans” have a long history of being brave and fearless. Thus, the region was called by early chroniclers as the “Land of the Brave and Fierce People.”

The “Kalagans”, called “Caragans” by the Spaniards occupied the district composed of the two provinces of Surigao, northern part of Davao Oriental and Eastern Misamis Oriental. The two Agusan Provinces were later organized under the administrative jurisdiction of Surigao and became the independent Agusan province in 1914. In 1960, Surigao was divided as Norte and Sur, and in June 1967, Agusan followed suit. While Butuan then was just a town of Agusan, the logging boom in 1950’s drew business and businessmen to the area. On August 2, 1950. by virtue of Republic Act 523, the City Charter of Butuan was approved.

CARAGA is an Administrative Region of the Philippines, on the northeastern portion of the island of Mindanao. It is the newest region in the Philippines, and is also called Region XIII. The Caraga Region was created through Republic Act Number 7901 on February 25, 1995. The region is composed of five (5) provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, and the newly created province, Dinagat Islands (from Surigao del Norte); six (6) cities: Butuan, Surigao and Bislig, and recently, the newly created component cities: Cabadbaran, Bayugan, and Tandag; seventy (70) municipalities and 1,346 barangays. Butuan City is the regional center.It’s haven for tourists and adventurers. The region hosts two of the Philippines’ 10 National Integrated Protected Areas – the Siargao Seascape, and the 100,000-hectare Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary – as well as world class dive, surfing, and sport fishing sites, mountains trekking and biking, white sand beaches, hot and cold springs, caves, rivers, forests, and waterfalls.If you are seeking a challenging experience or simply an escapade from the humdrum of urban life, venture no more… Come and experience adventure one can find south of the Philippines islands that simply lures visitors to frolic in its pristine beauty.

Butuan – the historic city

January 3, 2008 11 Comments

“In the beginning there was no Philippines…but there was Butuan.”

Welcome to a city that has seen over 1,687 years of recorded history. The line was so pure in the hearts and minds of any historian that symbolizes Butuan as “the Prehistoric Destination of the Philippines.

The symbol became the theme: you can see it everywhere in any public place, as well as public utility vehicle “Historic Butuan: ato ini, kadyawon ta.”

When I was a child, I used to ask my uncle to where Butuan got its name, then he said was “boto-an”, and everyone burst into laughter including me because it refers something that is beneath your… underwear (hehehe).

But nonetheless, Butuan got its name from the sour fruit called “batuan”, and some sources came from the name of a chieftain “Datu Buntuan”, who once ruled Butuan.

Pieces of History Has Started

Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer commissioned by King Phillip II of Spain, sets foot in the sands of Butuan and met the two Butuanon kings, and found the natives was packed of golds and other precious artifacts in their homeland, he was so amazed on how they acquire such riches on earth.

Pigafetta, a chronicler and one of Magellan’s men, describe much on his writing, “pieces of gold exist everywhere, as large as walnuts and eggs. In the king’s house was well set-up, and even some portions are made of gold, and all the dishes are gold too.” He went on, “huge gold ornaments, long dagger and handles made of gold that surrounds the king’s body.”

What amazed him were the skills of Butuanon to create beautifully crafted pieces of golds and other precious metals, and mixing them too to produce unique items as the best in the history. All of the things they found in Butuan established already a throng of highly civilized people exist on the other end of the world.

World Before Magellan

But Magellan and his men did not know something of the place they are in. Before the day they came on March 29, 1521, and established the first ever recorded blood compact in the history of the Philippines between him and the two Butuanon brother kings, Rajah Siagu and Rajah Colambu, Butuan was already the center of trade and commerce in the Philippines (although there was no Philippines yet) in the 11th AD.

The discovery of the 9 butuan boats or known as balanghai boats, with about 50 thousands archaeological relics and cultural materials (numerous porcelain jars, pots, plates, golds, etc.) excavated in Libertad, became the best evidence to prove that Butuan established trading relations in Asian countries, and even reaching beyond uncharted seas in the globe.

One of the balanghai boats was dated 320 AD (well it’s moving closer to the life of Jesus Christ!), and is now placed in National Museum, Manila, while the others, dated up to 10th AD, and now placed in Balangay Shrine Museum, Butuan City.

The numerous porcelain jars and artifacts discovered were originated from the Chinese (10th–15th AD), Khmer/Cambodian (9th-10th AD), Thai (14th-15th AD), Pre Thai Satingpra (9th-11th AD) and Haripunjaya (8th-9th AD), Pre-Trade Vietnamese (11th-13th AD), and Persian (9th-10th AD). Some of these relics are now placed at Butuan National Museum in Butuan City. While the others can be found to some private individuals who are involved in illegal digging activities at the height of archaeological excavations in 1976, but lucky enough to find some rare pieces, and sold to private collectors. As a homeowner you can also contact to septic tank installation experts as it is a part of excavation.

Other Historical Events

Before Magellan left Butuan, a mass was held in Mazaua Island offered by Fr. Pedro Valderrama on March 31, 1521 in the presence of two Butuanon kings, and later on, became the celebrated First Easter Mass in the Philippines (contesting Limasawa of Leyte as disproved by Geo-morphologists and Archeologists).

According to the Chinese Soong Shi (history), Butuan has recorded the first appearance of the Butuan Tributary Mission at Chinese Imperial Court on March 17, 1001 AD, that is 50 years earlier than Manila.

During that period, Butuan has already established regular trading relations in the kingdom of Champa (now known as South Vietnam) and intermittent contact with China in the early 10th AD. Furthermore, Sri Vijayan Empire of Sumatra in the 8th – 14th AD and Madjapahit Empire of Java in the 13th -15th AD (both now part of Indonesia) added as trading partner in the Prehistoric times.

One notable events is the discovery of Golden Tara (in the picture above) in 1917, a 21-carat gold Buddhist figurine which is the earliest known image of Sailendra Period of Sri Vijayan in the 10th AD is now placed in Chicago Field Museum of Natural History.

Butuan is the first site of the formal evangelization of Mindanao on September 8, 1597 as the Jesuits built the first Catholic Church in Mindanao, and now it is the oldest church ruins in Mindanao as it was burned by Moro pirates in 1753.

It was in Butuan where the first and formal hoisting of the Philippines flag and the playing of the music of the Philippine National Anthem in Mindanao on January 17, 1899.

Wheww!…that was the riches of history!

Butuan In The Map Of Tourism

Well, visiting the historic Butuan draw your attention in the Balangay Shrine and the Butuan National Museum. In these places witness how Butuan became the icon of history that traverse from prehistoric times up to the present period.

Don’t forget the first Catholic Church and the oldest church ruins in Mindanao found in barangay Banza which is known as Banza Church Ruins. Its tower is the only remaining structure, and was envelope with roots of ficus tree for a long period of time.

The First Easter Mass Eco-Park, Bood Promontory of barangay Pinamanculan where the image of the cross that towered in a hilltop as the celebrated First Easter Mass took place in the Philippines.

National Shrine of the Philippine Flag in Mindanao in Butuan City Rizal Park where the first formal hoisting of the Philippine flag in Mindanao takes place on January 17, 1899.

Agusan River is the third longest river in the Philippines and the first in Mindanao. It is the most navigable river compare to other rivers in the country.

The majestic Mt. Mayapay stand high above other mountains and plateaus overlooking the skyline of Butuan and the Butuan Bay. It will show you the beauty and appreciates natures when trekkers and bikers love to see when they go up there.

Bonbon Eco-Park was developed when waterfalls existed in the mountains and became a tourist haven. For those who love to cool yourself from too much heat of summer then climb up in the mountains, and splash in a man-made pools!

I love to escape myself and my family to Masao Island Beach Resort the most in-demand beach resort in Butuan for having no other beach around hehehe.

Butuan Today

At present, Butuan was one of a highly Urbanized City (first class city) in the Philippines. It is the regional center or capital of Caraga Region. Its land area was about 81,728 has., but one-third only to the size of Davao City. But Davao City is considered as the largest city in the whole world, although Butuan is not in the line, but it is one of the largest city in Mindanao, as well as in the Philippines.

Butuan lies flat along the banks of Agusan River. In the distance were mountains and hills stretching across for miles, as if, surrounded the city but forms part of Agusan Valley. The highest peak was Mt. Mayapay, standing majestically, and got its named from Madjapahit Empire.

Butuan strategic locations in the province of Agusan del Norte makes it a natural gateway to the different prime destinations in Mindanao such as Davao City (going south), Cagayan de Oro City (going north), Surigao City (going east), and soon to be materialized national highway – Bukidnon (going west).

Currently, there are two structural man-made landmark in Butuan City, the 2nd Magsaysay Bridge and the Butuan City Hall Complex. Another, soon to be realized, is the 12,000-seater Butuan City Coliseum.

Festivals and Events

1. Kahimunan Festival – third Sunday of January
2. Mazaua Discovery Day – March31
3. Balangay Festival – May 1-31
4. Fiesta of St. Joseph – May 19
5. Abayan Festival – Last Sunday of July
6. Adlaw Hong Butuan – August 2
7. 1st Recorded Trade Mission from the Philippines Islands to China – October 3

Special Events

1. Balangay Voyage – Diwata ng Lahi is Finally Home
2. Light Up Butuan!

Butuan City Hall Complex – another landmark in butuan city

November 30, 2007 Leave a Comment

Butuan City Hall Complex another landmark in the heart of Butuan City. It was a huge success on the part of Butuanons before another landmark was found, of course, the grand aura of the now newly celebrated 2nd Magsaysay Bridge. Long time ago, a city dreamed of having a place where officials and its constituents – the Butuanons – meet in a convenient and nicest way, and possibly in a modern way. Until, such then, a dreamed became a reality!

It is just of having a modernized City Hall coming to this new generation replacing the old ones. And now, it is one of the best City Hall in the country, and the best in Mindanao.

The modern City Hall building was placed at the center, standing majestically. You have to take a walk for hundred meters from the gate before reaching the entrance of the building. A very spacious surroundings with well-planned landscaping.

Butuan City Hall Complex was inaugurated in August 2, 2005, the day when Butuanons celebrate its 55th Charter Day with pride and honor.

Well, cheers to all Butuanons!

2nd Magsaysay Bridge – a landmark in butuan city

November 29, 2007 Leave a Comment

So much to cheers to all Butuanon when the 2nd Magsaysay Bridge was inaugurated and open in public last April 30, 2007. After a decade of waiting that another bridge will be constructed to support the voluminous traffic in the aging 1st Magsaysay Bridge, finally became a reality, the construction of the 2nd Magsaysay Bridge.

The aging 1st Magsaysay that was built in 1950’s always undergoes major renovation for years. This prompts me to become uneasy person as I passed by to the center of the bridge. But this old bridge was proving to be mightier than a mighty because it lives there for years.

Now, the 2nd Magsaysay, which is 3 kilometers from the existing 1st Magsaysay Bridge has the two-lane, 870-meterlong, 6.7-meter wide which is considered as the longest suspension bridge in the entire Mindanao. This new bridge has been a success after the achievement of another landmark, which is the Butuan City Hall Complex.

The 2nd Magsaysay Bridge has 13.21-km bypass road with 11.4 meters wide became the longest road span in the Philippines as well as in the whole world that will compare to England’s London Bridge. This road span traverses Iligan-Cagayan-Butuan City Road on the north and General Santos-Davao-Butuan City Road on the south.

The 2nd Magsaysay Bridge will boost economic progress in the city. As we know the 1st Magsaysay Bridge share the most part in Butuan‘s economic progress. Butuan, aside from its rich in historical background, it is considered as the center of of commerce and industry in terms of its strategic location in Mindanao. The existence of these two bridges will link Butuan to Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Surigao provinces as well as Bukidnon. This will also encourage partnership of distant cities of the region in economic and business activities.

Congratulations to all Butuanons!!!

pix from butuanon.net