caraga — Page 12 — Caraga rising paradise

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.

Mining Industry – destroyed our tourism industry

March 11, 2008 6 Comments

Mining started to operate extensively in the towns of Tubay, Santiago, Jabonga, and RTR in the province of Agusan del Norte. The presence of huge gold, copper nickel, and manganese deposits in the mountains along the coastal areas were the targets of a group of individuals, and a companies sprouting from small scale to large scale mining. There was a report that $3.3 million per shipment, and it happened 2 times a week. That’s a lot of money here!

Accordingly, the shipping of gold went through the benefiting country which is China. (I remember historic Butuan’s trading relations with China before – history repeat itself – but not this good.)

25 Years Ago

I remember when I was 12 years old, and a member of Boy Scout movement in the Philippines, we had a camping in Pook, La Fraternidad, Tubay. Pook beach was not fine sand but composed of pebbles that is tickling in your feet, and feels good when you take a walk or swim in the beach. Early morning, dolphins began to emerge near the shoreline. We clap our hands for joy, and wooed these creatures when it passes by. It’s a rare opportunities for everyone to catch this live before our eyes!

Facing the shoreline, of course, big mountains where we took a stroll, and climbing there almost at the top. There you saw the beauty of the ocean. The waves reached the shoreline in a white line. Sunset showed as it began to fade away in the horizon. You will never forget how ocean, mountains, and sunset blend in one spectacular setting of the day.

The Real Threat

I would like to say, the horrendous effects of mining was damaging to the environment. Mountains beginning to shrink, became bald, and later, a lost natural structures. The cutting of trees in the mountains which is crucial to our existence as part of ecosystem could lead us to continuous flooding and landslides. In fact, mountains protect us from the fury of natures such as typhoons and tsunamis.

The sad part here is that one of the tourist paradises that I posted here was lost its ground as haven for hide away vacationers and became dead was Tubay Mountain Beach Resort. Its seashore turned red because of the continuous mining operations in the area. So sad for this one!

As we know, Tubay has one…while Jabonga has six beautiful diving sites. Without knowing, all these diving sites slowly turned dead in the near futures as mining operations continue to rack-up in the coastal areas.

My Stand

God created these mountains as a gift to us. He didn’t create these things for us to suffer, but to give us joy in our hearts. The joy was eternal because he created it perfectly with His own hands and showed it to us. For our part, the responsibility is to take care of the things that God have shown to us.

I am calling, therefore, to all those concerned citizens, bond together by showing awareness and open our eyes in stopping mining operations. Elected officials must take the lead (I hope they can!), showing how they care for the environment they live and the people that surrounds them who expect great things from them, or else, as what Jun Lozada said (ZTE-NBN scandal star witness) “moderate your greed, baka kako yan ay bubukol.”

Agusan del Norte – amazing adventures!

January 23, 2008 21 Comments

“Human and nature…making amazing adventures.”

Agusan del Norte is one of the five province of Caraga Region (others are Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the newly created province – Dinagat Island, which was part of Surigao del Norte before). It is bounded on the north by Butuan Bay and Surigao del Norte, on the east by Surigao del Sur, on the south by Agusan del Sur, and on the west by Misamis Oriental. One of the country’s leading producer of rice for being dominantly agricultural province.

The province has 11 towns and they are Buenavista, Cabadbaran, Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Las Nieves, Magallanes, Nasipit, Remedios T. Romualdez, Santiago and Tubay. Recently, the town of Cabadbaran became a city. Butuan City located at the heart of the province became an independent city for being a highly-urbanized.

The name Agusan came from Malay word “agasan” which means “where water flows,” because of the province presence of mighty river that flows from Davao then to the two Agusan provinces – Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte, in which Butuan City is the exit point, and empties into Butuan Bay.

Butuan City rich and colourful history reflects the past of the province. It has two municipal museums found in Magallanes and Cabadbaran where hundreds of artifacts dating as early as Sung, Yuan, and Ming Dynasty of China. Butuan City has its own museum, the Butuan National Museum.

Agusan del Norte has outstanding tourist spot destinations aside from its colourful history. Its wonderful geographical settings and physical features of the province make it the best for adventurers out there.

Different mountain ranges along its northeastern and western parts with flat rolling lands in between as it face the scenic Butuan Bay. When dropping by at the mountain top in the town of Carmen, you’ve got heaven and earth there meet in a one unique panoramic view gazing with those horizon in a blue sea and beautiful mountains at the back. Taking out the best person in you – as you move at the top!

Mountain climbers, bikers, and trekkers can venture the lushful green forest, and can go unfamiliar jungle passages, thats make it as an exciting adventures. It has ten mountains to offer but for the highest was Mt. Hilong-hilong. If there are mountains, then waterfalls and springs co-exist. If you don’t mind……there are 7 beautiful springs and 18 waterfalls to lift up your spirit here!

Aside from the scenic spots, the province has 42 underground and aboveground caves that are found in Carmen and 8 others found in other towns for you to discover unique places.

The province has identified 3 lakes, and one of which, Lake Mainit, is the 4th largest lake in the Philippines. The lake was surrounded with mountains, its scenic view was so amazing when I went to Jabonga. Peace and tranquility will reign when lake and mountains traverse in one setting. The lake offers best for fishing enthusiasts, wind surfing and leisure boating, and all water sports activities. We will not forget the Baoto Festival was held here in September.

Fifteen rivers crisscrossing the province, unspoiled and clear running waters. If you want to say “hi” and say “goodbye,” but not here, because lovers tend to be sweeter each day when you look at the river.

Since the province faces Butuan Bay, it has 19 beautiful diving sites to offer from the sea lanes of Carmen going to Jabonga (Carmen – 12, Tubay – 1, and Jabonga – 6). Explore the beauty inside with 80 feet of visibility. Not yet mentioning the challenge of windsurfing here!

Of course, part of it, the beautiful sunset along the fine sandy beaches, when feeling tired and strained, just go……and got the nerves to calm down, and feel refresh. Got another amazing adventure day!

pix from agusan del norte, eco-tourism, mindanao blog,and bisdak art

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!

Siargao – surfing capital in the philippines

December 11, 2007 5 Comments

Siargao Island can be found at Surigao del Norte province, a tear-drop shaped island which lies face to face with Dinagat Island and the mainland. It is a well known name in Caraga as well as in the Philippines for having many beautiful spots to offer. It has the best location of the island as it faces the Pacific Ocean. It is a paradise with massive coral and rock reefs, islands and islets, popular white sandy beaches, caves, and waterfalls.Aside from those nature gifts, it has the biggest mangrove forest deposits in the entire Mindanao, found at the town of Del Carmen, where you can take the best shots of famous crocodiles there.

Although, I’m just talking here about those exceptional gifts of Siargao, but the most significant is the presence of many beautiful surfing paradise that unequaled the other destination sites in the country, which has the name Cloud 9, Quicksilver, Pacifico, Mabuntok Reef, Dako, and some are yet to be discovered. But to date, the most publicly known and established its name internationally already, is the Cloud 9 found in the town ofGeneral Lunaas the “perfect” waves for surfers to smash. In General Luna, beaches full of white powdery sand stretches across the miles added mass to the surfing area.

National and international surfers are flocking in the area at the start of September being at its highest peak of the waves, and there will be an international competition which will be held at the last week of the month. The saga continues until the end of holiday season, or even extends your never ending thirst for getaway until summer.

We have also other internationally known surfing area outside from Siargao, in the town ofLanuza,provinceofSurigao del Sur.

Aside from the surfing, Siargao has other beauties to offer. To name a few, here you can find Guyam Island, Dako Island, Bikini Island, Bucas Grande Islands, Bagacay, Magpopungko, and many others waiting to be discovered for an adventurer, like you. The islands I mention are purely white sands in nature. And, many other islands are still on the line for recognition.

If I talk about Boracay, but the best is Siargao (so sorry for Boracay), although it has wind surfing, and sugary white sands qualities, Siargao has it!. But Boracay has no surfing paradise! You can talk anything in Siargao, unless if you are dying. Hahaha!

Siargao is beautiful, untouched, unexploited surrounded with hospitable and friendly peoples.I really considered Siargao as the perfect destination for adventurers who loves the sea, and white sandy beaches, with a bonus point – the surfing paradise.

It’s really blessed from God’s creation of natural resources as the source of haven from heaven to all adventurers out there!

	pix from kathy chua
You can reach Siargao by MV RORO for 4 hours or by super cat for 2 hours from Surigao City, and from Butuan City to Surigao City for 2 hours by bus.