Hearing the word Zamboanga City seems a little bit scary from the people up North, but  it proved me wrong when I visited the city  during the Mindanao Blogger Summit. And what we don’t know about this place, is that it houses many scenic and historical spot from the colonization of many eras in the Philippines. One of those historic spot is the Fort Pilar de Zamboanga. This site has been originally known as the "Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragosa." It was built in 1635 by a Jesuit priest-engineer, to ward off attacks from the Moros, the Dutch and the British.

Royal Fort of Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza (Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza)

Zamboanga City takes so much pride in this historic infrastructure since this has been an icon for many tourists who venture the City. The Fort is now considered as the regional Museum. The Fort Pilar de Zamboanga is the major landmark of Zamboanga City and a symbol of the city's cultural heritage. It houses many relics from the drastic past of our country. The City considers this scenic spot a treasure since this does not only defy the Cities historical heritage but our country. And this must be seen by many tourist and our country men as well. Take a glimpse of this city and let the rich history of our country unveil the wondrous gift of our land and that you may love this country as much as many heroes loved this so much! The Spanish architecture of the Fort will somehow take you to the old time with its alluring and mystique brick wall. This architecture will open the eyes of many tourists about the sacrifices of our forefathers.

Your visit to the Fort will never be complete without a souvenir photo from the place, so be sure to bring along with you your camera and cherish this one of kind treasure hunting in Zamboanga City.

Getting here is easy. Zamboanga City has an international airport and a world class port that will surely make the travel of many guests and tourists very convenient.

Getting here in Zamboanga City by AIRPLANE:

* On domestic travel, Zamboanga City has direct flights to Manila and Cebu by various airline companies. Check out the website of many Airlines here in the Philippines to know if there are any cheap flights that would meet your travel budget. List of airline companies that caters flights to Zamboanga City are: Philippine Airlines (PAL), AirPhilippines Express, Cebu Pacific Air and Zest Airlines.

By BOAT:

* Many barge and shipping companies offers numerous voyages to Zamboanga City each week. Inquire in your nearest ticketing office for prizes and schedule.

By LAND:

* If you have the luxury of time then make your way to the gasoline station, gas u your car full tank or hop in to a bus line bound to Zamboanga City and marvel along the way. The long hours of travel maybe compensated by green pastures along the way and some new places you are about to discover while on your journey.

Travel with pleasure and leisure and take time to discover the heritage of our very own home land. See for yourself how fun it is to be Filipino!

Long before Philippines were discovered, Butuan already existed 

Butuan City to me is just another city in the island of Mindanao. I never knew how wonderful it is not when I came there and see for myself the alluring scope of the City.

Butuan City is the commerce capital of the Caraga region. Though it’s highly industrialized and urbanized, the city itself remained dominantly historical. Making the whole City a must visit City in this side of the country. Its historical background seduces many tourists to come by and see for themselves that Philippines started here. Woooo... That's a history unleashed! But really, long before Philippines were discovered, Butuan already existed!

You might be wondering what I'm talking about, you'll surely never know unless you come and visit Butuan City!

Getting There:

Your travel to Butuan city will never be nerve cracking one. The City provides a convenient way for travellers to get there. You can reach Butuan City by any of the three means: By air, by sea or by land.

By AIR:

Finding a scheduled flight to Butuan City won't be that hard since various airline carriers offer a lot of options to get there. Butuan has a domestic airport at Bancasi, which makes air travel quite convenient. Traveling by air to Butuan City may be you’re most convenient transportation option especially if you do not have the luxury of time. Ticket fares will usually vary from one Airline Company to another, which means you are better off asking for quotations from different travel options. The cheapest one way ticket into Butuan from Manila would be around P3,000 while the most expensive ones will average around P5,000. Please take note that competing airline companies will have promotional offers to get more passengers. You may ask for any promotions while you're hunting for a good ticket deal.

Check on Cebu Pacific Airlines, Zest Air, Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines for flight schedules and booking inquiries.

By SEA:

If you have more time in your hands then you may want to try this transportation option. You'll surely enjoy the scenery as you pass by several islands along the way. Your sea voyage will last for about a day and a half on average. If you are able to find faster ships, then you can cut your travel time down to 26 hours. The rates of the ferry from Manila will start around P2, 000 up to P2, 500. Ferrying from Cebu will cost less than P1,000, which will ferry you for 18 hours. Sometimes the ferry will even cost half the original price if you can find promotional offers, which are offered frequently.

By LAND:

There are many bus companies that offers ride to Butuan City 24 hours. The hour of travel and fare may vary from your origin.

Beautiful Spots in Butuan City:

Bonbon Eco-Park, Butuan City (Photo courtesy from Freida Milan of http://www.butuanon.org

Balanghai Museum

The Balangay Site Museum, known widely as the Balanghai Shrine or Balangay Shrine Museum, is a must see tourist attraction in the Philippines. It is where one can see uncommon artifacts. All who visit the place will have a glimpse of not only Butuan’s history, but the whole country. Different students, excursionists, and archaeologist regularly visit the place to see the remains of the Balanghais.

Butuan Regional Museum

It is only fitting that a city that has seen so much history have a sanctuary to hold its precious heritage, and the Butuan Regional Museum is just that. The structure is officially classified into two parts: the Archaeological Hall features an extensive collection of crafts, metals, carvings, burial paraphernalia and other items dating from the city’s ancient past.

As more and more of its history is unearthed, more are added to the collection. The Ethnological Hall on the other hand, places more emphasis on the contemporary life, culture and works of the local inhabitants of Butuan.

Santo Nino Diocesan Shrine

Before the Santo Nino was taken to Cebu, Magellan had taken the statue to Butuan City, where it made a strong impression on the local populace. This would eventually lead to the creation of the Sto. Nino Shrine.

Located in Libertad, the shrine is noted for the number of images and relics that are housed there, which have been drawing in large numbers of people. Aside from the shrine itself, Mount Mayapay is nearby as well, providing an attractive contrast to the altar.

Mount Mayapay

Mount Mayapay is one of the most impressive monuments in stone that nature has carved in the entire Caraga region. Mount Maypay is very near Agusan Valley, and it one of the favorite destinations of climbers and adventurers. However, the mountain and the area around it are also rich in history, evidenced by the fact that the name Mayapay was derived from the Madjapahit Empire.

Butuan Boats

Balangay Launching photo courtesy Jocelyn E. Morano

No visit to the city would be complete without a look at the Balangays, the most ancient sea vessels ever found in the Philippines.

The wood boats, of which nine have been unearthed, date back to the fourth century AD, centuries before the Spaniards came. Another intriguing aspect of the Balangay is that their shape and design are unique; there is nothing like them elsewhere in the Philippines, or anywhere else for that matter.

Where to Stay:

The Red Palm Suites

Red Palm Suites and Restaurant

With it's close proximity to the city center, The Red Palm Suites and Restaurants is very ideal for travelers and tourists. The Suite is equipped with elegant features that will surely make all their guests feel comfortable away from home. The Suite has it's own restaurant and serves deliciously mouth watering foods that will soothe each hungry tummy and palates.  It is located at Villa Kananga Road, (behind Capitol Grounds), Butuan City. For reservation or inquiries, you may call at  (085) 341-2000 loc. 121,                 (085) 342-4242,   (085) 225-9265.

Almont Inland resort

Guests will enjoy unfettered access to a myriad of historic, cultural, and tourist attractions. The resort offers a comprehensive compilation of accommodation options, designed with a traditional Filipino architectural theme that is carried over to the room decoration and appointments. The Manay Malaing Restaurant serves a fine assortment of authentic local and international dishes in a chic atmosphere. The Almont Inland Resort is perfect for guests who want comfortable accommodation in a fashionable area for a reasonable price.

Where to Eat:

Cafe Caliente

Cafe Caliente

Cafe Caliente is a cozy place suitable for any kind of traveler. Fill your soaring tummies with their delectable dishes or you may just sit and relax while zipping your newly brewed coffee. The cafe has one of the neatest cafes in the metro. It will surely give you a warm and safe ambiance with its neatness and simplicity. It is located at South Montilla Blvd., (in front of Rainbow of Angels Learning Center) You may call at (085) 342-7496 for reservation.

Festival:

Balangahi Festival (May 19)

The Balangai Festival is one of the most awaited festivals in Butuan. It commemorates the coming of the early migrants that settled the Philippines, on board the Balangay boats. Butuan’s location on the coast has made it a trading point in Mindanao. Boats, or balangahais, are known to dock on the bay of Butuan mainly for trading between local inhabitants and those from the neighboring empire. An excavation during the 1970’s exposed these balanghais to the modern world, and these balanghais were found to be almost a thousand years old through carbon-dating. The Balanghai Festival commemorates this historical event through a night of exotic performances, colorful costumes and the much-awaited floats. There are also contests, exhibits and other festivities during the said event. Balanghai Festival is celebrated during the third week of May, and also coincides with the feast of their patron saint, St Joseph. Guests and tourists must wait for this festival as Butuanons unleash the relic of their culture through a festivity.

The city that lies north of Mindanao and the city provincial of Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro City homes the best and warmest smile of its locals. Dubbed as the City of Golden Friendship, CDO sure is a hundred thousand reasons why it is called so. Cagayan De Oro City is known for its accessibility and positive growth in both business and leisure.

Cagayan De Oro has its own airport – the Lumbia airport which accounts for local flights in bound to Cagayan. It is the third major airports in Mindanao. CDO also hosts visitors who travelled via sea route. The Port of Cagayan De Oro is one of the busiest seaport in the Philippines. Travelling to Cagayan De Oro from Davao City may come via Buda route or Butuan route. It would take an approximate of 4 hours on your voyage to CDO.

White water rafting in CDO photo: www.cagayan-de-oro.com

Going around CDO wouldn’t scare you off when you’re a first timer. CDO locals are always ready to guide around town. Taxi cabs are always accessible downtown and are all air conditioned. Just like any other fast tracking city, jeepneys are the most common mode of transportation. The place where the jeepneys would travel are always indicated on the front mirror. Motorela is another mode of transportation of the locals and tourists. It resembles like that of a tricycle. It can seat 6-8 people. They are not usually seen along national highways since it can be cramped by other vehicles.

Cagayan de Oro Highlights

The Kagay-an Festival is a weeklong celebration in honor of Cagayan De Oro’s patron saint, Senor San Agustin. Kagay-an means River and it is usually celebrated by the local folks during mid August. The celebration of this festivity is highlighted with the different activities organized for them. Activities include:

Agro-trade Fair featuring the native products of CDO;
Miss Kagay’an participated by the beautiful ladies of CDO;
Higaonon Street Dancing, one of the highlights during the Kagay’an festival where there is constant street dancing;
Golden Float Parade, an array of floats occupying the streets of CDO;
Lamabaguhan Fluvial Parade;
Kumbira - a culinary show and exhibit in the region featuring the food demonstration; culinary competition and seminars. This event is participated by HRM schools showcasing the talents of the students.

TOURIST DESTINATIONS

Cagayan De Oro is one of the most sought after destinations of nature lovers and adventurers.

When you visit Cagayan, never miss to try whitewater rafting. I am sure adventurers like you wouldn’t let this experience!

Try to stopover at Eco Village of Cagayan De Oro City. If you are fond of appreciating the beauty of nature while taking the pleasure of having yourself a retreat, then this is the place for you. This small town of native artifacts is also equipped with swimming pools, Maya cottages and museum. They also native dishes which you will surely delight your appetite!

Muse De Oro has well preserved the cultural artifacts of Bukidnons and the people of Maranao. The array of these artifacts showcases the rich culture of Cagayan De Oro.

Where to Stay

Pryce Plaza Hotel. This hotel is located in a hilltop; Pryce Plaza Hotel is one of Cagayan’s premier hotels giving it a panoramic view of the city. The rooms are fully airconditioned with cable tvs,, hot and cold shower and free internet access. They also have function rooms and ballrooms for events such as weddings, birthdays, reunion and more.

Casa Crystalla. Located near Xavier University, this stay in is accessible and conducive for students.This establishment is surrounded with shops favourable for students, like internet cafes, photocopying stores and school supplies. The rooms are all airconditioned with cable tv, hot and cold shower and free internet access.

Grand City Hotel. Their airconditioned rooms are equipped with cable tv, hot and cold showers and free internet access. They also have passenger elevators and restaurant and are open to functions like birthdays, reunions or weddings. It is a budget friendly establishment located at the right in the middle of downtown area and is near to restaurants and other business establishments.

Where to Eat

Cagayan De Oro is the home of grilled food restaurants. Some of the most famous are:

Inilog Grill.
Butcher’s Best.
Dear Manok.
Jo’s Manukan.

Have you ever seen a million of bats fleeing together at the time when the sun starts to set down? Well, if you haven’t, try visiting the Monfort Bat Sanctuary at Island Garden City of Samal. Yes,  you heard that right, this blessed island is not all about the white sandy beaches, the corals and the reefs; it is an eco-friendly sight too!

The Bats, the Cave and the Sanctuary

Monfront Bat Sanctuary: The  largest colony of Geoffroy's Rousette fruit bats in the whole world

The known specie of bats that are thriving in this 57 – acre land of Ms. Monfort, is the Geoffroy’s Rousette fruit bats, and is known to have the largest colony of bats in the whole world. They are very well preserved because of its importance in the ecosystem, considering they account 70% of the trees in the rainforest live because of bats. They pollinate flowers, eat harmful pests and distribute seeds. This is one of the reasons why Davao City is abundant with Durian fruites. The number of bats accounted during an expedition in this area was 1.8 million, and that was still in counting since there were also female bats noted to be pregnant. So in account, probably it’ll reach to a roughly 2.5 million bats in Monfort Bat Sanctuary! Quite numerous, right?

It is not unknown that Samal Island is continuosly developing and this doesn’t stop these bats from propagating. Bat caves in Monfort Bat Sanctuary are all underground and surrounded by the roots of the trees. No one is allowed to enter the caves but you can peek through the bamboo railings within the caves.

Entrance to Monfront Bat Sanctuary photos from: http://lantaw.blogspot.com/2009/10/samal-monfort-bat-cave.html

There are probably a hundred or more visitors in this sanctuary, but before you can proceed to the caves, you are yet to attend a brief orientation regarding the bats, the do’s and the don’ts. After the orientation, you will start on with the sight-seeing. As you approach these openings, you will smell the strong odor of ammonia/musk. This is what is known as the guano, a great natural fertilizer. You won’t see bats roaming around during the day, as we all know, they are nocturnal animals. You can see them through the caves, just flying around or goofing around, probably fighting over a space.

Getting There

The Monfort Bat Sanctuary nestles near Samal Island. You can get through here via hired car/van or may opt to ride the bus heading to Samal, of which you can ride from Magsaysay Park, Davao City. These carriages will be carried through the barge. As you arrive in Samal, there are single motorcycles or known as habal-habal to take you to this sanctuary.

A retreat from the smoke and pollution with the noise and busy streets in the urban is what we would plan for even at least once a year, right? And it’s quite common to go to the beaches; you may have escaped the busy streets of the city but you’ll experience traffic with the crowded places in the beach. Why not try something that is different? Something that you can really call a retreat.

Spreading out to an eighty hectare land, the Eden Nature Park of Davao City can be lined up with the best nature parks in the world. This park is 95% man – made, something that Davaoenos are very proud of. Having a seat at the foot of Mt. Talomo, Eden has a very well temperature that is comparable to as that in Baguio and Tagaytay. This nature park is settled at 2,650 feet above sea level and has a nice view of Davao City. It certainly is a nice getaway!

Wouldn’t it be nice to be in tranquil with nature? The feeling of living in a forest where the cold air you’ll feel is not from the air conditioned units in your room but rather the cold fresh air that comes naturally from the trees surrounding you. Imagine the thought that you wouldn’t need your hanky to cover your nose from time to time because of the smoke belching cars. Eden not only gives you the feeling of at peace with nature, it also has different forms of enjoyment you and your family or friends will surely love.

Eden is also known to have organically grown vegetables right at their own backyard. Experience their sumptuous meals offered at their restaurant with this fresh veggies to add up to their menu. Enjoy the stunning array of tropical flora, thousands of pine trees and other plants on this nature park stretch. Other sightings you’ll see here, are the Amphitheater, Flower Garden, Lola’s Garden, Mayumi’s well and Plaza Maria.

This nature park is not at all purely nature. You can also have your own dose of adventure here at Eden. You can ride along with the rope at the Indiana Jones or experience what it feels like to be above the ground at least some feet up with only a gliding stuff and some straps to hold you, with their version of zip line called Sky Rider. Or perhaps you would want to trek their mountain trail for a seemingly Mt. Apo climb, where you’ll pass by their hanging bridge and some waterfalls.

The Eden Nature Park also pays tribute to the Mindanaoan ancestors by making them their statutes and showing off some of their traditions as seen in Tinubdan.

They also have other amenities which include swimming pools and playgrounds for children. Cottages are also available should you wish to stay for a night or two. They also have their business center with a wifi access, souvenir shops and function areas.

The Eden Nature Park is located at Bayabas, Toril Davao City. They have their office at Matina  Town Square, which you may book yourselves for a trip to and from Eden.