Wanderlust: Surigao del Sur

Wanderlust www.wanderlust-online.com.ph

Summer 2014

TRAVEL SPECIAL!

Surigao del Sur “Caraga’s Rising Paradise”

TRAVEL

The Beauty of Bohol 1

contents Summer 2014 www.spotlight-online.com

REGULAR SECTION 3 Philippines’ General Info 5 Travel Special: Surigao del Sur General Info

7 Travel Special: Surigao del Sur

Surigao Del Sur

SPECIAL!

People, Culture & Language

7 Travel Special: Surigao del Sur How To Get There

8 Travel Special: Surigao del Sur

The Treasures of Surigao del Sur!

9 Travel Special: Surigao del Sur

5 Introduction

General Information

7 People, Culture & Language

Top 6 Things To Do!

10 Travel Special: Surigao del Sur Surigao del Sur’s Tourism!

13 Travel Special: Surigao del Sur Festivals of Surigao del Sur

14 Travel: Bohol

General Info 14 Travel: Bohol

How To Get There 15 Top Picks: 5 Things To Do in Bohol 2

7 How to Get There 8 The Treasures of Surigao del Sur 9 Top 6 Things To Do! 10 Surigao del Sur’s Tourism!

13 Festival of Surigao del Sur

Mabuhay, Philippines!

By Joyce Jane C. Quipit

T

he Philippines is one of the largest island groups in the world with 7,107 islands and islets. It is bounded in the west by the South China Sea, in the east by the Pacific Ocean, in the south by the Sulu and Celebes Seas, and in the north by the Bashi Channel. Its strategic position finds the Philippines at the crossroads of international travel lanes.

It has a total land area of 300,000 sq.km and a coastline of 34,000 km, the longest in the world.

The land consists of coastal plains with many central peaks and mountain ranges. Mount Apo in Mindanao is the tallest in the country, rising 9,600 feet.

Volcanoes dot the country. And one of these – Mayon Volcano in the Bicol region – is considered to have the most perfect cone.

Manila is the seat of administration and the center of commerce and industry, culture, the arts, and education. It is the largest and most important city in the Philippines. It is also one of the loveliest and most exciting cities in Asia. The city of Manila has been combined with other

It has three major island groups: Luzon, major cities and municipalities to form the largest island where the capital is located; what is now popularly known as Metro Visayas, known for its fine beaches and Manila, which has a total area of 60 sq. km. idyllic coves; Mindanao, where exotic forest The Philippines is normally warm make it an irresistible haven for nature lovers. with abundant rainfall and gentle winds.

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foreign language spoken fluently by a number of Filipinos along with Arabic, Chinese, and Nippongo.

The warmth and natural hospitality of the nations’ 78 million Filipinos is known throughout the world. The 111 cultural, linguistic and racial groups endow the Filipino people with varying customs and traditions, marked by Chinese, American, and Spanish overtones.

In spite of their diversity, Filipinos have basically two dominant traits: a love of family and a strong religious faith.

At least 80 percent of Filipinos belong to the Roman Catholic faith, where many practices and beliefs are rooted. About 15 percent is Muslim, and these people can be found basically in Mindanao. The rest of the population is made up mostly of smaller Christian denominations and Buddhists.

There are three pronounced seasons: wet to rainy from June to October; cool and dry weather from November to February; and hot and dry weather from March to May.

Peso is the unit of currency. Various banks, hotels, and authorized foreign exchange dealers provide peso exchange for most foreign currencies. Credit cards are accepted at ma There are 11 cultural and racial jor hotels, resorts, shops, and restaugroups, each with its own language. rants although, outside of Manila, the Most Filipinos are bilingual, with use of Philippine pesos is preferred.

English as the basic language in business, government, schools, and Filipinos are famous for their everyday communication. Filipino, warm hospitality, friendliness to based primarily on the Tagalog foreigners, musical and artistic tallanguage, is the national language; ents, romanticism, deep religiosity, there are 11 languages and 87 and bravery. They are also fond of dialects in the archipelago. Aside music, fiestas, and politics. from English, Spanish is another 4

TRAVEL SPECIAL:

Surigao del Sur

Surigao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the CARAGA region in Mindanao. Its capital is Tandag City and borders Surigao del Norte to the north, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur to the west, and Davao Oriental to the south. Surigao del Sur is located at the eastern coast of Mindanao and faces the Philippine Sea.

This strategic location enables the province to establish favorable economic linkages with other neighboring provinces. Surigao del Sur has 2 cities and 17 municipalities most of which are located in the coastal areas with Tandag as its capital. These municipalities are subdivided into 314 barangays and has two congressional districts.

The land Area of the province is 523,050 hectares or 5,230.50 sq. kilometers representing 27.75 percent of the total land area of Caraga Administrative Region and about 5.14 percent and 1.74 percent of the total land area of Mindanao and Philippines, respectively.

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The province falls under bentomite and coarse/fine fruits. Copper, chromite and Type II of climate in the Philippines characterized by rainfall distributed throughout the year, although there is a distinct rainy season which begins from the month of November and ends in March. However, the climatic behavior of the province for the past few years has shown variations wherein the onset of the rainy seasons no longer occurs on the usual time.

Months with low rainfall are from July to October with September as the driest month. Wet months are from November to June with January as the wettest month.

Surigao del Sur is endowed with substantial quantities of metallic and non-metallic minerals.

Among the metallic minerals are copper, gold, chromite, cobalt, nickel and lead zinc.

The non-metallic minerals include limestone, coal and feldspar, clay diatomite/ 6

aggregates. There are small and large scales mining activities in the province.

One of the corporations operating in a large scale is the Marc Ventures Mining Development Corporation located at Carrascal and Cantilan operating in an area of 49.7389 sq. kilometers on gold mining. Another is the CTP Construction and Mining Corporation, also in Carrascal, which focus on gold and nickel mining in an area of 35.64 and 48.6916 sq. kilometers, respectively. The Carac-an Development Corporation, also in Carrascal, with an area of 506.3764 sq. kilometers Small scale mining activities are found in the municipalities of Barobo, Carmen and San Miguel.

Surigao del Sur is one of the supplier of agricultural items like, rice, banana and some tropical

silver are also found here.

About 45 % of the total land area is developed to agriculture. Major crops are palay, corn, coconut, abaca, soybeans, coffee, and other high value crops.

The province has 148 sq.km. of wetland that can be developed. Fishponds are responsible for the continuous production of prawns, milkfish, and crabs both for consumption and exportation.

It is one of the few provinces that have the largest forest covers with 2111,067 has. The forest land is predominantly covered with dipterocarp type of forest while some areas are covered with mossy and mangroves types.

Commercial woods species are Narra, red and white Lauan, Mayapis, Almon, Apitong, Yakal, Bagtikan, and Tanguile. Rattan and Bonbon also abound.

People, Culture & Language Surigao is home to the Mamanwa and Manobo tribe.

Their dances are showcased in a local festival called “Sirong Festival”, held especially during the town fiesta of Cantilan.

The Sirong Festival depicts the early Christianization of the early Cantilangnons (the Mamanwas and Manobos) wherein the natives tried to defend their land against Muslim envaders.

The Mamanwas and Manubo, the ethnic tribe of Surigao, have been converted to Christianism long ago, during the early times of the Spanish conqueror

Surigaonon or/and Tandaganon is spoken in most part of Surigao del Sur (except in the City of Bislig, Municipalities of Barobo, Hinatuan, Lingig and Tagbina wherein most of the inhabitants are descendants of Cebuanos who migrated from Visayas who speak Cebuano and the natives who speak Kamayo a different language but distantly related to Surigaonon).

Cebuano, Tagalog, and English are also widely spoken throughout the province.

How To Get There Air There are daily flights from Manila to Butuan City. Where the nearest airport is located

Land From Davao City’s Ecoland terminal, take a bus bound for Mangagoy (Bislig). From Butuan integrated bus terminal in Butuan City (Agusan del Norte), there are buses that go directly to Mangagoy (Bislig). From San Franz (Agusan del Sur) there are also buses and vans bound for Mangagoy (Bislig).

Sea Nearest port is Lipata (Surigao del Norte) with ferries running to and from Manila, Cebu, and Liloan (Southern Leyte).

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The treasures of Surigao del Sur “A Coastline blessed with stunning natural wonder’s devoid of mass tourism,Surigao del Sur is your dream holiday get-away” Cagwait Beach may be unheard of--but not for long. This horseshoe-shaped island is fringed with trees and glimmering waters. Swim, get tanned, and camp in this serene enclave.

If you fancy island hopping, then Britania Group of Islands is what you have been missing. Get acquainted with the 24 islets rising above the seafloor.

Marvel at the sight of Kanlota, Taguan, Minasingin, Isla Verde, and Panlanggan Forest Island among others. Then end the day by camping in Boslon Island.

Dive into the deep cerulean waters of the Enchanted River in Hinatuan. Its shallow part that opens to the sea has emerald waters. At noon, feed the schools of orange fish and be mesmerized by the mystical sight of orange against blue!

Also worth a visit is Lanuza. It’s the secret spot of surfers several years ago, but not anymore. Go chase the Magkawas Falls and take a dip in its refreshing catch basin. Nearby, you can find the striking Lanuza Marine Park, an impeccable spot for diving and snorkeling!

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TOP 6 THINGS TO DO! Bask in the island life The striking Cagwait Beach is a tropical cliché—and you’ll love it. Have a picnic on its cream colored shore that’s dappled by coconut trees and mesmerizing azure waters.

Pick your paradise Choose your own paradise among the 24 islets of the Britania Group of Islands.

Discover hidden falls Find the majestic Magkawas Falls in Lanuza and bathe in its cool cascades.

Into the deep Dive and see the kaleidoscopic marine life of Lanuza Marine Sanctuary—a good side trip when visiting Magkawas Falls.

Pig out on seafood Do not leave without trying the seafood. You can find local vendors just outside the park of Enchated River selling crabs, prawns, tuna, and clams. Just pay extra to have it cooked.

Bewitched Visit Hinatuan and hop on a habal-habal to the Enchanted River. Marvel at the deep turquoise and indigo waters speckled with orange fish!

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Surigao del Sur’s Tourism!

Enchanted River, Hinatuan

It is an awesome deep river inside a thick forest with very cool, placid blue waters which allows the viewing of beautiful fishes underneath.

Formally known as the Hinatuan River, the Enchanted River is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Surigao del Sur and the rest of Mindanao. This beautiful river is said to be wrapped in mystery and supernatural events so that it gained renown as being enchanted.

There are several unexplained mysteries and features that this stunning river has to offer to keep you guessing.

Tinuy-an Falls, Bislig

It is known to be the “little Niagara Falls” of the Philippines. It signifies the multilayered river bed of stones skillfully crafted by the Unseen Hands. Tinuy-an is the widest waterfall in the entire Mindanao. It is a 3-tiered waterfall in the middle of a thick forest. It is like a 4-storey building with the expanse of a cathedral and a pool in the bottom, the size of a football field.

Tinuy-an is a white water curtain that flows in three levels and is said to be the widest waterfall in the Philippines. Every morning, the area shows a rainbow between 9-11 a.m.

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Turtle Island, Barobo

It is an 8 hectare beach where multicolored reefs abound. It has white sand, blue waters teeming with marine life. Viewed from a distance, the shape and formation of this island is like a huge turtle floating in the Pacific Ocean. It is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. It is accessible by pump boat for about 30 minutes.

Britania Island, San Agustin

It is composed of more than a dozen beautiful islets with splendid vegetation and white beaches. The intact coral formation offers a beautiful snorkeling and scuba diving sports activities.

Britania Group of Islands is composed of 24 islets scattered around Lianga Bay, locally famous for its pristine water and very fine, almost powdery sands. It’s like combining Boracay Island of Aklan and Hundred Islands of Pangasinan in one province! One of Britania’s “selling points” are its different hues and colors of sea water, I remember going to another island that has light green hues then to another with azure waters. It was such a feast to the eyes!

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Cagwait White Beach, Cagwait

It is a U-shaped beach with powdery white sand and a wind swept sea with crystal clear water baptized by the famous pilot Charles Lindberg as the “Waikiki Beach” of the Philippines. This is the site of the annual Kaliguan Festival. It is a 40-minute ride from the capital town of Tandag.

It is said to believe that the discovery of the spot was mishap when the primary intention of coming to the CARAGA was for the wildlife campaign under concessions of the logging industry turned to be the sanctuary of the Philippine Eagle.

Campamento Cave, Lanuza

Campamento Cave is a system of 3 caves.

Only Cave 1 (and just part of it) is offered to the tourist. Caves 2 and 3 are reserved for the professional cavers. All visits require registration with the municipal tourism office - they provide the guide. The cave is only 5 kms away from the town proper with perhaps a kilometer of dirt road from the highway junction. Before reaching the cave, you’ll be passing through Silop Spring. This is another tourism attraction on its own. It’s best to savor this after the cave visit - to wash away all that cave mud and grime.

Campamento Cave 1 boasts of high ceilings with the most ornate articulation of rock and stalactite/stalagmite formation. The formation takes surreal shapes, color and texture.

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Festivals of Surigao del Sur Kaliguan Festival (June 21-25) Cagwait, Surigao del Sur A yearly festivity in honor of St. John the Baptist highlighted by search for Perlas ng Kaliguan beauty pageant and beach dancing.

Lanuza International Surfing Festival (November last week) Lanuza, Surigao del Sur An invitational international surfing competition with top surfers from all over the Philippines and outside the country.

Pahinungod Festival (July 15) Carrascal, Surigao del Sur This is Mardigras which is performed around the streets of Carrascal in honor of their Patroness, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

Paladong Festival (August 28) Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur A festivity of arts and rituals. The art of performing the ritual of “ladong” conducted by a “landongan”, a person who has the power and ability to cure as medium to call the spirits and relay the wishes to the clients through an offering.

Sirong Festival (August 15) Cantilan, Surigao del Sur The festival features a war dance between Muslims and Christians, reflecting the Christianization of the early Cantilangnons.

The Manobos and the Mamanwas are known to be the early Cantilangnons.

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Bohol

“Heart of the Islands”

Bohol is the tenth largest island in the Philippines. It is one of the bigger islands in ‘the Visayas’, the group of islands in the center of the Philippines. It is about 803 kilometer south of Manila and 79 kilometer southeast of Mactan Island, Cebu. Bohol is, together with 72 small islands around the main island, an island province of 4,117.3 square kilometer and is compose of 47 towns and 1 city. Agriculture, together with the tourism, are the two dominating economic sectors of the main island Bohol.

How To Get There Air The main entry point to Bohol is Tagbilaran City (Tagbilaran City Airport) which is only a one hour-and-15 minutes flight from Manila and 20 minutes from Cebu.

Sea The most convenient way to get to Bohol from the neighboring islands is by fast ferry. Fast ferries offer a high speed passenger service. These have a cruising speed of about 50 kilometers per hour.

Getting Around in Bohol

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Once you arrive on Bohol, there are various way to get around the island. You can find plenty of tricycles and some taxi waiting to bring you to most locations within Tagbilaran and neighbouring towns. If you need to go to one of the other towns on the island, you have a choice of jeepneys, busses, V-hires, or evenhabal-habal.

Top Picks: 5 Things To Do in Bohol 1. Visit the Blood Compact Shrine Located in Tagbilaran City. This is the site where the Blood Compact happened between Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. This act symbolized peace and friendship which took place on March 16, 1565.

2. Loboc River Cruise Enjoy the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the clean flowing Loboc river. You could have your lunch here at the floating restaurants where one can relish lush greens all around that are captivating against a perfectly blue sky. It adds tranquility to the ride and also not to forget the great music by the singers from the band aboard the floating restaurant.

3. Take a closer look at the Chocolate Hills Who would miss out going to the world’s famous landmark of Bohol?

Formed centuries ago by tidal movements, the hills are considered as a National Geologic Movement. During summers, the dome-shaped hills covered with grass dries up and turns brown, which makes the area into seemingly endless rows of chocolate kisses.

4. Meet and greet the Bohol Tarsier Another popular icon of Bohol is the tarsier. The Philippine Tarsier, known locally as Mamag is one of the smallest primates in the world and is considered to be the mammal with the biggest eyes. Please take note that you are not allowed to touch them and you should turn off your camera’s flash when you take pictures of these lovely tarsiers.

5. Beach Bumming in Alona Beach Located in the southwest portion of Panglao island, it boasts of more than a kilometer of glittering white sand beach. As one of the most popular beaches in Bohol, different resorts lined up its shoreline.

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