Butuan Traveler October - December 2015 by saibermedia

Traveler B u t u a n

Oct. - Dec. 2015

Light Up Butuan

Balangay “Mother Boat” unearthed in Butuan

Butuan facing the Challenge of the Modern Age Almont Inland Resort: a tropical home in the city

BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

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October - December 2015 | BUTUAN TRAVELER

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BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

Traveler

CONTENTS Cover story

Large balangay “Mother Boat” unearthed in Butuan ....................................

B u t u a n

October - December 2015

Butuan facing the challenge

Butuan: Facing the challenge of the modern age with memories of a glorious past .................................................................................

Festivals

ON THE COVER

..................................................................................................................... 12

Attractions

Natural Attractions ................................................................................................... 14

Hotel Feature

Almont Inland Resorts ......................................................................................... 16

Articles Governance Highlight ........................ ................................................................... 19

Light Up Butuan .......... ........................ ................................................................... 20 Büd Promontry Ecopark ..................... ................................................................... 22 Profile Feature Francis C. Loque: A man who loved his neighbors ........................................... 24 Restaurant

Geoffrey B. Adiong Executive Publisher / Director

Pizzeria de Italia Pizza: La dolce vita alla Butuan............................................. 26

Guillermo Fusil Edtor–in–chief

Tours Feature

Delta Discovery Park ............................................................................................. 28

Entertainment

Alberto Losenara | Switzell Tipon Writers

Sprinkles’ Waterpark & Event Center .................................................................. 30

Service Feature

................................................................................................ 32 La Bella Hair Beauty and Spa

Shopping Feature Café Caliente, Express Carts Mini Mart, and Option 1 Auto Garage ........... 34 Map of Butuan

.................................................................................................... 36

Directory .................................................................................................................. 38

Anabelle Flores Layout artist Ernest Villariza Web Master Richard Salugta Photographer Elesa Silva Sales Executive

BUTUAN TRAVELER is published by Josette B. Adiong for House of Shanelle Advertising Butuan Traveler Office: Lower Doongan Bridge, Doongan Butuan City, Philippines Tel. Butuan (085) 342-9370 Cebu (032) 267-3892 Bangkok +66 81590 0509 Email: butuantraveler@yahoo.com Web: www.butuantraveler.com Copyright ©2015 All rights reserved. 2

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COVER STORY

Large balangay “ Mother Boat ” unearthed in Butuan Philippine ocean sailing boats believed to have travelled around South East Asia a thousand years ago The recent discovery of a large ocean sailing vessel in Butuan, the first of its kind, will require reexamining maritime history in the region. Archeologists’ estimate the boats to be around 800 years old, centuries older than the ships used by European explorers in the 16th century when they first came upon the archipelago. The discovery underscores theories that the Philippines and Butuan in particular, was a major center for cultural, religious, and commercial relations in Southeast Asia. National Museum archeologists research team at the site state that everything about the newly discovered Balanghai boats is “massive”. Although the boat has yet to be fully excavated, it’s estimated to be at least 25 meters long. “The boats are so large that the wooden pegs or ‘tree nails’ used to put it together are as large in diameter as modern cola cans” according to researchers as they hold out their hands and curl their fingers to emphasize the size. An aptly descriptive term, a “treenail” is a wooden peg or dowel used in place of iron nails in boatbuilding. Besides the massive size of the ‘treenails’, individual planks alone are as broad as a man’s chest – roughly twice the width of those used in other balangays on the site. The planks are so large that 4

they can no longer be duplicated, because there are no more trees today big enough to make boards that size, according to museum officials. The massive boat, discovered only in 2012, are what seem to be the remains of a ninth balangay so wide that it could easily fit the smaller craft into itself twice over – and that’s just the part that’s been excavated so far. A carefully-inked map of the archeological site shows on the upper corner a roughly pea pod-shaped boat wreck, about 15 meters long, one of eight similarly-sized balangays discovered at the site since the 1970’s. Officials of the Butuan Museum believe that the new discovery will yield more insights on pre-Hispanic history of Filipino ancestors. The Butuan Museum is tasked with supervising the care and protection of the balangay excavations and any artifacts found therein.

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“Ito ang kasagutan sa ‘missing link’ ng kultura natin, kung ano ba talaga ang uri ng pamumuhay meron ang mga ninuno natin (This is the answer to a ‘missing link’ in our culture, on what kind of life our ancestors really had),” says a museum official. “(Filipinos’) ability to construct or build big boats is not something new... Even before the Chinese came to the Philippines, the Filipinos went to China through the Butuanons,” according to a local historian. Historians and academics caution that much work still needs to be done before the boat can be conclusively dated and identified. “(The newly-discovered boat) will need more technical verification to establish its connection and relationship with the other boats already excavated, so that we can know its date, boat typology, and technology,” said a professor of the University of the Philippine’s History Department.

“We have to be careful,” according to a scholar who has done extensive research on pre-colonial Philippine history. “There has not been enough time to study (the artifacts). It could be a Spanish boat or Chinese junk.” However local museum officials are more confident and state, “It’s a ‘mother boat’ and it’s changing the way we think about ancient Filipino seafarers.” Aside from carbon dating to determine the age of the wood, the construction techniques used and even the type of wood itself need to be ascertained before anyone can come to a definitive conclusion. Nevertheless, the boat’s proximity to previous sites of buried balangays promises to send ripples through the academic world.

Rewriting Philippine history

It has long been established that Filipinos traveled across Southeast Asia as early as the 10th century, reaching as far as Champa – what is now the

eastern coast of Vietnam – in groups of balangays. These groups or flotillas have always been thought to consist of similarlysized small vessels, an idea perpetuated by the term “barangay” – the smallest administrative division of the presentday Philippine government. But, according to local scholars and museum officials, this new discovery suggests that these may just have been support vessels for a much larger main boat, where trade goods and other supplies were likely to have been held for safekeeping. The discovery also suggests that seafaring Filipinos were much more organized and centralized than previously thought.

Butuan as a major center of culture and trade

“Butuan seaport had long-time trade

links with Champa and Guandong (China). You can retrace the importance of (the newly-discovered boat) by utilizing it as an archeological key to that period when Butuan was a busy link to the pan-Asian cultural and commercial intercourse,” according to a well known historian. In fact, Filipino seafarers from Butuan were already exploring Asia over a thousand years ago, well ahead of our Chinese neighbors: as early as 1001, the Song Dynasty recorded the arrival of a diplomatic mission from the “Kingdom of Butuan.” “In 1003 AD, a Butuan chieftain petitioned the Chinese Imperial Court to allow it to bring its products direct to Guandong—instead of using Champa as the entrepôt (main trading post),” according to Philippine historians, however, the petition was declined because the Court insisted on regulating trade via Champa.

BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

COVER STORY

“

Ito ang kasagutan sa m ‘ issing link’ ng kultura natin, kung ano ba talaga ang uri ng pamumuhay meron ang mga ninuno natin (This is the answer to a m ‘ issing link’ in our culture, on what kind of life our ancestors really had)

”

--- Museum Official Some Philippine scholars believe that, “The boat’s possible deeper significance is that it may be one of the carriers of Hindu-Buddhist cultural influence in the Philippine Archipelago long before Islam and Christianity arrived here. Many scholars also say that the baybayin script arrived here through the same connection with Champa. Hence, you can deepen the cultural legacy of our ancestors”.

Older than Magellan and Jung He

While the newfound boat has yet to be accurately dated, its construction and position directly alongside a balangay from the 1200’s strongly suggest that it is also a balangay from the same time period. If so, then the boat predates by hundreds of years Magellan’s arrival, and death, in the Philippines in 1521 and even the Chinese explorer Zheng He’s expedition across Asia in 1400. Scholars further state that “For more than a thousand years, the trade and settlement patterns and routes across Asia connected certain islands (of the Philippines), especially those with good harbors and steady supply of local products.” In fact Pigafetta mentions in his chronicle of slaves shipped to Cambodia and Champa just prior their arrival.

Continuing a seaworthy tradition

In any case, the “mother boat” and the smaller balangays in Butuan were definitely made for exploring the high seas, according to archeologists and scholars that are studying the boats. “Their overall shape and construction are suited to navigating deep ocean waters more than shallow rivers,” according to museum officials, “that’s especially true for a boat this size,” Even today, the SamaBadjao of Sulu still practice boatbuilding techniques that are strikingly similar to those used in constructing the Butuan boats. In 2010, replica balangays built by Sama-Badjao craftsmen and manned 6

by Filipino adventurers completed a 14,000-km journey across Southeast Asia, proving the seaworthiness of the original balangays and the traditional woodcraft used to construct them. One of the boats, the 15-meter-long “Diwata ng Lahi,” is now on permanent display outside the National Museum in Manila.

Textual evidence of large boats

Museum officials and historians believe it was only a matter of time before a boat of this size was found, pointing out the historical accounts about similarly grand Filipino vessels. For example, Pigafetta also documented the existence of a boat fit for a king: “We saw come two long boats, which they call Ballanghai, full of men. In the largest of them was their king sitting under an awning of mats,” he wrote. Native boats “intended for cargo capacity or seagoing raids” could be “as long as 25 meters,” said noted historian

Dr. William Henry Scott in his book, “Barangay:Sixteenth-Century Philippine Culture and Society “. Scott also hinted at the existence of even more impressive vessels: “The most celebrated Visayan vessel was the warship called karakoa, (which) could mount forty (meter-long oars) on a side.” “The care and technique with which (Filipinos) build them makes their ships sail like birds, while ours are like lead in comparison,” Scott quoted a Spanish priest as having written in 1667. However, no large Filipino vessels have been discovered and excavated – until now, if the Butuan “mother boat” is indeed of ancient origins. “Historians have always known there were other (large) boats. We should expect to find big boats because (we know) they existed,” according to historian. “It’s just that the National Museum only now has the funds to do the excavations. There’s a lot to be found even just in Butuan,” he added.

What is the Balangay? Early Filipinos were a people of the sea, living in coastal villages or near rivers. Boats were linked to many aspects of Filipino life: fishing, trade, warfare, piracy (trade-raiding for goods and slaves), travel, communication, and dwelling. The Balanghai or Balangay or Butuan Boat is a plank boat adjoined by a carved-out plank edged through pins and dowels. It was first mentioned in the 16th Century in the Chronicles of Pigafetta, and is known as the oldest Pre-Hispanic watercraft found in the Philippines. The first wooden watercraft excavated in Southeast Asia, the Balangay is only found in the Philippines where a flotilla of such prehistoric wooden boat exists throughout the world. Nine specimens were discovered in 1976 in Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte, Mindanao and 3 of which have been excavated. Examination and extensive investigation reveals that the extant boats found in the excavation site date back to 320, 990 and 1250 AD. The finely built boat, made without the use of blueprints but was taught from one generation to another, uses a technique still used by boat makers of Sibutu Island. Made 15 meters long and 3 to 4 meters wide, the Balangay is propelled by sail of buri or nipa fiber or padding and is large enough to hold 60 to 90 people. With the Balangay’s size, it was used for cargo and raiding purposes, giving proof that Butuan played a central role in trade. Based on article by TJ DIMACALI ,GMA News

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Guingona Park

Butuan: Facing the Challenge of the Modern Age with Memories of a Glorious Past By: Alberto Losenara

Razed to the ground by disastrous fire in 1948 the town rebuilt itself as ‘Timber City’ in the 60’s and 70’s and now again faces new challenges as it prepares to become ‘Tourist City’ in the 21st Century. Today Butuan is a highly urbanized city and the regional center of the Caraga region. Often referred to as Butuan City (Butuanon: Dakbayan hong Butuan) it was formerly the capital of Agusan del Norte, until year 2000, when Republic Act 8811 transferred the capital to Cabadbaran City. 8

The city is located at the northeastern part of the Agusan Valley, sprawling across the Agusan River. It is bounded to the north, west and south by Agusan del Norte province, to the east by Agusan del Sur and to the northwest by Butuan Bay. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of slightly over 300,000 people.

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Butuan was once known as the Kingdom of Butuan, an Indianized kingdom known for its metallurgic industry and sophisticated naval technology. The kingdom flourished at the 10th and 11th centuries CE, and had an extensive trade network with the Kingdom of Champa and the Srivijayan Empire and that

Butuan city hall

lasted presumably until the coming of the Spanish colonizers. On 1001 CE, the kingdom had established contact with the Song Dynasty of China. The annual Song Shih recorded the appearance of a Butuan mission at the Chinese imperial court, and the kingdom was described as a small Hindu country with a Buddhist monarchy, which had a regular trade connection with Champa. A golden vestment worn by the Hindu Brahmin Caste found in a Butuan archeological site is an indication that this was so. Diplomatic relations of the two nations reached its peak in the Yuan Dynasty. Added evidence of the extensive trading links in the region is in the discovery of 11 balangay boats around Ambangan in barangay Libertad. It is described as the only concentration of archaeological, ancient, ocean-going boats in Southeast Asia.

banza Church ruins

The name “Butuan” is believed to have originated from the sour fruit locally called batuan. Other etymological sources say that it comes from a certain Datu Buntuan, a chieftain who once ruled over areas of the present-day city.

First Mass

In March 31, 1521, an Easter Sunday, Ferdinand Magellan ordered a mass to be celebrated which was conducted near the shores of the island. The Holy First Mass marked the birth of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines. Rajah Colambu and Siaiu were said to be among the first natives of the soon-to-be Spanish colony to attend the mass among other Mazaua inhabitants, together with visitors from Butuan who came with the entourage of Colambu, king of Butuan. Controversy has been generated regarding the holding of the first

mass—whether it was held in Limasawa, Leyte or in Masao, Butuan City, in the hidden isle made up of barangays Pinamanculan and Bancasi. Antonio Pigafetta who wrote an eyewitness account of Magellan’s voyage described in text and in map a Butuan that stretched from today’s Surigao up to the top edge of Zamboanga del Norte The first municipal election in Butuan took place in March 1902 which coincided with the American occupation of the place. During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II, Butuan was razed to the ground when local guerrilla forces attacked the enemy garrison on 12 March 1943 in the Battle of Butuan.

BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

BUTUAN FACING THE CHALLENGE In 1945, the Philippine Commonwealth troops in Butuan together with the recognized guerrillas attacked the Japanese forces during the Battle of Agusan. On October 20, 1948, still recovering from the war, the entire municipality was razed by fire.

and the Srivijayan peoples of Java, Indonesia. This is confirmed by the unearthing of several artifacts such as boats used for plying their trade. During the Spanish and American occupation, Butuan continued to make

Modern era

By the late 1940s to the 1970s, Butuan’s industry specialized in timber, earning it the nickname, “Timber City of the South”. The extensive virgin forests of the area attracted many investors to Butuan. However, by the early 1980s, the logging industry of the city began to decline, although the city was still an economic haven to many investors. The city’s main income by that time and until to this day depended on small and medium business, and a few large-scale projects by investors. In February 7, 1995, the city was reclassified from a chartered city to a Highly Urbanized city. Then just 16 days later, the region of Caraga was created by virtue of Republic Act 7901, with Butuan as its regional center.

St. Joseph Cathedral

Economy

Butuan City is the commercial, industrial, and administrative center of Caraga region with major roads connecting it to other main cities in the island, such as Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Malaybalay, Surigao, and Tandag. It hosts one of the busiest airports in the country, the Bancasi Domestic Airport, serving over half a million passengers annually. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines are flying to and from Butuan City regularly with connecting domestic and international flights. The nearby Nasipit International Port and in-city Masao Port provide for its cargo and shipping needs.

Pre-colonial economy

Historical records show that as early as the 10th century, the Butuan natives were already engaged in trade and commerce with other nations and cultures, like the Champa (now Vietnam)

Langihan Market

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progress and the local population increased steadily. Many believe that Butuan was where Christianity was first introduced to the country and in fact one of the issues currently under debate is whether the first mass was actually held in Butuan.

Geography Butuan City has a land area of 10816.62 km², which is roughly 4.1% of the total area of the Caraga region. With an estimated total population of over 300,000, it has an average density of 367 persons per km², over three times higher than the regional average density of 101 persons per km². The existing land use of the city consists of the following uses: agriculture areas (397.23 km²), forestland (268 km²), grass/shrub/ pasture land (61.14 km²) and other uses (90.242 km²). Of the total forestland, 105 km² are production forest areas while 167.5 km² are protected forest areas. The forestlands are further classified as production forests and protected forests. In the production forests, industrial tree species are mostly grown in the area. Protected forests, on the other hand, is preserved to support and sustain necessary ecological balance. One forest is the watershed area which prevents rapid water run-off creating flash floods during heavy rains and during summer, prevents rapid evaporation. The city is endowed with swamplands near its coastal area. These swamp areas are interconnected with the waterways joined by the Agusan River. Most of the swamplands are actually mangroves that served as habitat to different marine species. Filling material needs of the city are extracted usually from the riverbank of Taguibo River. Others are sourced out from promontories with special features and for special purpose. The fishing ground of Butuan is the Butuan Bay where two coastal barangays are located. Butuan Bay extends some two kilometers and joins the Bohol Sea.

Tourism More people, both local and foreign, are discovering the wonders and attractions of this ancient and beautiful land, which fortunately remains largely undiscovered by tourist hordes. But with the escalating growth of tourism locally and worldwide, it is expected that this hiatus will eventually end and tourism

will play an important role in the future economy of this largely undiscovered paradise. It will be a challenge to local authorities in the future to balance the demands of tourism and the economy with the need to preserve the attractions that engendered its growth, thus escape the fate of many other places that developed tourism without proper planning. Visitors who like to learn a little bit of history concerning the place will be fascinated with the history of Butuan City. Unlike other areas whose

development only began during the Spanish colonization, Butuan was already a progressive and bustling trading center centuries before the arrival of the Spaniards, with its Balanghai boats sailing to Champa (Vietnam), China and Indonesia for trade. Imagining Filipino traders and sailors sailing the southern seas of the Pacific in their Balanghai boats has a romantic appeal that is difficult to resist.

Economic Growth The economic growth of Butuan City began during the early 1960s, mainly due to timber production and shipping of wood to neighboring cities. The total number of businesses registered in 2013 was 9,619 - reflecting a growth of 9.86% and almost 3 times that of the next major Caraga city. As further proof of its dynamic economy, Butuan City was ranked 4th and 16th Most Competitive City for the years 2012 and 2014 by the National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines. More than 260 financial institutions are operating in the city such as Metrobank, BDO, Bank of the Philippine

Islands, Landbank, Philippine National Bank, China Bank, EastWest Bank, RCBC, Uninonbank, Security Bank, and Maybank. Rural banks are also expanding aggressively. Based on a report from PDIC (as of December 2013), total savings deposit in Butuan City amounted to P18,944,854,000, comprising 45% of the total deposits in Caraga Region. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas opened its regional office here to take advantage of the vibrant gold trading industry in the region. Insurance companies, led by Philam Life, are also present in the city. The city’s major agricultural produce are rice, bananas, coconuts, poultry, shrimp, and milkfish. Its key industries include rice milling, food processing, wood processing, furniture, fuel distribution, shipbuilding, and construction. The manufacturing sector will soon get a boost as an industrial park is currently being developed. Butuan has also proven to be a haven for renewable energy with investments in solar and hydroelectric power generation pouring in the city. Butuan is also fast-becoming a cosmopolitan city. Currently, there are three (3) major commercial centers catering its populace. These are Robinsons Place Butuan, Puregold Price Club, and Gaisano Mall. Leading mall developer, SM, is expected to also open a branch soon. Famous food brands have also opened shops in the city such as Jolibee, McDonalds, Chowking, Greenwich, Mang Inasal, Red Ribbon, Goldilocks, Gerry’s Grill, Max’s, and Bo’s Coffee. High-end real estate developers, such as Filinvest and Vista Land, have started their residential projects in the city. The A. Brown Group is also developing another exclusive community with a 9-hole golf course. More low and medium cost housing projects are sprouting in the outskirts of the city evident of the city’s strong housing market. As for the telecommunications, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, and Bayantel are able to serve its evergrowing needs.

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FESTIVALS

Grand Opening of Balangay Festival

Kahimunan Festival

The Kahimunan Festival is celebrated every third Sunday of January in celebration of the city patron Sr. Sto. Niño. This feast is a Butuanon version of the Sinulog festival of Cebu City. Kahimunan is a Lumad term which means “gathering”.

Balangay Festival May

Butuan celebrates its annual fiesta, the Balangay Festival, for the celebration of the city patron St. Joseph every whole month of May, with the exact feast day of St. Joseph on May 19. The city holds many events such as summer league basketball championship games, thanksgiving mass, and more.

Butwaan Festival May

The feast day is in celebration of St. Joseph, patron of Butuan, which is held every May 19. This is a fairly new festival created last 2013 as replacement to Balangay Festival. Both festivals will still celebrate the feast of St. Joseph with Butwaan focus on the Church activities while Balangay will focus on the city government activities.

Unaw Festival June

This festival celebrates the number one ingredient of the local delicacy called “Palagsing”. Found in the “Baang/Lumbiya or Palm Trees (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) which usually near or on small river places like Barangay Baan,Barangay Banza,etc. The Unaw Festival is normally held on Adlaw Hong Baan Tres Celebration every 3rd or 4th Week of June

Abayan Festival

The Abayan Festival is held in celebration of St. Anne, patroness of Agusan River, which is celebrated every last Sunday of July and part of the Cultural Festival.

Cultural Festival July/August

The Cultural festival/tourism consciousness is a week-long celebration that lasts from the last week of July up to August 2 in celebration of the Charter Day of Butuan.

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Palagsing Festival August

“Palagsing” is a local delicacy popularly made in Banza, one of the old poblacion of Butuan City. The popularity of making Palagsing in Banza is attributed to the abundance of Lumbiya (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) where Unaw or lumbiya starch is harvested from the palm tree. Another popular ingredient is young coconut meat. The mixture of unaw, young coconut and brown sugar make palagsing moist and chewy. They are delicately wrapped by banana leaves and are boiled for 30 minutes to create the soft consistency of palagsing. The Palagsing Festival usually held on Adlaw Hong Butuan Celebration every 2nd day of August.

Adlaw Hong Butuan August

Adlaw Hong Butuan is the Charter Day celebration of Butuan, which includes a Thanksgiving Mass, motorcade, Palagsing festival, street party recognitions of outstanding Butuanons and City Government Employees’ Night.

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ATTRACTIONS

Natural attractions Agusan River

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The Agusan River is the widest and most navigable river in Mindanao. Natives who live on the banks of this river pay tribute to their patroness, Senora Sta. Ana (Saint Anne) every last Sunday of July in the Abayan festival.

Man-made attractions

Mount Mayapay Looming southwest of the Agusan Valley is this majestic mountain plateau. It rises to 2,214 feet (675 m) above sea level. Mount Mayapay got its name from the ancient Madjapahit Empire. The history behind the Sri-Vishaya period bears much meaning and influence on Butuanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pre-historic and archaeological discoveries.

Balangay Boats The Balangays (or Balanghai) are ancient boats that were found in Butuan. They were excavated in the Balangay Shrine, across the Masao River from Bood Promontory. They played a major role in Butuan because Butuan was, and still is, a port city. Since its discovery, the Balangays have become an icon of Butuan. The Kaya ng Pinoy, Inc. recreated the Balangay boats and have sailed it as part of their project, the Balangay Voyage. So far they have only sailed around Southeast Asia. They are planning to sail around the world. 14 October - December 2015 | BUTUAN TRAVELER

Ramon Magsaysay Bridge The old Magsaysay Bridge in Butuan, an arched-type steel bridge built during the early sixties spans the mighty Agusan River. For years this bridge serve as a lone vital conduit of the city to the rest of Mindanao island until its new more modern pair came at the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s southern side. The bridge links the main urban center to eastern suburbs of Baan and Ampayon.

Balangay Shrine Museum The Balangay Shrine Museum, located in Brgy. Libertad lays the graveyard of the Balangay 1 dated 320 A.D. or 1688 years old. The Balangay shrine museum is located at Balanghai, Libertad, Butuan City. This wooden plank-build and edge-pegged boats measured an average of 15 meters in length and 3 meters wide across the beam. To date, 9 Balangays have already been discovered in Ambangan, Libertad. Three have been excavated and others are still in Site.

Delta Discovery Park National Museum (Butuan City Branch)

Delta Discovery Park is a newly opened zip-line in Butuan. Delta Discovery Park is at Brgy. Bonbon, Butuan City. A hidden paradise in the heart of the city, it is also known as the longest zip-line in Mindanao and in Asia with a length of 1.3 kilometers.

This museum is the repository of historical and cultural materials and artifacts that proves Butuanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prehistoric existence and rich cultural heritage. There are two exhibit galleries. The Archaeological Hall and Ethnological Hall specimens of stone crafts, metal crafts, woodcrafts, potteries, goldsmith, burial coffins, and other archaeological diggings are exhibited. At the Ethnological Hall are exhibits of contemporary cultural materials the Butuanon or every Filipino for matter used for a living.

Bood Promontory Eco Park

Guingona Park Guingona Park is the native or popular name of the park. Changes of government, however, resulted in a change of name to Rizal Park. It was contended that Rizal went there and that they named the park after him. Recently, the government of Butuan City headed by Mayor Amante reconstructed the park and put the name back to Guingona, as it was he who donated the said park some decades past.

This historic hill is believed to have been the site where Magellan and his men celebrated the first Catholic Mass on Philippine soil and erected a cross when he landed in Mazaua on March 31, 1521. The highest elevation nearest the seaside village of present day Masao, Bood is a wooded area at a bend in the Masao River (El Rio de Butuan), overlooking Butuan Bay and ancient Butuan as well as the serpentine Masao River. Today, the indigenous Hadlayati tree abound, lording over a clonal nursery and tree park, amidst fishponds and archaeological treasures. According to the chronicles of Spanish historian Pigafetta, the event took place in the afternoon of March 31, 1521 after the Easter Mass was celebrated in the morning of the same date. Two Butuanon brother kings attended these Easter ceremonies. Pigafetta also noted the surrounding fields and balanghai boats on the bay that could be seen from the hill. The eco-park was established to provide the people of Butuan and its visitors a place to rekindle the past amidst a relaxing natural setting. BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

HOTEL FEATURE By: Switzell Tipon

ALMONT INLAND RESORT A comfortable home-away-from home in Butuan Almont Inland Resort is located in a large area of 4.7 hectares which gives it an advantage for future expansion and improvements. Because of this spacious area, the desired landscape to produce the ambiance of a nature’s calm and relaxing mode is easily achieved. The Hotel is currently expanding its service facilities with the construction of an avant-garde restaurant in addition to the current Gemelli Pizza Bar and the Manay Maling Restaurant.

Extra Comfort Amenities A very cozy resort located in the heart of Butuan has become one of the landmarks of the city and a favorite among business visitors and tourists. Conveniently situated along J.C. Aquino Avenue; one of the main commercial streets of Butuan that provides modern conveniences in terms of shopping areas, transportation terminals and communications. Established 17 years ago, the hotel is a pioneer in Hotel development and witnessed Butuan’s transformation from being the “Timber City of the South” to becoming the major commercial center of the Caraga region. Butuan was essentially a dusty frontier style town two decades ago when the hotel started operations. “Our staffs were mostly local people and we had to teach and train them. Fortunately the Butuanon’s innate sense of hospitality, optimism and cheerful character served as our main guide and it was enough as we learned our way” says Ms. Adelfa Pace, hotel’s General Manager.

People Oriented

The hotel takes pride in the quality of

their staffs. “We are a people based company both in the human resource policies and attitudes towards our guests”, Pace added. “Our remuneration scale is above industry average with the lowest pay according to the legal minimum, and we also provide more benefits. Thus our people work with enthusiasm. This translates to better service to our guests and satisfied guests become regular customers. It is like what the Bible states, “You reap what you sow”. The hotel not only makes sure that personnel are financially taken cared of but also takes effort in providing training, both in-house and sending them to training seminars to improve their technical knowledge and skills.

Natural Tropic Green Ambiance

The resort is a display of the greenery existing amidst urban city life. The resort has 56 rooms; with 8 suites, 16 deluxe rooms, and 32 Superior Rooms; all conforming to the standard room size of the Department of Tourism’s National Accommodation Standards for Resorts, which earned it a three star rank since 2014.

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Ms. Pace also pointed out that to keep up with the competition, the resort is equipped with amenities that has become practically standard in modern hotels like easy access to Wi-Fi in all corners of the resort; wellfurnished rooms to include hot and cold shower, a mini bar, TV, NDD and IDD telephone; safety deposit boxes; and even airport transfer services. Added feature of the resort is that all facilities are PWD friendly. Guests can also relax and swim at the conveniently inviting pool or choose to sweat out stress in a game of tennis and billiards. The resort is also a frequent venue for big conferences, concerts, and social gatherings, be it indoor or outdoor. Ms. Pace proudly mentioned that their convention area can hold up to 1, 800 theatrically seated guests. The same area can also be reconfigured into smaller rooms to cater small gatherings.

Honesty and Cleanliness

Another key factor that has made Almont Inland Resort a choice place is that it believes and maintains time-honored practices of honesty and cleanliness. The hotel changes beddings, towels and sanitizes every room

daily. Bathrooms are kept very clean and provided with needed toiletries. This is now standard practice of modern hotels and resorts. The hotel staffs are regularly reminded to smile and offer cheerful courteous services towards guest. “I am old-fashioned and believe in the best practices of our elders. I think of my staffs as my children which motivates me to teach them to always empathize with guests and always treat them as they would like to be treated” says Pace. “The Almont Hotel business is not just business for me but always about personal relationships like familial bonds; a warm personal relationship or connection relates well on how we treat our people and customers. This special care and attention is noticed and appreciated by our guests” Pace continued.

Government and Tourism

Almont Inland Resort works closely with the government in tourism promotions. Tourism holds a great potential for the

local economy. Ms.Pace explained that Almont Inland Resort has been periodically submitting reports to the local government because she believes that by helping the government succeeds in its work for the local tourism industry; Almont Inland Resort will be the foremost beneficiary.

“

The Almont Hotel business is not just business for me but always about personal relationships like familial bonds; a warm personal relationship or connection relates well on how we treat our people and customers. This special care and attention is noticed and appreciated by our guests

”

--- Ms. Adelfa Pace Hotel’s General Manager

The City Government of Butuan has a lot of promising programs, plans and activities in store for the advancement of the tourism industry and Almont Inland Resort actively supports these efforts. One example of this support is the revival of Almont Tours and Travel Services. Ms. Pace believes that by reviving the tour services, the resort will be contributing in the selling out and promotion of Butuan City’s tourism offerings. Tours and Travel services play a major role in the marketing promotion. The Historical value of Butuan has a great significance in the minds of the people. This will be one of the aspects that’ll be incorporated to the tour menu the Resort will be offering as soon as the tour and travel services start its operation.

The Almont Inland Resort is just one of the three hotel hospitality businesses of the ALegrado-MONtalban Company in the region. And like the other successful resorts of the family in Visayas, Almont Inland Resort is a good example of a well managed business. “Our usual guests are tourists, who just want to escape from the strain of their usual busy lives, and Almont Inland Resort is the perfect place, in Butuan City, for them to find the quite, calm and relaxing time-out they seek”, says Pace. The Resort is still on track in becoming the finest resort in Butuan and even in Caraga Region, and maintaining the positive features and aspects of the resort is a continued mission for the owners and staffs. Ms. Pace said that the most observed motto of the company is “Amuma with Excellence”, which means a service of caring with all excellence. “I am very proud to say that I am a part of how Almont started”, Ms. Pace uttered, “because of its excellent service provides that is proudly Butuan.”

Ms. Adelfa Pace, Hotel’s General Manager

BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

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SPECIAL FEATURE

18 October - December 2015 | BUTUAN TRAVELER

SPECIAL REPORT

GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHT: Below are excerpts of the State of the City Address, an annual report by City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., delivered to the Sangguniang Panlungsod last August 19, 2015, at the Balanghai Hotel.

Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Under the PGS, we have redefined our vision to become a model for sustainable forest-based economy in the country with the highest per capita income growth rate in Mindanao by the year 2020 that brings about inclusive growth in the city. I would like to emphasize that more than the vision, the PGS is really about behavioral change starting within the LGU. It is about incorporating sound strategic measures in addition to our core functions to achieve optimum results thereby encouraging the employees to be more involved in strategy execution and contribute directly to the upliftment of the community. Through the PGS, I believe we can make Butuan become the Timber City of the South once more. Since we have started this undertaking in October 2013, we have already passed the first three stages of PGS: the Initiation Stage last April 2014, the Compliance Stage last October 2014, and the Proficiency Stage last May 2015. As of now, we are preparing for another round of performance audit to be conducted next week so that we will be chosen as one of the Islands of Good Governance of the Philippines which will be featured in the APEC Summit this November. I am positive that we will pass this test and by November, world leaders like US President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be learning, perhaps for the first time, about our beloved City of Butuan.

I am a strong believer of the PGS because in our one and a half year of engagement with the Institute for Solidarity in Asia, we have proven that the system really works. At the onset of our PGS implementation, we were asked to set a target for our breakthrough result. We set our target at 5 million planted and nurtured trees by June 2015. Ladies and gentlemen, I am very proud to say to you that as of April 2015, two months before the deadline, we have already planted, nurtured and geo-tagged 5.18 million trees covering 5,633 hectares involving 1,837 farmers. The geo-tagged trees are properly documented in an electronic map where one click shows the coordinates of the planted area, the barangay, the name of the farmer, total planted area, number of seedlings planted, name of species and date of planting. This is the beauty of PGS. Results are tangible and data are not manipulated. One seedling of falcata costs Php1.50. A hectare with optimum spacing of 4m x 3m can plant 833 falcata trees. A six-year old falcata tree can produce or harvest 0.7 cubic meter of wood or pulp. At the current market price of Php4,500.00 per cubic meter, a 6-year old falcata tree can be sold at approximately Php3,000. At 75% survival, 1 hectare can earn Php2.5 Million. If we successfully grow these 5.18 million trees and harvest them in 6 years, Butuan will have an additional Php13 Billion contribution to the local economy. If we plant 5 million trees every year, we also

expect Php13 Billion every year after 2020 giving us the highest per capita income in Mindanao. Then, we shall not only dream but slowly see our vision turn into reality. Our early wins through the PGS and the achievement of our breakthrough goal earned for us the Silver Trailblazer Award during the Public Governance Forum last May. I am also proud to say that among the 9 LGUs under PGS, Butuan City is the fastest achiever from Stage 1 to 3 in just 1 and a half years. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our 111 PGS Vision Aligned Circles or VACs and the real driver of our PGS efforts, our Office of Strategy Management headed by Engr. Lorden Vismanos. The Performance Governance System, if done properly, is an effective governance system. More importantly, the PGS is a sustainable system that can be implemented even beyond the year 2020 under a new administration. The journey of Butuan is the journey of every Butuanon. It is a journey where no one should be left behind. You and I are part of this journey. We must do our share no matter what role we play, whether as a public official or a private citizen, kay ang kalambuan sa Butuan, kaakuhan natong tanan (the growth of Butuan is each oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibility).

BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

FEATURE STORY By: Switzell Tipon

Light Up Butuan Christmas season is brightest and more festive when Butuan literally lights up

Christmas is a special holiday in Butuan as with the rest of the country. It is a time when families get together to renew bonds of kinship as well as to celebrate the birth of the saviour. Thailand celebrates Loy Kathong and India has its Festival of Lights, Butuan has its ‘Light Up Butuan’. A celebration of life, family and faith. A project initiated by the City Government during the Christmas holidays to celebrate the Spirit of Christmas with merry making and lights that symbolize joy and hope. The City Government through the City Tourism Office has a number of different programs for this year’s Christmas season. Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. will lead the ceremonial switch-on program on December first at the Guingona Park to officially start the Christmas holiday season. At this time the park as well as the City Hall Complex will be lit up full of sparkling Christmas lights and Christmas decorations

At this time all Butuanons are expected to converge at the Guingona Park together with the Mayor, the rest of the City’s Elected Officials and the City Hall’s employees to start celebrating and to witness the official welcome of the joyous Christmas season. Fireworks and meteor lights will light up the skies. For whole the month of December, the City Tourism Office has prepared four (4) major programs as part of the “Light Up Butuan’’ project. These are the following: An Inter-School Christmas Jingle Contest which is open to all high school choral groups in the city. This

20 October - December 2015 | BUTUAN TRAVELER

competition will run on the whole month of December with winners and awarding ceremony to fall on the last week of the month. To be able to join applicant choral members must be bonafide students of the school they represent; second, the choral group must compose of 10-20 members; and third, the choral piece must not exceed five (5) Christmas songs to be presented in a minimum of 10 minutes and maximum of 15 minutes; and lastly, the group must be in uniform in the presentation of its piece. There will be three grand winners to be declared, the first prize winner will receive Php 20,000.00, the second prize winner Php 15,000.00 and the third prize winner Php 10,000.00. The City Government expects all the schools that will be invited to join. The choral contest will no doubt be a fabulous symphony of yuletide hymns and songs. The Well Lighted Overpass Competition will be open to all business

establishments near the five overpasses in the city proper who will opt to join in the sponsoring of an overpass in dressing it up and decorating for the competition. These establishments can either form a group or choose to singly sponsor an overpass depending on the collective agreements of would be participants. Of course the most brilliantly decorated overpass will be declared as winner and will receive Php 30,000.00 cash prize, while the second and third winners will receive Php 20,000.00 and Php 10,000.00 respectively. Two consolation prizes will be given to the two remaining non-winners in the amount of Php 5,000.00 each. It is already foreseen that a dramatic exhibit of the overpasses will transform the city overpasses into an incandescent archway for the commuting public and a dazzling pathway for the foot passers. The Well Lighted Establishment Competition, on the other hand, is open to all business establishments all over the city. The rationale behind this competition is to encourage all establishments to exert an extra effort in the making of a Christmassy facade of their edifices. There will be one winner to be declared in this competition who will then receive a cash prize of Php 20,000.00. With the active interaction of the business sectors to government initiatives, the competition is expected to have a active, vibrant participation thus adding glitter to the already radiant aura.

the City Government to give the finale of the first day’s program for the official opening of the season’s festivities. Aside from the aforementioned activities, the yearend Christmas bazaar will be simultaneously launched on December 1. The bazaar will stretch its merchandizing display along the AD Curato Street to start right at the corner of the JC Aquino Avenue up to the next corner going the Durano Street. There will also be a Fireworks Bazaar located along the Montilla Boulevard in front of the East West Bank, Montilla Branch. Christmas as a traditional Filipino holiday is to be emphasized. Remembering the feeling of excited anticipation of gifts to give and receive and the warm engulfing love of family during Christmas time is in fact the rationale behind bringing about the Light Up Butuan Project. Foremost of all, as the host city of Caraga Region, Butuan City has been making sure that guests and visitors

have always have something to be amazed about in their stay in the City. And since yuletide season would also mean Balik Butuanons coming home for the family celebration of the season, it would be a great opportunity for them to experience vibrant colours of Butuan’s Christmas. The lighting up of Butuan surely is a beautiful event that will be remembered. Remembering childhood pleasures is a warm comforting feeling that kindles nostalgic memories of uninhibited joy that often fades with adulthood. It is in this context that Butuan City’s Light Up Program is made uniquely interesting and captivating. It causes everyone to be reminded of Christmas as one of the most important happenings in life. This initiative of the City Government is hoped will be continued on during the future years and become one of Butuan’s traditions. Christmas season and celebrations for the year’s end will be merrier and gratifying with the timely remembering of the things that count most.

Fireworks Display Competition is the first event in the Light Up Butuan Project. This competition will be open to all local fireworks providers who want to engage in the yearly Fireworks Bazaar of the City. The competition will be staged at Guingona Park during the opening salvo of the light up activity, which is on the first of December at the Ceremonial Switch On. There will only be one declared winner who will receive a cash prize of Php 100,000.00 and a sure contract for next year’s Balangay Festival Fireworks Display. Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr., had promised to make the Christmas season one that is more spectacular than the fireworks held during the recent Balangay Festival and Adlaw Hong Butuan. It literally promises to be Butuan’s brightest. On top of these, there will be a separate and culminating Grand Fireworks Presentation sponsored by

BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

FEATURE STORY

Pavilion

Footbridge

BÜD PROMONTORY ECOPARK History has it that the fire in the island (referring to the “Büd” or hill in Butuanon} encouraged the anchorage of Magellan and his crew in 1521 whereby fire was related to as a sign of life or community. Since then, significant changes chanced the place that stood witness to the trading center of old Butuan. With the support of the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Büd Promontory Ecopark today boasts of a new pavilion, guard house, view deck, Manobo hut, footbridge, decorative tree

guards, parking area and docking deck. It is also a protected area with a forest of “Hadlayati”, local term for teakwood, with leaves used as body dye by warriors in the olden days to signal combat. As the commemoration site of the First Easter Mass on Philippine Soil (Butuan’s continuing claim against Limasawa of Leyte), Büd holds great historical value to pilgrims and historians alike, as It is also seated next to the old Agusan River, believed to have been dislodged by a cataclysmic event in the past.

22 October - December 2015 | BUTUAN TRAVELER

Docking deck

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BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

PROFILE FEATURE By: Switzell Tipon

Francis C. Loque:

A man who loved his neighbors Surmounting his humble beginnings he sent his siblings through college and developed the initially teacher’s cooperative movement to be a leader in the Caraga region community, helping thousands of families achieve financial independence

The development of Butuan from a thriving frontier “Timberland City” to a fast growing commercial center of the Caraga region is filled with a number of heroic stories of many leading individuals whose acumen and farsightedness and the organizations they helped create made possible the growth and development of Butuan City. This is the story of one such individual and the organization he helped create and headed. Francis C Loque was instrumental in the creation, management and success of ANTRECCO (Agusan del Norte Teachers, Retirees, Employees, and Community Cooperative), Caraga region’s most outstanding credit union and cooperative. The cooperative grew during its twenty-two years of operation from a humble start-up capital of Php 14,500.00 to an impressive capital base of Php 217,001,095.69. A true rags to riches story that is a beacon to other communities in the country. But this dramatic growth of pesos and centavos is but just a small part of the story. The real drama is in the thousands of lives and families transformed due to the financial assistance given by the cooperative, freeing many from the clutches of loan sharks and debt to become financially independent and a positive contributing citizen to the republic.

Francis C. Loque

Francis C. Loque came from a humble family and was the first in his family to attend college, where he was a good but not an outstanding student. After graduating college he became a school teacher, a post he held for 6 years. As eldest son and the first to hold a job, he financed his siblings’ education until they finished college. They are now all professionals with successful individual careers. After 6 years as a class room teacher he was eventually promoted to supervisory positions until he became Principal and eventually Education Supervisor I for 5 years. During his time as teacher Loque was active in the ANTREA (Agusan del Norte Teachers, Retirees, and Employees Association) where he was vice president and later president from 1994 to 1997 and Ex-Officio member of the board. He was again elected to be president from 2002 to 2005. In 1996 to 2006 he became President of Caraga PSTA (Public School Teachers Association). As a professional educator, Mr. Loque pursued his masteral and doctorate degree with flying colors as Magna Cum Laude at University of Bohol. He further continued his professional development by attending special training and seminars outside the country, like the Asian Credit Union Forum

24 October - December 2015 | BUTUAN TRAVELER

2006 in Bangkok, Thailand. As an educator, Mr. Loque is a firm believer of continued learning that is why ANTRECCO’s employees undergo a lot of training and seminars for their career enhancement and development. ANTRECCO evolved from ANTREA to meet the growing and changing needs of its members. During his time as a school teacher and due to his humble beginnings, Loque was very knowledgeable of the financial problems of teachers and resolved to find ways to help his co-teachers gain financial freedom from debt and loan sharks. This resolve was shared by the Board Members and other officials of the cooperative that grew from ANTREA, that they provide the best service to their members. ANTRECCO, during Loque’s stewardship, had fared very well that its capital is now measured in hundreds of millions. Since its independent operation in 1993 its dramatic success is an impressive proof of Mr. Loque’s effective management. He considers managing the cooperative the same as he manages his own house. He takes pride in the fact that so far the cooperative has helped a lot of their clients achieve financial stability, a sense of achievement that cannot be measured

in pesos and centavos but in the sense of service and happiness that ensues when one helps others. Today ANTRECCO employs thirty-six regular employees all of whom receive no less than the minimum salary required by law. Their regular employees are provided with uniform allowance, mid-year and yearend bonuses, SSS, Philhealth, Pag-ibig and other benefits. “Never in my aspirations had I dreamed myself to be this successful in the management aspect. I have not been an achiever during my younger years”, says Loque, “though I had always felt the desire to help my colleagues and co-teachers get free from debt”. It was this thought that came across his mind when accepting the challenge of spearheading the newly formed cooperative. The success of ANTRECCO no doubt was instrumental in the election of Mr. Francis C. Loque as Chairman of RCDC (Regional Cooperative Development Council) Caraga Region, from 2003 up to present. He was also Chairman of the Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperative for Mindanao League from 2004 to 2005. The experience of having held such responsible positions widened Loque’s expertise in cooperative services. As the chairman of RCDC, he leads over a thousand established cooperatives in the region. ANTRECCO has already become an open cooperative, not just catering for the needs of teachers but also practically to all members of the community. Mr. Loque initiated the proposal to open up the cooperative to all others in the community.

He saw the potential of ANTRECCO in helping in the pursuit of poverty alleviation. He had wanted for ANTRECCO to be a channel of help for the less fortunate members of the community. Giving them the chance to improve their way of living by providing them with financial assistance they can use for small business ventures. Small vendors, tricycle drivers, ordinary employees of government and private sectors who wish to generate an extra income from putting up small businesses of their own are assisted financially by the cooperative. Loque believes that indeed, the problem of poverty is man-made and so man himself can think out of ways to free himself of poverty. ANTRECCO has expanded its operations for the past nine years by opening satellite offices in nearby municipalities. The first of its expansion is the Satellite Office at Municipality of Carmen last April 1, 2006; a Satellite Office at the City of Cabadbaran last May 28, 2006; another Satellite Office at Barangay Libertad and Langihan, Butuan City last October 20, 2007; and latest of which is the Satellite Office in Surigao City and Bayugan City on November 23, 2010 and November 28, 2010 respectively. With the vast coverage of ANTRECCO, it is expected to boost its number of membership which has already reached to 8,129 members as well as a wider scope of its financial services ranging from productive and providential loans to financing and savings. The main office has an on-going building expansion going on to meet the needs of the ongrowing services that the cooperative is

offering. The need for a bigger office is pressing and immediate. To ensure sustainability in its operation, ANTRECCO has recently partnered with the World Council of Credit Unions, Inc. – Credit Union Empowerment & Strengthening, Philippines or WOCCUCUES, Philippines and has substantiated its link with the Philippine Federation of Cooperatives – Mindanao League for its training requirements. With the many achievements that the cooperative has gained, Loque is very proud to disclose that ANTRECCO has been the five-time recipient of a Plaque of Recognition as the Most Outstanding Cooperative of Caraga Region. And Loque himself has earned various awards of recognition for his outstanding performance in managing ANTRECCO. To mention a few are; Koop Rebolusyonaryo Award, Plaque of Recognition by DepEd Caraga Region 2003 Awardee, Plaque of Recognition from Cooperative Development Authority Caraga Region Awardee, 2005 Cooperative Development Authority Caraga Region Plaque of Recognition, Cooperative Development Authority Caraga Region 2006 Awardee, 2007 City of Butuan Plaque of Recognition, and 2008 USAID and PFCCO Plaque of Recognition. The soon to be retiring general manager said, “I would like to see myself retiring with a contented smile knowing that I will be leaving a beautiful legacy to people who do not know me personally and yet I know that in some way or another I have been instrumental in positive changes of their lives. It is a wonderfully blissful feeling that no amount of monetary reward can compare”.

BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

RESTAURANT FEATURE By: Camille Christine Lo Liao

La dolce vita alla Butuan Pizzeria de Italia Pizza serves a fusion of both Italian and Filipino dishes, creating a fun and exciting gastronomic adventure that Butuanonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love. 26 October - December 2015 | BUTUAN TRAVELER

It was in Cebu where Kenneth Liao, the owner, first started the idea of putting up a pizza business in Butuan. After he got a taste of La Bella Napoliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pizza, he immediately knew that Butuan would also embrace a similar place, considering the growing numbers of young professionals in his age group. Being a young and aggressive business

minded person, Kenneth, then decided to have an agreement with the owner of La Bella Napoli Restaurant to set up the place. With the help of his Italian friend, Ken opened his first pizza place. He also agreed to purchase all his materials from La Bella, which guaranteed that everything he used was “authentic” Italian. With the continuing support and advice from La Bella, Ken was also spared from early initial teething problems new businesses often encounter. Pizzeria de Italia is still easily accessible. The restaurant is a modest single floor building with an open air dining area and an air-conditioned room for meetings and other special affairs. The ambience of the restaurant is casual, friendly and relaxing. That is one of the reasons, aside from great food, why customers go there to socialize or just ‘hang out’. Pizzeria de Italia commits itself to provide refreshing ambiance complimented with nice music. Acoustic Night Jams is one of the highlights every Friday night with its band quarter2seven, where customers can sing along. Pizzeria de Italia is the only pizza place in Butuan that has an authentic wood fired oven, where their pizza is being baked to perfection. Customers can sit at the bar counter and get to watch how their pizza is being prepared. Most of their patrons would come in groups and couples who love to dine as well, while others would just stay at the bar counter area and have chit chat with the friendly staff. In its four years of operation, Pizzeria de Italia has proved its excellent service to customers both locals and specially foreigners. Pizzeria de Italia’s primary is its Italian inspired pizza recipe. At the top of their best seller, is the La Bella Eva Pizza, an all meat toppings with parmesan cheese. It is an original recipe of Kenneth which he named after his mother Eva. As for cheese lovers, they have Quattro Formaggi, it’s an all cheese pizza, topped with four kinds of cheese. It is mostly ordered by ladies who want their pizza to be super cheesy. For some who prefer a fiery taste they also have Diabola Pizza, topped with ground

Kenneth Liao meat, vegetables and of course red hot chilli peppers to give it a kick. They also offer customized pizzas like “choose your own toppings, wherein customers get to ‘pick and mix’ whatever they like for their pizza. The crew can actually make one on request. In addition to pizza they also have panzerotto and spaghetti Bolognese which also have an authentic Italian taste. Although it is different to Filipino palate, still it has gained approval to Butuanons. Aside from their signature pizza and pasta, they also have Filipino dishes on their menu such as pork sinigang, grilled boneless bangus, grilled pork belly, kinilaw, lechon kawali, and etc. Due to the growing number of customers, who often go there to chill and drink, the owner decided to offer beer match food (pulutan). From sizzling sisig, spiced chicken wings to sizzling gambas, they have a wide array of food selections to choose from that suit your cravings. One added attraction of the restaurant is the Pizzeria Galleria that showcases Butuanon’s arts pieces. Pizzeria Galleria has various collections of paintings, which aims to support local artist like Cris Tamis, Resty Sala and Chito Alegre. All paintings can be procured through its curator. To keep abreast of competitions to other restaurants, the management

regularly has promotional ads and flyers to endorse their latest offerings. During special occasions, they also make it a point to have special promotions like fiesta and back to school promos. On Valentine’s Day, they also add special menus for customers. They also offer beer set promos like beer and pulutan combo set. Kenneth, with his humble personality manages the business personally. He attends even on the smallest detail that might affect their restaurant service. Maintaining the area very neat and clean all the time is one of the management’s primary concern, and customers need not to worry about parking space because it has a spacious front area and keeping the vicinity safe for customers who come in late has always been a major priority for them. Presently, the restaurant has six regular employees, who effectively give excellent service. The management sees to it that each and every staff is knowledgeable about the food served. Quality service is always of utmost important. Kenneth believes that confident staff makes a lot difference in making a statement an excellent service. Pizzeria de italia is located at J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City. Opens from 11:30 am to 12 mn on Sundays to Thursdays and 11:30 am to 1 am during Fridays and Saturdays. You may also check their facebook page Pizzeria de Italia.

BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

TOURS FEATURE By: Switzell Tipon

Delta Discovery Park The first adventure park in Caraga Region tricia s. Pa

The first adventure Park in Butuan and the Caraga region started operations in 2007. Located in a 8 hectare familyoriented park the adventure activities were initially conceived by the former mayor of Butuan, Democrito “Boy Daku” Plaza. He had conceived of an adventure resort that Butuanons could enjoy since recreational facilities were inadequate at that time. He also believed that the place would attract tourists to visit Butuan and thus place Butuan in the tourist map. Plaza reserved 8 hectares from a 110 hectare property he owned for the park’s development. The establishment of the park paved the way for the construction of a passable road for all to use and also the creation of job opportunities for the nearby areas and barangays. It had also helped attract tourists to Butuan to visit the park and enjoy its facilities. Plaza had dreamed of leaving a family legacy for Butuanons to enjoy as well as an ongoing business for his children. He also asked one of his children, Patricia, to manage the facility. Patricia shared her father’s dream and is passionate about the park, successfully managing the place during the last 5 years. She had made sure to improve the park’s facilities, particularly the Zip Line which is famous for being longest in Asia at 1.3 kilometres long. This has contributed to the park’s fame and attracted many visitors. But

Plaza

besides this perk the park offers a variety of other activities for adventure enthusiasts. In addition to its famous Zip Line rides, the park also offers a variety of outdoor activities. For one, there is a Zorb ball ride which only costs Php 200 per ride. Zorbing was originally conceptualized in 1994 as a type of sphere in New Zealand which then became an outdoor recreational sport in the United Kingdom. The Zorb ball activity is first ever in Caraga Region, and the park’s newest ride, running for two years now. With its very affordable rate, most of the park’s guests don’t miss the ride. The Zorb ball is found to be fun to ride given the vast area of the park. Another sporty ride is the ATV ride, which costs only Php 500 per head. Most guests in groups try this ride, which is a four-wheeler vehicle that travels on low-pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control. The area being a mountainous, the terrain is a perfect venue for ATV rides since it gives the rider exciting bumps and hurdles. One of the most popular facilities are the swimming pools. Many guests enjoy a cool dip into these naturally flowing swimming pools and enjoy the pleasure of swimming in pure mountain waters freely flowing. It costs only Php 100 for an unlimited use for the whole day. When the park first opened the adventure park’s primary offering was its natural

28 October - December 2015 | BUTUAN TRAVELER

flowing swimming pools which was already famous among locals. The family’s property includes a waterfall, the right which the Plaza family has already bought. It has an abundant water supply of clean water from the mountains and thus free of chlorine and other chemicals. Their fresh cool water are inviting and promises a calming effect to all who soak in it. The park has two swimming pools; the bigger pool about 180 feet x 37 feet and approximately 5 feet deep, which is for adults; and the smaller one for kids is only about three feet deep. And of course there is the first ever Zipline in Caraga, which is a 1.3 km ride, the longest in Asia, and costs only Php 650 per head A shorter 400 meter long Zip Line costs only Php 300 per head. All adventure activities in the park are closely monitored with utmost precautionary measures, prioritizing the safety of the guests/riders. Ms. Patricia assures all guests that park management makes sure that the materials that are used in each and every activity, especially that of the Zip Line, are the most dependable, adhering to the highest standards and the best materials, regardless of costs. All guests/riders undergo a brief safety orientation before taking the rides. The rides itself are supervised by Safety Officers, especially the Zip Line. The riders are taught the functions of the rides’ apparatuses, the timeframe of each ride, the right positions, and the “to dos” and “not to dos” while on the rides. The safety officer and emergency responders are all well-trained by an emergency/safety officer from Manila as part of the requirement of their application to operate as an adventure park. The park has also a complete emergency

response team that includes an ever ready emergency vehicle ready to respond to any emergency. This is added assurance, in case of emergencies and accidents, that everyone affected is quickly attended to and well taken care of. The management also maintains routine monthly check up on their Zip Lines. Maintenance staff personally goes and check the lines, checking inch by inch for possible breaks. The Zip Lines are made of the sturdiest materials, 2 to 3 inches thick in diameter. The park is environmentally friendly and has an agreement with Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesCaraga Region to serve as park a sanctuary for wild animals that hurt as well as these animals that stray into the park from nearby forests. The park’s management takes care of the animals, providing all the necessities for its survival which include a regular check up by a veterinarian before it is turned over to the department. Delta Discovery Park also offers a wide range of accommodations for guests who want to stay overnight or two. Many newlywed couples spend their bridal night in the park in a private cottage, which costs only Php. 1,500 per night with breakfast for two and use of the pool. For groups that stay overnight in dormitory style accommodations pay only Php. 350 per head, which is valid for 5 persons with free use of the pool.

The park has also been gaining clients who came over for seminars and small conventions. They are accommodated at the convention house which overlooks the city of Butuan. The convention area’s seating capacity hold 250 to 300 persons maximum. Since the park’s area is very spacious, parking is not a problem. Upon arrival at the park, guests are greeted with friendly staffs who facilitate parking and guide guests to registration. Delta Discovery Park has four (4) dormitory rooms, two (2) private cottages, and one (1) convention hall. Ms. Patricia also disclosed that Butuanons can expect a lot from Delta Discovery Park in the next one to two years. The family, which serves as also the park management, has been planning for Delta Discovery Park to be an all-in-one adventure park for the whole family. Present amenities are not enough and still wanting for more. That is why plans are all set for making Delta become Butuan’s signature adventure park for its tourism industry. The most doable plan, says Ms. Patricia, will be a Wave Pool which will once again be the first in Caraga Region. Because of the abundant source of naturally flowing water, a Wave Pool is really achievable. “Of course, I would say that such future ventures will really require large investments, but Butuan has the resources. Butuan tourism has the potential to attract investors as well as tourists”, says Ms. Patricia.

Since the park’s main target market is the family, their next immediate plan is to develop a playground for kids. Another big plan is to put up a mini-zoo that will be educational as well as a fun activity that guests can enjoy. Also the growing demand of the place as venue for seminars and conferences has projected a plan of putting up an overlookingthe-city restaurant which will be an added convenience for the guests. . As Ms. Patricia puts it, “helping the tourism industry of Butuan has also been my mother’s goal as the department head of the City’s Tourism Office during my dad’s leadership, and I am certain that by putting up Delta Discovery Park, my mother has already executed her noble functions as a public servant”.

Of course, I would say that such future ventures will really require large investments, but Butuan has the resources. Butuan tourism has the potential to attract investors as well as tourists ---- Ms. Patricia Plaza

Zip Line

Zorb ball

Natural Flowing Swimming Pool

BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE By: Switzell Tipon

Sprinkles’ Waterpark & Events Center

Dr. J

A great place to visit for kids to enjoy and adults to relax - convenient and inexpensive One of the most exciting developments in Butuan in recent years had been the opening of Sprinklers’ Waterpark. When the facility opened two years ago it was positively welcomed by Butuanons of all pages who loved to play with water. Located just at the outskirts of the city and easily accessible by a 5 or 10 minute ride, yet creates the feeling of removing oneself away from the strains and stresses of urban metropolitan life style to a more sedate and relaxing world of province and watery fun. Sprinkles Waterpark is the brainchild of Dr. Julie Denila Lagare, a medical doctor (Paediatrician) who loved to travel and had seen the popularity of water parks in most cities she had visited as a venue for family fun and entertainment. She foresaw that the people of Butuan would enjoy the same type of fun and proceeded to convince her family to invest in such a place.

Her experience as a paediatrician gave her a good understanding of families and children and the activities they would like to enjoy. She herself had experienced the rejuvenating delights of relaxing in a pool and strongly felt the need of many parents who wanted to spend quality time with their kids. Her family members agreed with her and proceeded to make her concept a reality. “Not having beautiful white beaches like these found in Surigao, I felt that Butuanons would opt to relax and enjoy water parks. They find that rejuvenating properties of water that refreshes their senses. The pool and water slides also encourages young kids to play and interact, thus strengthening ties of love and affection between family members,” according to Lagare, who as paediatrician has a special interest in these matters. Her foreshight was proven right when the Sprinkles’ Waterpark opened with great

30 October - December 2015 | BUTUAN TRAVELER

ulie

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success. Families came in droves, particularly these with their children, to play and enjoy themselves with the water slides and swim in the pool. That they did not have to travel far to enjoy the pleasure of such a park was a great attraction that guaranteed that the park was an “ïn-thing”. The Sprinkles’ Waterpark officially opened for business in 2013 on a 1.5 hectare piece of property that the family owned. Landscaping design was conceived by the doctor who had strong ideas on how such a park should look based on her observations of many water parks around the world. She wanted the park to be particularly attractive to children, who she knew was the focus of family affairs and would enjoy most. One of her ideas, for example was the construction and installation of Sprinkler Slide that inspired the name of the park. She also believed that parents watching their kids enjoy themselves would find relaxation and peace. And so it was, particularly since the park landscaped

“

I draw joy in watching the faces of children play and find unbridled enjoyment in the park. It fills me with a sense of personal achievement and gratefulness for having helped conceive and create the park

”

--- Dr. Julie Denila Lagare garden was also designed to encouraged relaxation and peace of mind. “I draw joy in watching the faces of children play and find unbridled enjoyment in the park. It fills me with a sense of personal achievement and gratefulness for having helped conceive and create the park” says Lagare. While the adults relax the children play in their world of water stunts, slides and pool. The park has one big slide and three smaller slides for kids. Since Butuanons are really into singing spree during family bonding moments, there is a designated area for guests who want to sing their hearts out in a videoke, in an enclosed, glass-walled, and air-conditioned room very near the pool area for easy access to the pools. Videoke is very affordable, for function hall bookings, the rate is only Php 1,000.00; while for pool side guests who would want to use the videoke room, the rate is Php 500.00 for two hours and Php 150.00 per hour for additional hours. Dr. Lagare insists that the park be very affordable for families. The entrance fee is only Php 100.00 per head which includes of a comfortable tent cottage and an unlimited enjoyment of the pools for the whole day. The open tent cottages are properly bolted to the cemented grounds of the park and could be easily closed for privacy with its built-in two-layered zippered walls. Guests who come for picnics need to bring their food and refreshments. There are no corkage fees or other charges. “I would say that our park is very reasonable when it comes to its rates, since we want to encourage families to regularly visit, which many do”, Lagare proudly claims.

easily be booked for special occasions and easily be dressed up for whatever ambiance the clients would want to. Sprinkles Water Park has two function halls to hold meetings, small conferences, and private occasions. The smaller function room is ideal for fifty persons for only Php 5,000.00 per day, and the bigger hall could house eighty persons for only Php 8,000.00. Because of its fabulous landscape, there is really only minimum décor that clients need do for all occasions. Park management is also very concerned with safety since they want families to enjoy with confidence. Although the pool is also meant for adults it is only 4 feet and 6 inches deep and in the sliding area the pool is only two and a half feet deep, thus minimizes the danger of drowning. Still the management posts pool watchers who act as life guards to prevent untoward incidents. Two or three life guards are assigned to the adult pool area and one life guard is assigned to the children’s section. ”It was my idea to maintain fairly shallow pools to minimize the dangers to our clients”, says the doctor. This concern for security is not limited to the pool area but extends to the whole park, particularly the large parking area up-front. The landscape of the area is well designed for easy access so that park staff can easily observe the car park area. “Park maintenance is a bit on the high side but park management is very meticulously committed to maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness” says the doctor. The pools are cleaned twice a day without a miss while they also have a maintenance crew to take care of water cleaning and strictly follow international procedures and standards for proper pool sanitation. Trash cans are provided in all strategic areas of the water park. There are two comfort rooms

(toilets) with showers, flushed-in toilet bowls and clean ceramic sinks for hand washing and such. The park has financially been in the black since it opened two years ago. Revenues have been good not withstanding the fact that maintenance value of the water park is high. The success so far of the park can be attested to First; the fact that since its inception the park has been positively received by Butuanon families who enjoy the convenience of not having to go outside the city to chill out, and Second; to the excellent management of the Dr. Lagare, which has gained the loyalty and excellent service of the employees. The management makes sure that their employees are paid fairly, well above the minimum wage prescribed by law. Lagare considers her staff as one of the main assets of the water park. For now, the water park has employed twelve employees. Good staff means better service and satisfied customers. Satisfied customers do return, and that is the target market the management seeks. When asked of future developments for Sprinkles’ Water Park, Dr. Lagare replied enthusiastically that Butuanons have a lot to expect from Sprinkles’ Water Park. For one, the management is nearly in completion of their “Wetland Playground’’ for children with more sprinklers to enjoy installed. Second, there is an on-going plan of putting up more slides for adults to enjoy. Third, a solid plan for a 700 capacity function hall will soon be started. And of course there is still a plan of having a mini shopping store and a restaurant for added customer’s convenience. With these ambitious future improvements Butuanons can expect that Sprinkles’ Water Park will continue to be a venue for family entertainment!

Aside from regular customers, the park has also become a choice venue for special events like birthdays, company parties, small meetings and even weddings. The park can

BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

SERVICES FEATURE By: Switzell Tipon

La Bella Hair Beauty & Spa Beauty and the Best

Providing high quality service with modest prices is their formula for success

With the modest success of their hotel and restaurant business the Aruj family wanted to expand the range of the services they offered, particularly since they had a lot of extra space in their premises.

be beautiful and look good, and men too,” says Angel “We want to provide them with the same quality service of lavish luxurious extravagance and of being pampered, yet keeping our rates affordable”.

Ms. Angel Ver Ladaga-Aruj suggested the concept of a beauty salon offering top quality service to working class professionals that were the core of their hotel business. Angel herself is a qualified nurse and beautician and was personally interested in helping women maintain or improve their looks, particularly young mothers facing middle age, just like herself. Her father-in-law challenged her to set up a place with his financial backing and thus La Bella Hair Beauty and Spa was established.

Now 7 months since they opened for business the salon has been positively received by hotel guests and other customers. Many have commented on the high quality service they have received and reasonable prices. Haircuts are only Php. 80, Hot Oil Php. 150, Hair Treatment Php. 250, Hair Rebonding as low as Php 1,000 , and Hair color as well as Hair Perming at Php. 500 each to mention a few of their services.

Situated next to their hotel and restaurant, the salon is well situated to attract hotel guests, which adds to the attractions of the hotel. The salon offers a wide range of superior services with prices geared for smart young customers who would like to enjoy the same luxurious treatment found in more expensive salons yet at the prices they find comfortable. “All women want to 32 October - December 2015 | BUTUAN TRAVELER

They also offer manicure and pedicure, which at Php. 120 is a real steal, together with foot spa at only Php. 199 and Facials for the same price. Their Sauna service, which takes only 15 t0 20 minutes, costs Php. 150 and Body Massage for an hour is only Php. 300, while Body Massage with Sauna is Php. 450, since it takes a bit longer. Their latest offering is the Icure Hair Treatment which is a bit on the high side compared

with the prices of other services but still is reasonable at Php. 1,500. Ms. Angel also assured that they only use trusted brands for their salon and spa. JC Premier products for their spa services and Matrix and Loreal for their salon services. Another new offer is a fast and safe method of skin whitening, which is by injectable glutathione, a service that many dusky beauties in Butuan are learning to appreciate. It is a safe process, according to Angel, that has gained medical approval by the Dermatologist Association. The method itself is already commonly practiced in Manila and Cebu. Ms. Angel further added that since the method is injectable, the process is spared of unnecessary chemical residue that is usually brought about by processed and synthetic glutathione tablets and capsules orally taken in. The injectable glutathione is directly infused to the blood with no fear of residues left in the kidneys or in the bladder as these taken orally. Ms. Angel, who is an MA graduate of nursing, MA licensed beautician, licensed Massage Therapist and TESDA Certified Beauty Service Provider, confessed she has tried the injectable glutathione on herself with great success.

and there, after a very quick procedure, a noticeable difference in the measure of the specific body area is achieved. The salon and spa also offers home services for all of its services. Clients would have just to call its cell numbers at 0915-724-4477 or 0998-573-6885, its well-trained staff will be sent anywhere in the city proper In order to provide a truly professional service Ms. Angel believes that all her staff must all be professional and duly accredited. The best way to acquire regular customers is not only to have a well-equipped shop but also to have a well trained professional staff to serve customers. Hence all her nine employees are TESDA Certified Service Providers, just like herself. She also provides them with smart uniforms to give them that professional look and also enhance professional pride. She also makes sure that her staff is fairly paid in accordance with government requirements. Plus tips and bonuses, they therefore do very well and

that helps keep them loyal and not want to move from place to place. Despite the growing number and sophistication of competition as Butuan develops to be a more metropolitan community, Ms. Angel is confident that La Bella Hair Salon and Spa can keep up with healthy competition. “They do their job and I do my share of what is takes to survive”, according to Ms. Angel with a smile. As a modern business woman Angel makes full use to maintain contact and promote her business to customers. She regularly thanks customers for using her services through facebook. Many a time customers respond with positive testimonials from happy clients which of course boosts business. “The social media’s amazing workings do its magic in promoting my place so that even visitors from outside Butuan drop by because they learned through facebook about my place” says Angel, “However our best edge is our location next to a hotel which provides us with regular new customers who then return with friends”.

The rate for effective skin whitening is starts at Php. 5,500 to Php. 6,500 per box, which is the ideal consumption, and would require five or more sessions to administer, depending on the dosage used. Many women think it is bargain at these rates to transform one’s skin to a whiter shade. Ladies who would want to loss a bit of weight and excess fat would benefit from La Bella’s sauna service and a radio frequency administered slimming process. They have a state-of-the-art sauna cabinet which allows a noticeable decrease of body fat in just a fifteen to twenty minute sessions, and it costs only Php. 150 per session. A more thorough experience of the sauna service, which would be a sauna with body massage, would be more satisfying and is only Php 450.00 for a full hour of bliss. But if one wants body contouring, there is also the radio frequency body slimming and contouring. The process is fast and easy since the client need only point out which area or areas they want to target and right then

Ms. Angel Ver Ladaga-Aruj BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

SHOPPING FEATURE By: Switzell Tipon

Café Caliente, Express Carts Mini Mart, and Option 1 Auto Garage 3 Coins in the Fountain that are different yet sing the same song of Excellent Service Butuan’s development and growth as a metropolitan center has been rapid and dramatic. The rapid increase in population and its demand for housing has led to the development of subdivisions in the suburbs, which in turn led to the demand for private transport, a development that has occurred in Manila and Cebu a few decades back. Many of the new residents of developing Butuan are experienced urban residents that fled from the problems of big city living, seeking a more sedate life style, yet still wanting the convenience and comforts that large metropolitan centers offered. Butuan residents, quick to see new opportunities, are meeting this challenge. They are quickly establishing new enterprises that meet this need. The Verdad family is a good example of the enterprising spirit of people in Butuan as they set up three unique and different types of business’ in one compound: Café Caliente, an original fusion restaurant, serving Spanish, Filipino and Chinese food; Option 1 Auto Garage, an automotive and repair shop that sells parts and repairs cars; and Express Carts Mini Mart, a convenience store 34 October - December 2015 | BUTUAN TRAVELER

that offer dry goods shopping and on-line services. All three enterprises were started and opened in 2009 and are all doing well having established their regular customers and had gone through their initial teething problems and are all currently on-going commercial concerns. Their location is convenient and close to housing subdivisions has no doubt been a major factor on their on-going success. Express Carts Mini Mart This convenience shop offers a variety of goods to all classes of markets though leaning to the more sophisticated needs of the nearby suburbanites. The convenience mart is located at the South Montilla Boulevard, not too far from the many subdivisions in the area. The new suburban barangays of Butuan’s growing middle class provide them with their expanding group of customers. Hence most of the items sold in the mart meet the needs of this group. Express Carts Mini Mart is opened daily from 10 a.m. till 9 p.m. though computer literates can check things round the

“

Serving the community by providing good service make for excellent relations so customers become friends, it sustains us in keeping our small businesses going

”

--- Ms. Jocelyn Verdad.

clock at their facebook page. For basic home and kitchen wares the mart offers aluminium pans, Garbosy Sauce pots, Milano Stoneware table sets and similar items with prices ranging from Php. 400 to 1,200. They also offer Stainless Steel lunch canister sets and Stainless Steel home items with prices ranging from Php. 350 to Php 800 a set. They also offer glasswares like drinking glass sets, plates and bowls, glass buckets and such at prices ranging from Php. 140 per piece to Php. 1,200 per set. Besides dry goods the shop also offers a variety of alcoholic drinks like wine, vodka, whiskey, rum, tequila and gin with names like Patron Reposado, Jose Cuervo, Sauza, Corralejo and Don Julio as well as the famous 1800 Anejo tequila with prices ranging from Php. 600 to Php. 1800 per bottle. Vodka lovers will have their choices of Burnett’s, Absolut, Ciroc and Van Gogh Vodka. Whiskey aficionados are not forgotten with their selections of Chivas Regal, Jim Beam, and Jameson Irish Whisky at prices that range from Php. 850 to Php. 1,460 per bottle. The store also offers fashion items like T-shirts and blouses with prices that range from Php. 300 to Php 550 that their younger customers really like since it allows them to keep up with the latest fashion trends and thus not appear as “provincial”, an anathema to the younger set. They also offer fashion accessories and jewelries to match their fashion statements. These are also offered regularly through the facebook page in keeping with their trendier customers who shop through the web. Here you will find items like Pandora bracelets that sell from Php. 300 to Php. 3,000 each as well as semi precious birthstone bracelets priced between Php. 200 to Php. 500.

Basically, the store’s target clients embrace just about all kinds of shoppers. Hence the store offers various items from the most affordable to the more fashionable for these that are willing to pay the higher price rates. Social Media is commonly used by both the upper and lower classes, and the shop owners would like to take advantage of that fact and attract a wider range of customers.

Café Caliente

A small up market restaurant that is well appointed that offers selections of Spanish, Filipino and Chinese dishes. Popular with local business executives, and government officials the place offers an oasis for private meetings or family gatherings. Managed personally by a Verdad family member, Ms. Jocelyn Verdad, who enjoys cooking and prepares the recipes of the dishes that the restaurant offers. Very particular with hygiene and cleanliness she keeps her kitchen shiny and spotless ditto with the toilets and washing areas. Some of the restaurant’s specialities are Crispy Tadyang, a favorite among many customers, Roast Lemon Chicken, Fish Parmigiana, Salt and Pepper Pork Tenderloin, Beef Salpicado, Arroz de Cubana, Chinese Pork Steak, etc. Among their Filipino favorites are Pinkbet, and Binagoongang Isda. To keep you healthy they also offer a number of delicious salads like Garden Salad, Potato Salad and Grilled Mixed Veggies with cheese sauce. For sweet

tooth’s they have a variety of desserts which include Leche Flan, Dark Chocolate Cake, and Frozen Brazo.

Option 1 Auto Garage

The auto garage business is essentially a nuts and bolts business and its location near the housing subdivisions has been a great advantage. Most of the vehicles that visit the shop are naturally Japanese made though a few American and European cars may also be seen from time to time. “We stock mainly Japanese car parts though we can easily secure parts from Cebu or Manila should the need arise” according to their mechanics. They service many regular customers who obviously find the service convenient based on the number of cars parked for servicing. The garage wants regular customers that keep returning so they provide quality service that guarantees return customers and the formula seems to work very well. The Verdad family owners have their days and nights occupied attending to their three businesses. Their love for what they do and what they offer give them the challenge that keeps them going. “Serving the community by providing good service make for excellent relations so customers become friends, it sustains us in keeping our small businesses going,” says Ms. Jocelyn Verdad. It is the attitude of providing quality service that make Butuan a great place to live and do business.

Ms. Jocelyn Verdad BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

36 October - December 2015 | BUTUAN TRAVELER

BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

DIRECTORY FIRST CLASS HOTELS Almont Inland Resort J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City Tel. No.; (085) 342-5464 Almont City Hotel San Jose Street Brgy. Urduja, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 341-5010 Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center Bacolod Street Brgy. Doongan, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-3064 / 342-3066 Dotties Place J. C. Aquino Avenue Brgy. Bayanihan, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 341-4579 /341-4575 Go Hotel J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City 1 Windsoar Hotel Montilla Boulevard Brgy. Sikatuna, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 341-9688

INN . LODGE . PENSION Adlin Lodge Montilla Boulevard Brgy. Diego Silang, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 225-9337

Caraga Ultimate Apartelle Capitol Drive Brgy. Dagohoy, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-0200 Country View Inn San Francisco Street Brgy. Humabon, Butuan City Tel. no.: (085) 341-9820 Embassy Hotel Montilla Blvd., Corner Pili Drive Brgy. Dagohoy, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-5883 Goat 2 Geder Hotel & Restaurant * Montalban St. Tel. No.: (085) 341-7871 Hensonly Plaza Inn San Francisco Street Brgy. Humabon, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-5866 Imperial Lodge San Francisco Street Brgy. Leon Kilat, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 341-5319 Jet’s Inn Villanueva Street Brgy. Leon Kilat, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 341-5162 Katerc’ Lie & Service Apartelle 7th Street Guingona Subdivision Brgy. Jose Rizal, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 300-3188

Orient Lodge 7th St. Guingona Subdivision Brgy. J. P. Rizal, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-5098 Red Palm Suites & Restaurant Villa Kanangga Road, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 341-2000 Sailor’s Pension 7th St. Guingona Subdivision Brgy. J. P. Rizal, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-1173 Tam’s Fortune Inn - 1 Corner P. Burgos St./ E. Luna St. Brgy. Urduja, Butuan City Tam’s Fortune Inn - 2 P. Burgos Street Brgy.Sikatuna, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 341-5306 Wendell’s Place Purok 6 Brgy. Villa Kananga, Butuan CitY Tel. No.: (085) 342-5903 Wayfarer Pension House & Dormitory T. Calo Extension, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-8827

RESTAURANTS Amaris Grill J.P. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City

Alberto’s Bed & Dine T.Calo ExtensionButuan, Philippines Tel. No.: (085) 816-1380

Mavels Lodge Montilla Boulevard Brgy. Dagohoy, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 225-9763

Ariano’s Inn & Restaurant P-8A Km.3 Baan Highway Brgy. Baan, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-7462

Mitz Lodge 1 Pili Drive Brgy. New Society Village, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-3511

Butuan Grand Palace Restaurant Cor. Capitol Drive,Montalban St. Brgy. Imadejas, Butuan City

AVP Tourist Inn J. Satorre St., Langihan Brgy. Holy Redeemer, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 815-5350

Mitz Lodge 2 T.Calo Extension Brgy. Limaha, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-3511

Imadejas, Butuan City (085) 342-5555

Beehive Lodge Bancasi Brgy. Bancasi, Butuan City

Nea Lodge NIA Road, Purok 1 Brgy. Bancasi, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 815-9976

Café Caliente Montilla Blvd, Butuan City, 8600 Agusan Del Norte Tel. No.: (085) 342 7496

New Passenger Lounge Magsaysay Avenue Brgy. Obrero, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 341-7836

Chocolate Chest T. Calo Extension, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-8827

Beverly Inn Montilla Boulevard Street Brgy. Tandang Sora, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-8282

38 October - December 2015 | BUTUAN TRAVELER

Bo’s Coffee J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City

MAP J2

BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

DIRECTORY Greenwich Gaisano J. Rosales, 1st F., Gaisano Bldg. Brgy. Imadejas, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-6695

Weegool’s Grill House Montilla Boulevard Brgy. Humabon, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-5090

Iáms Crispy Crust Pizza Ochoa Avenue, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 341-7878

Goat 2 Geder Hotel & Restaurant Montalban St., Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 341-7871

Islands Seafood Restaurant J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 3418252 Jollibee Gaisano GaisanoBldg., J.C.AquinoAve Brgy. Imadejas, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 341-6835 Lahaina Restaurant P.S. Arcade J.P Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 341-5886 Luciana Convention J. P. Rosales Avenue Brgy. Tandang Sora, Butuan City Lutong Bahay ni Aling Cora J. C. Aquino Avenue Brgy. Bayanihan, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-1333 Pizzeria De Italia J. Rosales Avenue, Doongan, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 3411303 RIBBS T. Calo Extension, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-8827 Rosario’s Seafood Rest. & Grillhouse Chinese Cuisine J. P. Rosales Avenue Brgy. Lapu-Lapu, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 341-7379 Vj’s Sports Bar & ihaw-ihaw J.C. Aquino Avenue Brgy. Bayanihan, Butuan City Tel. No. (085) 341-1220 Weegool’s Garden 1A Doongan Brgy. Doongan, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-5558

Margie’s Kitchen J.C. Aquino Ave. Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-1980 Red Apple A.D. Curato St., Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-5127 Uncle Sams Burger and Steak House Malvar Subd. Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 225-6527 Hans Noodles & Dimsum House Lopez Jaena St. Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-1066

ENTERTAINMENT Moffs Restobar J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City SoundBox KTV J. Rosales Avenue, Doongan, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 3411303 Watever Family KTV J.P. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 341-4141 Woodstock Resto Bar & Events Arena J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City Sunflower Bistro and KTV Capitol Drive, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 345-6007 Cell 09399168893

SERVICES ANTRECCO j.P. Rosales Ave., Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-7441

40 October - December 2015 | BUTUAN TRAVELER

SHOPPING Café Caliente Montilla Blvd, Butuan City, 8600 Agusan Del Norte Tel. No.: (085) 342 7496 Express Carts Mini Mart Montilla Blvd, Butuan City, 8600 Agusan Del Norte Tel. No.: (085) 342 7496 Poseidon Seafood T. Calo Extension, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 342-8827

MASSAGE & SPA Angel’s Cloud Blind Massage Clinic Aristicrat Bldg., Montilla Corner, Villanueva St., Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 344-0878 Grand Royal Spa J.P. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City (085) 342-0000 Cell 09328799997 Mandara Spa & Salon Lopez Jaena, Butuan City (085) 342-0198 Mandara Spa & Salon Pan Phil Road (085) 342-1328 La Bella Hair Beauty & Spa T. Calo St. Brgy. Limaha Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 816-1380 R.A. FAMILY SPA 1&2 Spa 1 : City Hall Drive, Butuan City Spa 2 : Ochoa Avenue, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 341-8068 / 341-2550

PARKS & TOURS Delta Discovery Park Purok 7, Brgy. Bonbon | Libertad, Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 345 8891 Sprinkles Water Park and Event Center Butuan City Tel. No.: (085) 345 5942

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BUTUAN TRAVELER | October- December 2015

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42 October - December 2015 | BUTUAN TRAVELER