From Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao (U-Turn)

Mindanao

Endless War. Kidnapping Incidents. Territorial Disputes. Travel Warnings. Countless times, we heard and see these issues, headlines even. News like these is so devastating that a foreign or local traveller would think 10x before getting a flight to Mindanao. But my recent vacation ended some speculations in my head. There maybe some truth about the news, nonetheless a tour in Mindanao will give every visitor innumerable reasons that will make you fall in love and say "I Do" (love the place).

Visayas

Honestly I felt that my short visit in Cebu was “bitin.” And the hot weather was a bit disappointing (but is it Cebu/ano’s fault?). However, I would come back because I am yet to experience the following:

(1) Sky Walk Extreme in Crown Regency Hotel

(2) Beaches. Beaches. Beaches

(3) Original Biaños Pizza located in Mabolo, Cebu City

(4) Sinulog Festival
(5) Cebu Dancing Inmates

(6) More lechon…

Luzon

I have been in many places in Luzon but this travel adventure made me realized that Metro Manila is beautiful regardless of the many scratches that wounded the entire region and its people. There’s no place like Manila. At nanalaytay sa akin ang dugong Manilena.

Having said these things, with more conviction I join every Filipino in promoting our tourism slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines” (indeed).

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From Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao (Part III)

Imagine this: In your East are hectares of green fields, majestic mountain plateau; in your West is a tranquil clear blue sea; up North is a peaceful and quiet road leading to a promising countryside; down South is worth looking back on.  It was my first time in the island of Mindanao. And WOW, the scenery was so welcoming.  Ang ganda ng Mindanao mga parekoy!

From Butuan City to our real vacation haven was a three hour land travel. When I saw signs of urbanization supported with my younger brother’s short tales, I was certain that we were about to have a real good sleep.  Welcome to Surigao City!

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From Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao (Part II)

It was 2:30 am. The panoramic view outside the hotel was surprisingly bright and lively. Some natives were already up. And the taxi cabs were quite ample. I felt so secured to travel at this hour. My brother and I were at Mactan-Cebu International Airport three hours before our flight to our next destination – Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.

It was a lot of firsts for me. It was my first time to fly via Cebu Pacific propeller-type aircraft . It was my first time to occupy the window seat. Lastly, it was my first time in Mindanao. I didn’t realize that it is possible to see a paradise in the clouds. The unusual cloud formation was simply flabbergasting. Perhaps the fair weather was a huge factor. I felt safe travelling at 30,000 feet above sea level. To sum it up in one word: AMAZING!!!

Yes! That's me. :)

We arrived 30 minutes earlier than our ETA. My brother and I had a cup of 3 in 1 coffee in a nearby carinderia. Surprisingly, a sachet of instant coffee and a cup of hot water would cost P30.00. So overpriced! But it was a matter of take it or leave it. I just thought, at least we had a place to stay while waiting for our big brother to pick us up. The latter was an hour late. My brother and his girlfriend were determined to locate the popular eco-park in the metropolis. We were going here and there, entering muddy roads with sign board Eco-park only to surrender after failing several times. They decided to have lunch, instead. Then we went to Gaisano Mall for bargain hunting before heading to our real vacation haven - another part of Mindanao.  

We're in Butuan!!!

The overpriced coffee (with a priceless purpose)

to be continued...

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