mindanao tourism Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Aug82023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

First ever Tourist Rest Area in Mindanao now open

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

The first ever Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Mindanao is now open! The said TRA has been inaugurated in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, which is about an hour away from Cagayan de Oro, and Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco even graced the event. Tourists traveling to Bukidnon and neighboring provinces can now make a safe and comfortable stopover at the said TRA. A flagship project of the DOT to provide convenience and comfort to tourists, this Mindanao tourist rest area is a convergence point that foreign and local travelers could approach to get information on tourism sites and attractions, activities, and accommodations, and to report concerns related to safety and security. According to the DOT, the construction of TRAs in strategic locations all over the country is a f...

Dec62018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao will be home to the largest inflatable playground in the Philippines

Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update

First, it was the longest dual cable zipline, next was the thrilling Dropzone, then the absolutely exhilarating Skyjump (I have tried all 3 and they're all major fun!), now Mindanao's most favorite extreme adventure park is back at it again! Dahilayan Adventure Park will soon unveil the largest inflatable playground in the entire Philippines! By the looks of it, the upcoming inflatable playground at Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon will have bounce houses, jump and slides, stages (26 of them!) and obstacle courses. The entire playground will have a total length of 250 meters or a quarter of a kilometer. Sounds really exciting especially for kids, toddlers, the young ones and, okay, the young once! ;) Who's excited for this? As of this writing, th...

Jun232015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan shines at ADB project management training in Malaysia

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Mindanaoan Update

A Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) development management officer was recently cited for excellent performance in the “Regional Training on Project Management” for BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT held recently at the Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang, Malaysia. Gemma Dagaas received special recognition for ‘Best Project Proposal’ along with her five team members who presented during the training conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under its Advancing Regional Cooperation and Integration through the BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, while IMT-GT stands for Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Area. The two sub-regional groupings were formed with the goals of promoting trade, investment, and ...

May222014 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Travel guide: CDO to GenSan by land

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato, General Santos City, Koronadal, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, North Cotabato, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Tacurong, Tourism, Travel

When I got that invitation to experience the Sarangani Bay Festival 2014 a few days ago, I was supposed to fly from CDO to Davao (a half hour flight) then take the bus from Davao to General Santos City (a 3-hour ride). Unfortunately, the airline had other plans - they postponed the flight to FOUR days AFTER my supposed arrival (which also meant that the festival already wrapped up by then!) due to "aircraft situation." Ergo, I had no other choice but to take the bus all the way from Cagayan de Oro to GenSan. It was a long and arduous trip but still worth it - I was, after all, heading to Sarangani for the biggest beach festival in Mindanao! I will no longer name the airline but here's a clue - they love playing games. And they played one on me! Anyways, I will share more about my SarBay...

Jan142014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kaamulan Festival 2014 in Bukidnon moved

Announcements, Bukidnon, Culture, Events, Tourism

The Kaamulan Festival 2014 in Bukidnon will now be celebrated the entire month of August. In the past few years, Bukidnon celebrates Kaamulan Festival every end of February to March 10, supposedly the day the province celebrates its founding anniversary. However, the Provincial Government of Bukidnon has recently passed a resolution stating that the founding anniversary should be celebrated every September. To clarify, however, Kaamulan Festival has been celebrated every August before. So I guess this development is more like a "homecoming" (to the original date!) of sorts :) The culmination of the 2014 Kaamulan Festival will be held on September 1. Highlight during that day will be the streetdancing competition, where all 20 municipalities and 2 cities of Bukidnon will send continge...

Oct112013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Travel: Camiguin Sto. Nino Cold Spring Resort

Camiguin, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

Have you been following my Camiguin Island posts? You may have come across my Ardent Hibok Hibok Spring Resort post where I shared that it's where you can find pools with hot sulfuric flowing water. Now if in Ardent Resort Camiguin you'll find natural hot springs, there's another Camiguin Island tourist spot where you'll find cold springs! Just how cold? Read on. Located in Catarman town, Camiguin, Sto. Nino Cold Spring Resort is home to a huge (almost Olympic-sized) pool. That's about 40 meters by 25 meters. What makes this Camiguin resort unique is the cold, clear fresh water. It's so cold that more often than not, first timers who dive into the pool right away usually alight shivering. That's why it's a good idea to check the water temperature first. Best if you can sit on the edge o...

Aug52013 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Sunken Cemetery at Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Tourism, Travel, Weird

Yes, you read that right. There's a Sunken Cemetery at Camiguin Island and although many people might find it a little creepy, this Camiguin tourist spot is actually a popular diving and snorkeling spot. Located at Barangay Bonbon, Municipality of Catarman, Camiguin Island, the Sunken Cemetery came about after Mt. Vulcan's series of eruptions from 1871 to 1875. As a result, some areas in Bonbon subsided including the town's cemetery. The cemetery sank below sea level. In 1982, the local government of Camiguin erected a cross on the site. For those of you wondering whether or not there are still dead bodies at the Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin Island, the human remains have already been exhumed and buried in another location. Besides, it's been more than 100 years - I guess you can spot...

Jul212013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

The Paradise That Is White Island Camiguin

Beauty, Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

I think no trip to Camiguin Island will ever be complete without a visit to the popular, uninhabited sand bar called White Island. It is nothing but paradise! Crystal clear water, white sand and lovely view of Mt. Hibok Hibok. Located about 10 minutes away from the shore of Barangay Yumbing (or Barangay Agoho), Camiguin Island, White Island is generally horseshoe-shaped but it usually gets reshaped because of the tides. And because the sand at White Island is very precious, the Camiguin government has issued this warning. My family and I paid White Island a visit during a recent trip to Camiguin Island. I must say, it was one of the highlights of our trip. My brothers and I (and even our Mom) are all beach babies and any opportunity for us to go and spend time in the water is most ap...

Oct162012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

2012 Camiguin Lanzones Festival schedule of activities

Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Tourism, Travel

If you love fruits and if you're feeling a little festive these days, then head on down to Camiguin Island and join the Camiguinons as they celebrate the 33rd Lanzones Festival. The 2012 Lanzones Festival in Camiguin Island, Mindanao will be held from October 21 to 28, 2012. It's the yearly festival in Camiguin, which is also known as the Island Born Out Of Fire, to celebrate the abundant harvest of the sweetest lanzones in the world. Among the activities this year are the 2012 Lanzones Festival street dancing (October 27, 2012 for inter-agency competition and October 28, 2012 for the Kalanrakas - elementary level), the 22nd Gov. JJ Lanzones Festival Run 2012 and even an eat-all-you-can lanzones event. I will also post updates as they come along. You may want to follow me on Twitter ...

Sep42012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Diyandi 2012 Iligan Festival schedule of activities

Culture, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

After Kadayawan Festival 2012 and Kagay-an Festival 2012, it's now time for the much-awaited Diyandi Festival 2012! The 2012 Diyandi Festival is Iligan City's month-long cultural celebration that culminates on September 29, the feast day of Iligan City's patron saint St. Michael the Archangel. Lots of activities have been prepared for this month-long Mindanao festival - the Diyandi Festival 2012 in Iligan City. Among the highlights are "One For Iligan" motocross competition, Iligan City Fiesta Open Basketball Tournament, Pagana: A Taste of Iligan (food and drink festival), Search for Miss Iligan 2012 and the Bloggers Waterfalling Adventure Tour organized by my fabulous Iligan Bloggers Society friends. Check out the schedule of activities below. Please click on the image for a larg...

Jul212012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

1st Kadayawan Wild River Tubing schedule set

Beauty, Business, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Tourism

Want to embark on a wild and wet adventure this August 2012? Then Davao City is where you should be! The 1st Kadayawan Wild River Tubing event will be held on August 18, 2012. This, in celebration of the 2012 Kadayawan Festival, the grandest, funnest, most-awaited festival in Davao City. For a really good price of only Php 1,000 (roughly US $25), you can experience the fun that is the 1st Kadayawan Wild River Tubing. The fee already includes transportation, river guide, life vest, tubes, helmet, snacks and pictures :) Wild river tubing is where you ride a tube (fancy term for salbabida :D) and you navigate a river. Perfect way to make your Kadayawan Festival 2012 a memorable one! See the official schedule of activities for Kadayawan Festival 2012 here Reserve a spot now!...

May172012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Backpacking in Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

Camiguin, also known as the Island Born Out Of Fire, is an island one passes by on a boat ride between Cebu and Cagayan de Oro City. This small island has seven volcanoes, several waterfalls, and hot and cold springs. People visit Camiguin to primarily enjoy the water spots, but there’s more to the island than testing its waters. Also known as the island of fire because of its many volcanoes, Camiguin is rumored to one day simply sink should there be a terrible eruption. But before that happens (and hopefully not), its best you know that Mt. Hibok-Hibok – the most active among the seven volcanoes – has been dormant since it erupted last 1951. Scientists are monitoring the volcanoes as well, as a cautionary measure and for study. You can either fly in Camiguin or take the ferry. Most ...

May172012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Perks of Living in Mindanao

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bislig, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Campus, Caraga, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Food, Freebies, General Santos City, Gifts, Government, Headline, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Movies, Music, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Radio, Recipes, Religion, Resorts, Reviews, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Shopping, Sindangan, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Weird, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

If you listen to the news on Mindanao, the most likely reaction is that you’ll hesitate to come here. Much less choose to live here. But given the direness of the news on the peace and order situation here, have you ever wondered if there are perks to living in Mindanao? Actually, what’s so terrible in the news is merely a microcosm of Mindanao society. Given the largeness of the island and the number of regions, cities, and cultures that are found in Mindanao, you might want to take the news with a grain of salt the next time. Mindanao is generally a peaceful place. The members of the populace are satisfied with their lives, and commerce and trade are smoothly moving along. The economics show a due representation from the filthy rich to poverty level poor, but people manage to get by. ...

May162012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Island Garden City of Samal: Bidding for the moniker “Island of Festivals”

Island Garden City of Samal, Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

The Island Garden City of Samal is the kind of place you don’t want to miss in your lifetime. White sand beaches, pristine waters, majestic waterfalls, fascinating caves and panoramic views are plenty in the city. Its amenities and several exciting activities have added more vibrancy to the Island Garden City of Samal, making it a major tourist destination in Southern Philippines. In fact, the city is hyping up its well-celebrated festivals to earn the moniker “Island of Festivals” and to draw more tourists to its naturally beautiful land. The Island Garden City of Samal is a group of islands that is centrally located in Davao Gulf in the southeastern part of Mindanao. It is a second class city in the Davao del Norte province which is politically subdivided into 46 barangays. Presently,...

Jan312012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Full text of travel advisory – CDO white water rafting fully operational again

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

So as we all know, the Department of Tourism launched a new tourism logo and slogan --- "It's more fun in the Philippines"! But for Typhoon Sendong (international name: Washi) victims in Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City and Dumaguete, things weren't exactly "fun" ever since the December 16, 2011 floods. To date, more than 1,400 people have died in CDO alone and hundreds more are still missing. In Iligan and Dumaguete, it's the same scenario. Lots of lost lives, damaged properties and broken dreams. Slowly but surely, however, things are picking up, thanks to selfless volunteers and generous souls. For weeks, so many relief operations were launched. Then rehabilitation efforts. Now, it's time to REBUILD. And for Kagay-anons, tourism can really play a big role in rebuilding CDO. Thi...

Jan62012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New Airphil Express flights from GenSan and Butuan

Announcements, Blogging, Butuan, Cebu City

Here's good news for Butuanons and Generals! Airphil Express, the Philippines' fastest growing carrier, has launched new flights! These flights will be from Butuan to Cebu City (and vice versa), General Santos City to Cebu City (and vice versa) and General Santos City to Iloilo City (and vice versa)! Cool, huh? Absolutely exciting news especially for frequent travelers like me! :) These new Airphil Express flights will start servicing the routes come March 22, 2012. The Cebu to Butuan route will be daily while the Iloilo to GenSan route will be every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Meanwhile, the Cebu to General Santos route will also be available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please log on to the official Airphil Express website to book your tickets. You can also ch...

Oct152011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2011 schedule of activities

Announcements, Arts, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Broadcasting, Business, Camiguin, Consumer, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Resorts, Society, Tourism, Travel

How fast time flies! It's now October and that means one thing --- it's Lanzones Festival time! Lanzones Festival is celebrated yearly in the beautiful island paradise that is Camiguin Island, Mindanao, Philippines! This year, the Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2011 celebration will kick off on October 16, 2011. The Camiguin Island Lanzones Festival 2011 schedule of activities can be found below. Thank you to the Camiguin Island Tourism Office for the information! Camiguin Island remains to be one of my most favorite places to go in Mindanao --- heck, it's one of my most favorite places to go period! It's a pretty island that has a lot of flora and fauna and of course, Mantigue Island and White Island are just amazing. Blue green waters, white sand, barely anyone else on the island......

Sep12011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Malacanang confirms appointment of Ramon Jimenez as new Tourism Secretary

Beauty, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Culture, Government, Headline, Journalism, Leisure, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Politics, Society, Tourism, Travel

Twitter was abuzz today with reports that Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III has found a replacement for Alberto Lim, erstwhile Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary. Lim resigned, citing personal reasons. Aquino reportedly accepted Lim's resignation effective August 31, 2011. Now, Malacanang has confirmed reports that a new person has been found to lead the Department of Tourism. In a press release, Malacanang said that Ramon Reyes Jimenez Jr. has been appointed by Aquino as Acting Secretary of the Department of Tourism. Jimenez is now the new Tourism Secretary. Mon Jimenez, as he is known to his peers, has been in the field of marketing communications for a total of 35 years, and is considered one of the pillars of Philippine advertising. He has been a writer, creativ...

Aug282011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bonok Bonok Festival 2011 in Surigao

Arts, Caraga, Contests, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism

After the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, Kagay-an Festival 2011 in Cagayan de Oro City and the 13th Tuna Festival in General Santos City, it's now time for another Mindanao festival --- Bonok-bonok 2011 Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival in Surigao! Bonok Bonok 2011, which officially starts on September 9, 2011, features ethnic mardi gras street dancing and other festivities. Bonok Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw 2011 is also held in line with the annual fiesta celebration of San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 10. This year’s Bonok Bonok 2011 street dancing competition has two categories: the Free Interpretation (FI), which is open to barangays, schools and municipalities within and outside the Province of Surigao del Norte and the Bonok-bonok (BB) based which is open to barangays of Surigao C...

Jul232011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao event: Malagos Farm Fair 2011

Advocacy, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

Are you Davao City-bound soon? Or are you a fellow Dabawenyo? Then let's all head down to the Malagos Farm Fair 2011 on August 6 and 7, 2011! The Malagos Farm Fair is a weekend full of seminars, farm games, music and entertainment, food tasting and yes, time with our animal friends :) It will be one fun open house weekend! During the 2011 Malagos Farm Fair, attendees will not only have the chance to see cows, ostriches, pheasants, chickens, ornamental birds, ducks, horses, peacocks and dairy goats, they will also have the chance to buy some and learn how to raise them as well. Themed "Responsible and Efficient Farming Systems," this year's Malagos Farm Fair will be held at - where else - Malagos Garden Resort, a 12 hectare inland nature resort in Malagos, Calinan, Davao City. According ...

Jul202011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

2011 Kagay-An Festival Core Events | 2011 Cagayan de Oro Fiesta

BIMP-EAGA, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Tourism, Travel

The biggest annual event in Cagayan de Oro, Northern Mindanao is set to happen next month! The much-awaited 2011 Kagay-An Festival or the 2011 Cagayan de Oro fiesta is set to take place on the third week of August 2011. The Kagay-An Festival 2011 coincides with the fiesta celebration in honor of patron saint St. Augustine. The lead organizers of this major Cagayan de Oro event are Promote CDO Foundation, Inc., the Department of Tourism Region X and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro. Now if you plan to witness the various 2011 Kagay-an Festival activities, better start planning for your trip! You must also book your lodging as soon as possible as the CDO hotels, CDO hostels and other lodging and accommodation options get fully booked pretty fast. You can book discounted hotel r...

Jun12011 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Photo: Senator Miguel Zubiri cites in contempt Exequiel Navarro, consignee of seized shipment of black corals

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Controversial, Cotabato, Crime, Headline, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, News, North Cotabato, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Earlier today, the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources conducted a hearing on alleged smuggling of black corals, turtles, seashells and other marine life. The committee chairman, Mindanaoan Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, led the investigation. Unfortunately, the consignee of the P35 million worth of seized shipment of black corals, Exequiel Navarro, was a no-show. This led Senator Migs Zubiri to cite Exequiel Navarro in contempt. And rightly so. For one, Navarro reportedly promised to cooperate with the investigation and even give the names of the financiers of this syndicate that allegedly smuggles corals and other marine life from the Philippine shores. According to Senator Zubiri, Navarro executed an affidavit on May 3, 2011. Now, he has become a headache. A he...