SULU PROVINCE: A Misunderstood Paradise

It was a great Saturday morning. All I could remember from the night prior to the trip was the great anxiety I have upon leaving Zamboanga City Port. All I did was held on to the bed. Good thing I have a companion with me to share the feeling.

Sulu Provincial Capitol near the Jolo-Patikul municipal boundaries. It is also located near the Sulu State College. 

Everything was planned on February 2016, when Ate Ien Lim, a great friend of mine and an awesome traveler from Metro Manila, opened up that she wants to go to Sulu. I was very eager to complete all 27 Mindanaoan provinces, and only the island provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi are standing in my way, so I agreed to join her on such travel. We initially planned it on July 2016 and wait for the date when the Id'l Fitr Holiday of the Muslims would be declared. I also have a college batchmate and good friend working at Jolo Branch of a nationally known bank. He was our contact for the Jolo trip, which made us comfortable of pursuing the trip.

Somewhat in May 2016, we projected the Id'l Fitr would fall on July 8th, a Friday, after several researches as to the possible date of the holiday. Although the results of the researches reveal July 6-7 as the possible dates, but we assume that the holiday be moved on Friday with confidence.

All was set, but when the Malacanan Palace declared July 6th (a Wednesday) as the national day for the observance of Id'l Fitr instead of July 8th, followed by the fact that my college friend (Remond is his name) has a work related seminar at Zamboanga City at the same date, we were in despair. I doubt of even filing for a leave on the 8th. I'ved almost decided not to push the trip but I thought further that Ate Ien had already booked her flight bound for Mindanao and was costly in her part to cancel the trip. So I decided to push through the trip. I contacted Remond on how to pursue the trip and he gave me another contact, Kuya Jerry -  his close friend.

I left my hometown on the evening of July 7, and Ate Ien and I met at the Cagayan de Oro West Bound Terminal near 12 midnight, and we rode a bus headed for Zamboanga City. It was a 12 hour trip, passing through the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay, and reaching Zamboanga City past 12 noon. Ate Ien and I went for a stroll around Zamboanga City before heading to the City Port. We went to the port by 4pm, and hurriedly rode to the boat MV Mama Mia, which would deliver us to Jolo on Saturday morning.

The Jolo Port upon arrival from Zamboanga City on a Saturday morning.

By 4am of July 9th, a Saturday, I can already hear the Islamic prayers coming from Jolo. I know for the fact that we are nearing Jolo Port, as the blogs I previously read speaks of such greeting once nearing Jolo. MV Mama Mia finally landed on Jolo Port approximately 10-5 minutes before 5am. Remond told me not to go down to the port when the Sun has not yet risen for some reasons. I told Ate Ien about this and we waited until 5:45am when the Sun is now partially visible in the sky. I contacted Kuya Jerry and we have finally set foot at Sulu, my 42nd province of #The81Challenge I set for myself.

Sulu is a province composed of may island groups, with Jolo Island as the major and largest island where 11 municipalities of the provinces are found. The province has a total area of 1,6004.0 sq.m. Jolo is the designated capital and largest municipality of the province. It is bounded on the northeast by the Province of Basilan, to the north and northwest by the huge Sulu Sea, in the southwest by the Province of Tawi-Tawi, and to the south and southeast by the Celebes Sea. Sulu is the home of 824,731 residents, majority of which are living in the Municipality of Jolo. The province is under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), with the regional center at Cotabato City. The nearest major Philippine city is Zamboanga City, which is an 8-9 hour boat ride from Jolo.

We had our breakfast in a karenderia in Jolo town proper. After that, we went to Camp Asturias, where the Peacekeepers' Inn is located. The inn was well maintained with armed personnel and accommodating staff.

Selfie in from of Peacekeepers' Inn, Camp Asturias, Jolo, Sulu with my travel buddy - Ate Ien.

The first spot we visited following our arrival in Jolo is the Jolo Airport, in which only private planes and helicopters are using. Such aerial vehicles can reach Zamboanga City for only 25 mnutes (the overnight boat ride from Zamboanga City to Jolo is about 8-9 hours). It is said that the Jolo Airport is often bombed.

Jolo Airport Welcome Marker

Next in the itinerary is the Sulu Provincial Capitol (provincial capitols are a must see everytime I go on different provinces). The capitol is located near the Sulu State College and is Islam inspired, considering that 97% of the population are Tausugs who embraced Islam as their religion.

Sulu Provincial Capitol in Jolo, Sulu

We then headed to what the locals refer as the Peacekeepers' Inn, which is within Camp Asturias. There we bathe, changed clothes and charged our gadgets for the long day of exploring Jolo and nearby towns.

We were introduced with various Tausug delicacies - with the famous TILUYA ITUM, a spicy beef soup which is so delicious and enticing considering I don't eat spicy foods.

Various delicacies of Sulu, which are delicious.

Tiluya Itum - the famous Tausug delicacy which is a spicy beef soup. A must try while in Sulu.

I have to admit, despite Tiluya Itum's "blackish" appearance, it is super duper yummy!! As we finished our lunch, we thanked the owners of the karenderia and while we thanked them, we saw them preparing another delicacy - PASTIL. I know you probably heard many foods which sounds alike (the Pastel of Camiguin, the Pastil of Iligan City). But Sulu's Pastil is similar to the ensaymada we love. The difference is that monggo sprouts are used as filling.

Raw Sulu Pastil for baking once the Monggo Sprouts are filled inside.

Monggo Sprouts for the Pastil filling.

After the heavy lunch, we headed straight to a place where Kuya Jerry and his friends, Ate Ien, and I had conversations about various topics, from the Sulu way of life until the Mindanaoan islands as a whole. We had learned many things about the Tausugs and their way of life, how they spend their daily lives and strive to survive. They shared their personal insights about the island life.

After the afternoon chat, we went to the nearest town outside Jolo - the Municipality of Patikul.

Welcome marker of Patikul, Sulu

I never knew that the locals of Jolo and Patikul enjoys the white beach located in the town. Mauboh Beach is a long stretch of white sand with clear blue waters of the Sulu Sea while facing the island municipality of Hadji Panglima Tahil.

The famed Mauboh Beach of Patikul, Sulu

I only took some photos of the beach so that the locals will enjoy more soaking themeselves against the afternoon heat. We then went back to Jolo, passing the different Tausug haouses and mosques.

The Sulu trip wouldn't be complete without souvenirs, and where can I find more of it than in the Joo Barter (just like in Zamboanga City, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi). Here one can find the different products of Sulu and other nearby places, including those from the Republic of Malaysia.

Jolo Barter near the Jolo Port.

Welcome Marker of Jolo, Sulu near the Jolo Port.

After buying some Sulu Souvenirs, we went back to Peacekeepers' Inn and checked out as we are going back to Zamboanga City taking another overnight boat trip tonight. We bid goodbye to the staff and the military personnel there. While on our way back to the port, we passed by the Jolo Plaza, in which one can find the huge Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral (3% of Sulu's provincial population are Christians and Christian minorities).

The largest mosque of Sulu Province is the majestic MASJID TULAY (Tulay Mosque) located at the heart of Jolo.

MASJID TULAY - The largest mosque in Sulu Province

Sun is setting down and Ate Ien and I are now back at Jolo Port. We thanked Kuya Jerry for the trip and guidance in Jolo and Patikul. We may not have covered much ground in Sulu because of some reasons, but overall, out stay was peaceful and fun. Fun in the sense that the nervousness we felt was replaced with contentment and more desire to return.

Jolo Port aboard MV Mama Mia bound for Zamboanga City

It was a great experience, stepping in the Philippines' most feared province. I have to admit, fear engulfed me alongside anxiety and nervousness. As I stepped back at the boat and bidding Kuya Jerry goodbye, I realized that Sulu is just like any other province, striving towards a progressive future and to be known not just because of negative publicity but also for their treasured beaches and resources. Ate Ien and I will be embarking on another 8-9 hours of maritime travel but we know and now fully understood the misunderstood province of Sulu.

I really do hope Sulu's situation will improve, and tourism might be feasible and viable in the province. Thank you for the experience Sulu! My 42nd province.

SULU PROVINCE TRIP
July 8-10, 2016

Experiencing TAGUM CITY

After leaving the Municipality of Malita by almost 11:35am, I boarded a bus for Davao City. Its gonna be another 3 hour trip! (The Malita adventures was stated in my previous post: Exploring Davao Occidental's capital... Malita ). I have to reach the City of Tagum by 4pm. That would mean I will arrive at Davao City by 2:35pm or so, and would embark on another bus ride to Tagum City - an hour drive from Davao - and reach the city by 3:35pm or so. I'm on schedule! 

Road Map of the 181-kilometer Malita-Tagum City travel.

Seeing Digos City again, I went down the bus to get a closer look at the city's overland terminal. The terminal is located in a by-pass road, thereby travelers have to ride a pedicab to reach the city proper. I went back to the bus and the journey back to Davao City continued.

I reached Davao City by 3:15pm, 35 minutes behind my ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival). I rushed towards the entrance of Ecoland Terminal and searched for a convenient bus for Tagum City.

The bus I rode left the terminal by 3:40pm. I was really nervous and I sent a message to my friend in Tagum that I would be very late. Our itinerary was like this:

4:00pm: Arrival at Tagum City, stop at Gaisano Mall of Tagum

4:10-5:10pm: Travel to the Municipality of Talaingod, Davao del Norte

6:10-7:10pm: Travel back to Tagum City

My friend is Mr. Geric Bryle B. Lascuna, a teacher residing and working in Talaingod, a 3rd class municipality in Davao del Norte. He's an avid traveler, like me, and loves his hometown so much. In fact, I learned many things about Talaingod even if I haven't been there yet! This day, I asked him to be my tour guide around Tagum City, and he added a side trip to his hometown.

After a few minutes, Panabo City came to sight! I reached the Province of Davao del Norte!

DAVAO DEL NORTE is a province in the Davao Region home to 945,764 as of 2010. The province is known as the banana capital of the Philippines. The province is subdivided into 8 municipalities and 3 cities.

Facts and Figures of Davao del Norte:

CAPITAL: Tagum City

POPULATION (2010): 945,764

DISTRICTS: 1st and 2nd districts of Davao del Norte

Leaving Panabo City, the next place is the Municipality of Carmen. I'm getting closer to Tagum, the next place after Carmen.

It was 4:30pm and Tagum City came to sight! Finally, I'm close. Kuya Bryle instructed me to stop at the Gaisano Mall, but I insisted to stop at the city terminal. I reached the terminal by 4:40pm. Being late, Kuya Bryle said that he'll tour me around Tagum City only because if I'll insist on travelling to Talaingod, it would be dark and I would not appreciate the views. I agreed since it was my fault.

Tagum City is a great city! Lively residents and a very accommodating ambiance surrounds the place. I instantly became comfortable.

Tagum City Official Seal.

 TAGUM CITY is a 1st class component city in Davao del Norte. It is the capital of the province. Home to 242,801 residents as of 2010, it is the most populous component city in Mindanao. It garnered the name City of Palms and Palm Capital of the Philippines due to the presence of palm trees in its streets and around the city. It is also the Music Capital of the Philippines and music festivals are held in the city, especially in the last week of February.

Kuya Bryle brought his motorcycle along, so the tour around the city was very convenient. We went first to the city's new hall, but because it was already evening, I could only see the lit parts of the hall. The lawn and vicinity of the new city hall was huge!

Next, we went to Tagum City's operating hall, which is located at the city center. Beside the hall, there is a board depicting the city's activities and people, its tourist spots and other things about Tagum, all shown in photographs. Kuya Bryle explained to me one by one the stories behind the photographs. Since them, I'm starting to fall in love with Tagum City.

Kuya Bryle showed me the streets of Tagum, and it was alive! People are everywhere, and so are foods. He shared that every night, a certain street will be closed to give way to a Night Market, where barbeques are sold and people really flock at the stores and have dinner in the streets. Seeing these sights, I remembered the Kaamulan Festival at my home province - Bukidnon. The difference is that it is held every night!

Near the night market are different ukay-ukay stores, which are also displayed every night. I was amazed! I never thought a city can make a move like these.

Being the capital city, I searched for the provincial capitol of Davao del Norte. Kuya Bryle and I drove our way to the capitol, but we first went to the Davao del Norte Sports Complex. The sports complex is the venue for most sports and activities in the city and Davao Region. In fact, it is the venue of the recent DAVRAA (Davao Region Athletic Association), an annual gathering and sports meet involving all the provinces in Region XI and Davao City.

Because we came late, the guard restricted us from entering the complex. My heart was crushed, but the guard said that the gates will be opened to all by 5am.

In front of the Davao del Norte Sports Complex.

Tagum City is also called the City of Festivals, having fifteen (15) festivals in a year! The most known festival is the Musikahan sa Tagum, celebrated every February 21-27. The festival focuses on all musicians of all ages from different parts of Mindanao and the country.

The pasalubong shop just beside the DavNor Sports Complex.

Near the DavNor Sports Complex is the Davao del Norte Provincial Capitol. It is like a mansion! I could not stop being jealous.

Davao del Norte Provincial Capitol.

Near the gates of Davao del Norte Provincial Capitol.

Amazed, I really wanted to have a picture with the province's capitol. An internal joy filled my heart as we were permitted by the capitol guard to enter and have photo sessions.

A lost kid in DavNor.

My Tagum City tour guide - Kuya Geric Bryle Lascuna.

After the provincial capitol, our last stop is at the largest rosary in the world! Found in the Christ the King Church is Barangay Magugpo South. It has a length of 85.5 meters, and lines a pathway to the giant Risen Christ bronze statue. Because its dark in the area, we haven't captured the rosary. The guard also probihited us from taking pictures and suggested that we'll have to come back by 4am.

Because Kuya Bryle has to go home to Talaingod, which is an hour motorcycle drive from Tagum, I stayed at the city's oldest hotel - Molave Hotel. I thanked Kuya Bryle for touring me around Tagum and bid goodbye.

As Sunday came, February 2, I checked out of the hotel and rode a pedicab straight to the terminal. I boarded a bus bound for Davao City and the trip started at 6:30am. Passing by the National Highway in Tagum, I never got disappointed with my short stay in the city. Tagum City is an icon! No wonder cities and municipalities in the country would set Lakbay Aral to the city.

Having a population of 200,000+ , booming economic and cultural activities, and diversified tourist spots, its not a shock that it would become Davao Region's second highly urbanized city, after Davao City, in the future.

I arrived at the Ecoland Terminal by 8:00am. Feeling contented with my weekend adventures, its finally time to go home. I left Davao City by 9:15am.

All the places I've been - Malita and Tagum City - have been very great! I learned things and explored their culture and people. My 25-minute stay at Malita, Davao Occidental and 12-hour stay at Tagum City, Davao del Norte haven't disappointed me one bit! Maybe because travelling gives me contentment and satisfaction, my soul and wild self being tamed by the views I see outside the bus window.

I arrived at my hometown - Malaybalay City - by 3:15pm. Tired, my adventures in 3 provinces puts a smile in my face, and I'm looking forward to a trip to Davao Region's remaining unexplored provinces - Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

Tips for Travelling to Tagum City

1. Choose the Davao Metro Shuttle buses. These are the most convenient buses for Tagum-Davao-Malita trips. Bus trips in the Tagum-Davao route is 24 hours.

2. Fare from Davao City to Tagum City and vise versa is P116.00. (Davao Metro Shuttle-Aircon bus)

3. Tagum is an hour bus ride from Davao City, but depending on the traffic situation in Bunawan District of Davao City.

4. The Davao del Norte Sports Complex opens at 5am and closes at 8pm.

5. The World's Largest Rosary in Christ the King Church opens at 4am and closes at 8pm.

Tagum City Adventures

February 1-2, 2014

Tagum City, Davao del Norte

Exploring Davao Occidental's capital... MALITA

After a work related seminar in Davao City over the weekdays, I planned embarking on a great adventure! My mind is again craving to see new sights around the city, and what I mean by around is that around its political boundaries.

During the seminar, I checked my map of the Davao Region and see where would I go in the long weekend. Then after a few minutes, a place caught my attention - Tagum City, the capital of Davao del Norte. At first I was hesitant, maybe due to the fact that I haven't been there nor don't know what is in there, but my weird instincts told me to go and pursue the city. An idea came to mind, I have a friend (technically a friend, in Facebook hehehe) and decided to contact him and asked if he could tour me around Tagum City on February 1, a Saturday. He agreed and all is set! But he emphasized that he's free only after 4pm. 

It was a bright and sunny Saturday. My colleagues and I went to Davao Ecoland Terminal at 7:15am and they boarded a bus bound for Cagayan de Oro City for them to go home, but I remained in the terminal. I was troubled and said to myself, "Where would I go before going to Tagum by 4pm?." I first thought of going to Digos City, the capital of Davao del Sur. I then went to the side where buses plying south board and then a crazy idea came to me! "MALITA!", I said to myself. Knowing Malita as the newest capital of the Philippines' newest province Davao Occidental, I went to the bus going to Malita without second thoughts. The bus left the terminal around 7:50am. I haven't had breakfast so I ate my packed biscuits with me.

Road Map guide to the 138-kilometer Davao City-Malita route.

Going to Malita was an adventure! It is my first travel for 2014. What's more exciting is the fact that I could pass by the different municipalities and a city of Davao del Sur. Just outside my window were the great views of eastern Davao del Sur. The first municipality after leaving Davao City is Santa Cruz. It was in Santa Cruz that I saw the shores of Davao Gulf, first time ever since I went to Davao City.

Next to Santa Cruz is Davao del Sur's capital and only city - Digos City. The national highway at Digos doesn't pass the city proper. I was disappointed because I could not see the city itself. The Digos City Overland Bus Terminal is one of the major terminals in Davao del Sur. All buses en route to General Santos City, Kidapawan City, Bansalan, Davao City and Malita pass by the terminal.

Leaving Digos, the next municipalities are Hagonoy, Padada and Sulop. The Municipality of Sulop is where the junction for Malita and General Santos City is located.

Passing Sulop around 10:00am, I was nervous because I have to go to Tagum by 4pm. Still, I relaxed myself and thought positively.

After Sulop, Malalag is the next municipality. It is also the last town before entering Davao Occidental. I was excited! I'm almost at Malita!

Next to Malalag is the Municipality of Santa Maria, already part of Davao Occidental. The road there reminded me of my province - Bukidnon. The winding and zigzag road seemed endless. Santa Maria is a coastal town, yet I never saw any shoreline since I entered its boundaries.

Sooner or later, we reached Barangay Poblacion, Santa Maria. Looking at a board, it indicates that Malita is still 44 kilometers away! "Wow! Layo-a ui! Pero dayun jud ko kay nasugdan na.", I said to myself.

Another set of zigzag roads welcomed me to the Municipality of Malita. I was getting hungry and I'm afraid if there would be any restaurant or just carenderias in the town proper.

Finally, I saw the sign saying "Welcome to Poblacion, Malita, Davao del Sur." "Yes!", shouting within myself, "naka abot najud ko!" Plying within the town proper, I was amazed! I never thought Malita is a booming and a lively town! The bus finally stopped at the town terminal. I rode a pedicab to see the Municipal Hall.

Landscaped area in front of the Municipal Hall.

DAVAO OCCIDENTAL is the Philippines' 81st and newest province. It was carved from its mother province Davao del Sur by Republic Act No. 10360 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III last January 14, 2013. It was ratified though plebiscite simultaneous with the local and barangay elections held last October 28, 2013, where majority voted for the creation of the new province. Since without locally elected officials, Davao Occidental is under the custody of Davao del Sur provincial government until the new province's first set of provincial officers will be elected on May 2016.

Facts and Figures of Davao Occidental:

Capital: Malita

Population (2010): 293,780

Municipalities: Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos, Malita, Santa Maria, Sarangani

Government: Still under Davao del Sur until the new set of officials are elected.

District: Still under the 2nd district of Davao del Sur. After 2016 elections, the province will have a lone district. The other municiplities comprising the 2nd district of Davao del Sur will join the 1st district and form the lone district of Davao del Sur.

The Municipal Hall of Malita.

MALITA is a first class municipality in Davao Occidental home to 109,568 residents. It is the designated provincial capital of the new province. The municipality is the major economic and business center in the area, which accordingly, would become Davao Occidental's first component city. Malita can be reached from Davao City via buses en route to the town. It can also be reached from General Santos City and stop at Sulop, Davao del Sur and ride a bus to Malita.

A glimpse of Poblacion, Malita.

There are many establishments in Malita: pawnshops, banks (government and non-government), other financial institutions, restaurants, resorts, and fast food chains to name a few. The major mode of transportation around the town is pedicab which has a minimum fare of P8.00.

Because I have to race time, I stayed in Malita for only 25 minutes. But it was worth it! Seeing the town has never been satisfying. As I rode in a pedicab back to the terminal, I said to myself, "Sayang dali ra kaayo ko, pero mag balik rako."

Signs near the Malita Terminal.

Travelling has never bored me. It's like its a part of me. While riding the bus going back to Davao City, I recall the adventures I had and the 25 minute-exploration in Malita. Though sad, I thought of coming back soon, and this time, with friends!

I left Malita around 11:45am, again I haven't got time to take lunch. But its okay, as long as I would reach Tagum City by 4pm. People might call me crazy, but I think I'm just following my heart and passion.

TIPS IN TRAVELLING TO MALITA:

1. Choose the Davao Metro Shuttle buses, it is the most convenient bus line for the trip.

2. Prepare big! Fare to Malita is P240.00 (Aircon bus).

3. Bring along packed foods, Davao City to Malita takes 3 hours of travel.

4. Bring camera.

5. Tag along friends.

6. The nearest hotel to Malita is at Digos City, Davao del Sur.

7. Last trip for buses from Malita bound for Davao City is 5pm.

8. Last trip for buses from Davao City bound for Malita is 5pm.

Malita, Davao Occidental Adventures

February 1, 2014

More Facts About Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

CITY OF MALAYBALAY

Province of Bukidnon

Number of Barangays: 46
Major Barangay: Poblacion (which is further divided into 11 barangays)
Income Classification: 1st Class Component City
Establishment (as a municipality): October 19, 1907
Cityhood: February 11, 1998 by virtue of Republic Act 8490
Population (2010): 153, 085

Malaybalay City is the capital and administrative center of the Province of Bukidnon. It is the first political unit of Bukidnon to become a city. It is bounded in the north by the Municipality of Impasug-ong, west by the Municipality of Lantapan, east by the Municipalities of Cabanglasan and La Paz (Agusan del Sur), and by the Municipality of San Fernando and Valencia City in the south.

The city has its official website which is malaybalaycity.gov.ph which showcases everything about the city.

The city has an average elevation of 622 meters above sea level ( 2, 040.68 feet) and has a total land area of 108, 259 hectares (984.38 km²) - the 2nd largest political unit of the province after Impasug-ong. The highest point is at the city's jurisdiction of the Mt. Kitanglad Range National Park.

The City's major body of water is Sawaga, a tributary of Pulangi River. Barangay Casisang is Bukidnon's 2nd most populous barangay, beaten by Valencia City's Poblacion.

The city's 46 barangays are classified into 5 districts namely:

1. POBLACION DISTRICT
2. NORTH HIGHWAY DISTRICT
3. SOUTH HIGHWAY DISTRICT
4. BASAKAN DISTRICT
5. UPPER PULANGI DISTRICT

Map of Malaybalay City showing its 5 districts.
Blue: Upper Pulangi
Green: North Highway
Violet: Poblacion
Yellow: South Highway
Red: Basakan

Such districts are established to ease the administration of the huge city. The following list shows the barangays with their corresponding districts.

POBLACION DISTRICT
1. Barangay 1
2. Barangay 2
3. Barangay 3
4. Barangay 4
5. Barangay 5
6. Barangay 6
7. Barangay 7
8. Barangay 8
9. Barangay 9
10. Barangay 10
11. Barangay 11
12. Barangay Casisang
13. Barangay Sumpong

NORTH HIGHWAY DISTRICT
1. Barangay Can-ayan
2. Barangay Capitan Angel
3. Barangay Dalwangan
4. Barangay Imbayao
5. Barangay Kalasungay
6. Barangay Kibalabag
7. Barangay Manalog
8. Barangay Patpat

SOUTH HIGHWAY DISTRICT
1. Barangay Aglayan
2. Barangay Bangcud
3. Barangay Cabangahan
4. Barangay Laguitas
5. Barangay Magsaysay
6. Barangay Mapayag
7. Barangay San Jose

BASAKAN DISTRICT
1. Barangay Apo Macote
2. Barangay Linabo
3. Barangay Maligaya
4. Barangay Managok
5. Barangay Miglamin
6. Barangay San Martin
7. Barangay Santo Niño
8. Barangay Simaya
9. Barangay Sinanglanan
10. Barangay Violeta

UPPER PULANGI DISTRICT
1. Barangay Busdi
2. Barangay Caburacanan
3. Barangay Indalasa
4. Barangay Kulaman
5. Barangay Mapulo
6. Barangay Silae
7. Barangay St. Peter
8. Barangay Zamboanguita

Malaybalay's demography classifies 11 urban barangays, 7 urbanizing barangays and 28 rural barangays. These are:

URBAN

• Barangays 1- 11

URBANIZING

• Barangay Aglayan
• Barangay Bangcud
• Barangay Casisang
• Barangay Kalasungay
• Barangay Linabo
• Barangay Managok
• Barangay Sumpong

The rest are rural barangays.

More Facts about Malaybalay City

Visit my other blog Explore Malaybalay City

Revisiting the Tagoloan River Canyon

The Tagoloan River Canyon in Lawis, Lunocan, Manolo Fortich was a very breath taking place. It is a very perfect spot to unwind and marvel at God's wonderful creations. (My last post about Lawis Let's Color The World...With Canyon!!)

Lawis.

My first visit to Lawis was last March 2013 and so far, the sight is still the best here in Bukidnon. My mind keeps on craving to step on Lawis again.

Last September, I invited some friends to travel with me back to Lawis. Fortunately, 4 confirmed and all is set for an adventure to Lawis.

It was a sunny Sunday and we met at Julies Bakeshop near Bukidnon National High School and by quarter to 8am, we rode a bus towards Barangay Lunocan, Manolo Fortich.

We reached Lunocan by almost 10am. Apparently, the habal habal drivers saw us and raced towards us and asked if where are we going. We said Lawis. The drivers priced P60/head since Lawis is 7-8 kilometers away from Sayre Highway. My friends then asked if they could lower the fare to P50/head. Fortunately, the drivers agreed and we head straight to Lawis.

Rain poured last night and the unpaved road was muddy. The habal habal drivers hasto carefully drive their way through the mud pools to avoid accidents.

Finally! we reached Lawis!

Posing with the Tagoloan River on the background.

My friends were getting bored (surprisingly) and they want more views and adventure. Then one of them said "Naog ta sa suba ta!" (Lets go down to the river!). Amazed, I never thought of that idea. I wasn't geared up for such adventure but because of excitement, we all agreed!

Halfway down the Canyon. (A little community exists)

 At first we got lost. I never knew the way down. We searched for the illusive path down to Tagoloan River until we finally saw a rocky, unpaved road leading down the canyon. Feeling excited, we rushed down the canyon.

The Lawis shed. (Destroyed due to strong winds)

While descending the canyon.

Finally, we reached a little community in a small flat area in the canyon. Since we couldn't find another road down, we asked for directions. Its kinda creepy knowing you're on a quite and strange place. There might be rebels! But the locals were friendly and smiled at us. They showed us the way and we continued our trek downwards.

Looking from above, I thought it wasn't a deep canyon. But this trek proved otherwise. We were energy drained and feeling hot. After minutes of trekking, we finally reached the Tagoloan River! It was a very great feeling surviving the treacherous trail down.

The Tagoloan Riverbank.

We chilled and marveled at the place's very great ambiance. Breath taking and enchanting! Beyond words! This place took my breath away again, literally!

While we were relaxing, we saw two young boys enjoying the Tagoloan River waters.

Two lads chilling riverside.

Feeling the intensifying heat of the Sun as noon approaches, we decided to chill at the rivers pristine waters.

Swimming and relaxing at the Tagoloan River.

Swimming on the river reminded us of our childhood memories. We felt like little children playing and laughing the day away. The water is surprisingly cold! The opposite riverbank is already part of Barangay Sampiano, Malitbog, Bukidnon.

After a fun swim, we prepared and shared lunch. Kain Pinoy!

Lunch for the very hungry explorers.

After lunch, we went again to the river to swim some more. After 2 hours, we decided to head back to Lawis. We prepared our things and went up the high canyon.

Trekking upwards was a struggle! Especially for a fat person like me. There were no flat areas. All I could cling to were the surrounding grasses. We reached the community in the flat region of canyon when rain poured down and made us wet again. The remaining trail upward was a challenge since rainwater made the rocky unpaved trail more slippery than before. I was the most struggled! I gave my bag to my friend to unload my heaviness. Finally, we reached the Lawis shed and at the same time, the rain stopped!

It was a very great adventure. Lawis again took my breath not just once, twice but thrice!

We then learned that the habal habal drivers waited for us. We then rode back to Lunocan.

Tired and thirsty, we stopped for a bit at Lunocan. We thanked the drivers for transporting us safely to and from Lawis.

One of my friends then has to go back to Malaybalay City for an appointment. The 4 of us then went to Barangay Tankulan (Poblacion), Manolo Fortich to accompany one of my remaining friend to her appointment.

Then another adventure happened, we rode our way around Tankulan and heading straight to Barangay San Miguel, MF to a famous golf course in Mindanao.

The Manolo Fortich Municipal Hall. 

Clubhouse. Part of the Del Monte Golf Course in Cawayanon, San Miguel, Manolo Fortich.

Reaching the Del Monte Golf Course, I was amazed. I never though I would enter such a sosyal place.

Lets golf! Left-Right: Kuya DanBarth, Shahani, Ramon, Jude and me.

The ambiance at the Clubhouse shows American influence, its architecture and style. The food are very delicious!  Enough to satisfy our hungry tummies from our first adventure.

A beautiful church in front of the golf course's main entrance.

Its getting late and we have to go back to Tankulan. We again rode on the borrowed motorcycles and ride our hearts away through the Sayre Highway. Upon reaching Tankulan, we thanked the Onahon brothers for the company. We boarded a bus plying Valencia City.

By almost 7:30pm, we reached Malaybalay City!

Planning travels is good, but mostly, unplanned travels are the most memorable!

The Return to Lawis and The Round Trip at Manolo Fortich

Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

September 22, 2013