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

Baktas Ta Impasug-ong

It was a lazy Sunday when my travelling instinct comes again.

The sun was very bright, greeting a happy and blessed Sunday to everyone eyeing its glorious glow! For an avid traveler, sunshine is always equal to adventures.

With nothing on my mind, I wondered where to go, should I go south? west? east? north? Too many choices! Finally, a sign came in and told me where to go, NORTH! But I thought, where in the north? Then it hit me! I never had a chance to capture Malaybalay's Welcome Marker in Barangay Dalwangan. The destination is set!

Being an easy trip, I invited some friends but only one was willing to go with me. It was my colleague and friend Ramon Torres. Without any delay, we set off to the Bus Stop and off we go to Brgy. Dalwangan.

Malaybalay City Welcome Marker at Barangay Dalwangan.

The view around the marker, being in the highest barangay of Malaybalay (Barangay Dalwangan has the Malaybalay's jurisdiction with the Kitanglad Range, hence, the highest in terms of elevation), was very spectacular. The Kitanglad Range can be seen from afar, and so are other notable peaks (e.g. Palaopao Hills of Sumilao).

It was still early, being 9am in the morning, and our feet is still itching for more adventure. Then, Ramon said - "Baktas ta ta!" (Lets walk). At first I was hesitant knowing we would be walking, but I thought, why not try it. So we decided to walk through the entire Impasug-ong Sayre Highway jurisdiction (From Brgy. Impalutao up to the Alalum Bridge in Kisolon, Sumilao).

The Impasug-ong-Malaybalay Boundary Marker in Brgys. Impalutao-Dalwangan.

Walking a few kilometers was not easy, specially if you're not geared for it. I decided we should take a ride up to the famous Atugan Bridge (a decision which I regret the most). We rode our way up from Brgy. Impalutao  to Brgy. Capitan Bayong. We then started walking again at the southern end of a bridge, but this is not just a bridge, its ATUGAN BRIDGE!

The Atugan Bridge. The bridge crosses the Atugan River, a tributary of Tagoloan River.

ATUGAN BRIDGE was the highest bridge in the Philippines, but the Agas-Agas Bridge in Sogod, Southern Leyte took the title. The bridge crosses the Atugan River which serves as the natural boundary between Barangays Capitan Bayong and Poblacion, Impasug-ong.

It was my first time to walk across the bridge. As the large cargo trucks and buses ply the bridge, you will feel like you're going down the river underneath. It was a cool and awesome experience! The time it takes to walk though the bridge was 4 minutes.

Posing at the northern end of Atugan Bridge. (at Brgy. Poblacion's jurisdiction)

Sir Ramon Torres and the Atugan Bridge.

The Atugan Bridge.

The Atugan Bridge was not the end point of our "baktas". We have to walk more than 5 kilometers to reach Alalum Bridge, and the sun is rising higher in the sky. But the walk must go on!

Feeling the need to rest, we stopped at a waiting shed near a gasoline station and an intersection. Reading the signs, the road going west leads to Brgy. Kibenton, a barangay of Impasug-ong at the foot of the Kitanglad Range. The road going east leads to Brgy. Poblacion proper.

After 2 kilometers, we finally reached another famous landmark of Impasug-ong - the Giant Headdress with 7 Giant Women - located at the road junction leading Brgy. Poblacion proper.

The Giant Headdress and 7 Giant Women at Brgy. Poblacion, Impasug-ong.

After chilling for a bit, we continued walking. I can already see the Palaopao Hills which only means one thing - Kisolon is near! Feeling excited that the Alalum Bridge is close, I remembered the bridge has a welcome marker of Impasug-ong.

After 4 kilometers, finally, we reached Alalum Bridge!

The Alalum Bridge at Sumilao-Impasug-ong Boundary.

ALALUM BRIDGE crosses the Alalum River which serves as the boundary between Barangays Kisolon, Sumilao and Poblacion, Impasug-ong. It is also the Sumilao-Impasug-ong boundary and Bukidnon's DPWH Boundary (3rd DEO and 1st DEO). The Alalum River is a tributary of Tagoloan River.

The New Impasug-ong Welcome Marker on the southern end of Alalum Bridge.

Finally, we reached Barangay Kisolon, Sumilao, the end point of our "baktas". It was a great feeling to walk all through out Impasug-ong (except the multicab ride part). And to end a great adventure is to capture Sumilao's famous landmark - Alalum Falls.

Alalum Falls - the most accessible waterfalls in the province.

ALALUM FALLS, a waterfall in Alalum River, stands at 148 feet (45 meters). It is the most accessible falls in Bukidnon since it can be seen while plying through the Sayre Highway.

It was 3pm and we decided to go back to Malaybalay, but this time, we rode a bus. Seeing the road we walked, I thought "Wow, minuto ra to tanan kung mag sakay!" (It only took the bus minutes to pass the road).

With the modern commodities and luxuries we have today, we sometimes don't appreciate the views around us. But if we take time to see such views, then we realize we wasted the sceneries meant for us to see and amaze.

Baktas ta Impasug-ong

October 20, 2013

Impasug-ong, Bukidnon

A Trip to Sabangan

It was a lazy Sunday morning and the sun was shining so bright outside. It was a sign of a very great adventure.

But before that, it was a Friday, while I was browsing the internet when one photo caught my eye. It was a stunning sight! My body is craving to see and be on the same spot in the picture. I then read its details, and to my surprise, its location is VERY VERY near to Malaybalay City! Its location? In Barangay Can-ayan, a 10-minute drive from Poblacion.

Barangay Can-ayan marker near the City Water District Plant

I never set foot in Can-ayan so far in my life, its strange being 1-2 kilometers away from my house in Barangay Sumpong. I always get curious once I hear its name. Maybe I could go there one day.

Finally, after many consultations, I finally knew the place! It is said to be known as SABANGAN, the place where Malaybalay City's history first emerged. (Read the 1st ever book about Malaybalay's history entitled "Malaybalay: A City in the Forest" by Remedios Garcia Barretto). It is said that it is where a certain "Datu Mansikiabo" and his men lived. (Note: Details are on the book)

Felling the sunshine on a sunny Sunday, I decided to go to Sabangan! Although Can-ayan is a walking distance away, I preferred using our motorcycle for a faster pace since the time was already 10am.

The road to Can-ayan is beautiful! Who would have thought a secret world is lurking just behind the mountains! Each side of the road are trees providing shade as I drive through the unpaved barangay road.

The road to Can-ayan.
(This road passes through the whole length of Can-ayan up to Barangay Silae, a barangay already part of the City's Upper Pulangi District)

Along the way, I saw the famous City Pool, the City Water District Plant and the City Dumpsite (an eyesore amidst the beautiful scenery).

I reach the barangay center after 10 minutes. As a lone traveler, I have to ask for directions leading me to the historic Sabangan. I'ved talked to many locals and they have pointed many trails leading to the place. Suddenly, a group of mountain bikers passed by. Out from desperation, I asked  them if they knew or heard about Sabangan. Luckily, they knew and pointed on an unpaved road leading to a mountain. So I geared up and drove my way through the road. A local told me that there is a poultry farm near the area. When I saw the road leading me to the poultry farm, I was feeling lost, but I have no choice but to continue what I'ved started. When I reached the poultry, I asked again for directions to Sabangan. Unfortunately, they don't know the place.

Feeling down, I drove my way back down the road. Tired, I stopped and look at the enchanting views. Then suddenly, it truck me! In the horizon, I can see the mountains similar to the photo of Sabangan. I searched for roads but all I can see are empty rice fields and a huge river. I'm left with no choice, I have to leave my motorcycle and continue on foot.

And the exciting part of the trek began. I left the motorcycle at the poultry farm and asked permission to search for the illusive area. The sun was heating up the surface. I have brought only a 1-liter tumbler full of water, 1 cup of rice, and a can o sardines in case I get hungry on the way.

The beautiful empty rice fields with Mount Kiamo on the background.

I never thought it would be a long trek! Mud was everywhere on the trail I followed and there were a series of uphill trek! A lazy day no more! After trekking for 30 minutes, I could here running water. Continued on the trail, I finally saw a river, but it was not the river I saw in the photo! Then I knew it was the Can-ayan River.

The Can-ayan River, a tributary of the Mighty Tagoloan River.

I chilled on the river bank and relaxed for a while. Feeling the cool breeze and the majestic scenery, I found the place truly enchanting. After chilling for a bit, I crossed the Can-ayan River and continued on with the journey.

Another road appeared and I followed the one straight to the mountains in the background. Appearing before me is a steep slope, and I could see far away the picturesque scenery like the one in the photo. I was getting close to Sabangan!

After the treacherous climb on the steep slope, I finally reached the place! Marveled I am on the scenery. It was getting cloudy that day so the place was darker than the photo.

The "SABANGAN" - where the Kibalabag and Can-ayan Rivers meet to form the mighty Tagoloan River.

The Tagoloan River rapids with the beautiful pine trees at the background.

Taking a pose at this enchanting scenery.

That's it! My traveler's soul was satisfied! Amazed, enchanted, etc.! The place took my breath away. Whats even more exciting is that it is one of Malaybalay's historic sites!

With its history, Sabangan is said to be a ritual place of the tribes that once lived here. According to my father, there is a tree in which one must offer something to please the spirits residing in Sabangan. I then searched for the tree. Crossing the river, I finally found it! Its the one with a hole near its roots and I could see coins below the clear water. Without hesitation, I offered coins and prayed peacefully.

The Ritual Tree on Tagoloan's riverbank.

Tired and hungry, I went to a shaded area and ate lunch. Rice and sardines anyone?

A typical trekking meal.

I stayed at Sabangan for 3 hours. I swam on its pristine and clear waters and just documented the place.

It was already 3pm and I have to hike an almost one hour trail back to the poultry farm.

Crossing the Can-ayan River.

Finally, I reached the poultry farm, thankful that the motorcycle is still there and went home. But I stopped for a while, looked back on the track and took last photos before going home.

The road to home.

This trip reminded me to explore the areas nearer to my residence. Barangay Can-ayan proved that wonders are still yet to be discovered.

SOME FACTS ABOUT SABANGAN:

1. Tribal leaders in the neighboring Barangays Kibalabaga and Manalog gather in Sabangan every May 1st.

2. Datu Mansikiabo - the ancestor of the Melendezes and Morenos of Malaybalay City.

3. The Kibalabag River, a head river of Tagoloan River, traverses Sitio Caleb of Kibalabag (More about Caleb on these posts: A Hidden Paradise Part 1 and A Hidden Paradise Part 2)

REMINDERS:

1. Bring lots of water.

2. Wear trekking shoes! (I only wore slippers)

3. Don't go to Sabangan if the weather is gloomy.

WHAT TO BRING:

1. Lunch and Snacks

2. Company - its more enticing to bring your friends

3. Sun Protection Materials

4. of course, CAMERA!!

Note: You can ask the locals or the Barangay Can-ayan Council for directions.

The Sabangan Adventures

June 9, 2013

Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

The Nuestra Seniora del Pilar Parish

Last March 23, I was invited to witness a spectacular event, a wedding and a bunyag of a baby.

The couple are not really close to me but because of my exploring ventures, the bride invited me. The bride is my friend's sister. She knew me because I went to their barangay fiesta last October and because the bride knew that I'm going on a trip alone, she called me "DORO THE EXPLORER", a name that never came up to me.

I haven't thought that she could still remember me and I'm thankful for that. Its been a long time since I saw the Municipality of Quezon.

The Nuestra Seniora del Pilar Parish is a striking church located at Barangay Poblacion, Quezon, Bukidnon. Under the Diocese of Malaybalay, it is governed, along with all the cities and municipalities of Bukidnon with the inclusion of the Municipality of Wao of Lanao del Sur, by the bishop of such diocese.

Side view of the Parish.

Inside the parish. The cross has a blue backlight, which to me is very appropriate.

The Nuestra Sniora del Pilar Parish viewed from the Davao-Bukidnon Highway.

Inside the parish.

The parish symbolizes the strength of the Christian faith in Quezon, Bukidnon. Being at the Poblacion, it is the center of Quezon's outstanding belief to Christ. Still improving, I believe that it will stand as a great symbol, giving hope to Quezonians and stand as marker of God's love to His children.

Nuestra Seniora del Pilar Parish
Barangay Poblacion, Quezon, Bukidnon
March 23, 2013

SAND...in Bukidnon?!

Bukidnon geographically is a landlocked province, meaning it has no shoreline. The nearest point between Macalajar Bay (an arm of the Bohol Sea) and Bukidnon is at Manolo Fortich. The Puerto - Mambatangan trip alone would justify the elevation and the expected landscape of the province - rolling hills and plateaus. But last February 16, I saw a shocking discovery!

SAND! Yes, SAND! inside Bukidnon! It was really unexpected.

About 120 kilometers away from Cagayan de Oro City, this site marveled me. As I touched the ground, it is like the sand in an average coastline. Theories came on my mind why such exists.

I discovered the place when I went to my batchmate's residence from my lone travel to Lake Apo. He suggested that I should see the Pulangi River because it is just less than 100 meters away from the national highway. After a short trek, I finally saw the Pulnagi River, but with a surprise:

Pulangi River with a sandy riverbank.

Pulangi River (facing the direction of Barangay Batangan).

The site when I first walked in.

These photos are shot at Barangay Hagkol, Valencia City, Bukidnon. A rare sight, I was amazed by its sandy riverbanks of the Pulangi River.

When I get back to this site, I'll try to find out its components.

Pulangi River
Barangay Hagkol, Valencia City
February 16, 2013

Lets Color the World...with CANYON

All throughout my trips going Cagayan de Oro City, I always get amazed by the beauty of the canyons in the eastern side of Bukidnon specially in the Municipality of Manolo Fortich. Through the internet, I saw a picture of a woman sitting on the ground while facing a majestic view of a certain river along side the marvelous canyon. It was a dream destination! Last March 15, it came to me that I should go there the next day, which is a Saturday. I invited some friends who could come with me but as usual, I will be traveling alone.

The Municipality of Manolo Fortich, a 1st class municipality, is the first place a traveler would see when he/she would go to Malaybalay City from Cagayan de Oro City. Named after former Bukidnon Governor Manuel "Manolo" Fortich, the original name of the municipality is "Maluko", which at present is the last barangay if traveling from Cagayan de Oro City. It has 22 barangays in which Barangay Tankulan is designated as the municipal administrative center (such barangays are known in the Philippines as Barangay Poblacion, although Tankulan residents wanted to retain the barangay name.)

The Map of the Municipality of Manolo Fortich showing its 22 barangays and neighboring municipalities.
(Reference: www.google.com)

During nighttime, I searched for the illusive sight. I checked the Facebook page of the person who shared her photo and there the  location was given, LAWIS, LUNOCAN, MANOLO FORTICH. Finally! A reference! I can pursue my adventure the following day!

Saturday came and the weather reports display a cloudy prediction. I was disappointed because I wanted to go but the weather won't cooperate. My planned time to leave Malaybalay was at 7am so that I would reach Manolo Fortich by 9am in which the sun won't be too harsh. The weather is delaying my time to travel. Suddenly, by 7:45am, the sun shone so bright! I was excited!I hurriedly took a bath and went straight to the bus stop to pursue my adventure. At first, I'm nervous because the location of the sight is far from the Sayre Highway but for the love of exploring, I've took the risk.

The bus left by 8:30am, a 1 and a half hour delay on my plans, yet I'm still optimistic to see and take pictures of the wonderful canyon. As the bus travels through Bukidnon all the way to Cagayan de Oro, the sun was very bright, giving me more excitement. I could not resist such kind of adrenaline rush!

By 10:32am, I finally reached Barangay Lunocan, which is close to Barangay Alae, a famous place because of the Provincial Welcome Marker. The sun is almost halfway in the sky. I asked for directions on where could I find Lawis. After asking several residents, I met some "habal habal" drivers and because of desperation, I asked them. Luckily, a driver knew the way and insisted that I should rent his motorcycle because Lawis is far away from the highway. I agreed and we started a 30 minute rough trip to Lawis.

Lawis is approxmately 7-8 kilometers away from the highway and Lunocan proper. On the way, we traversed an unpaved road, passing 3 sitios; Sitio San Isidro, Sitio Awol and Sitio Kitam-is, each with different elementary schools. I don't know if Lawis is a sitio or a name given by the locals to the majestic view, but I consider it as a sitio.

Finally, we reached Lawis! And the sight took my breath away! The majestic Tagoloan River and the canyon it had formed while on the route to meet the Macalajar Bay at Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental (hence, the river's name is Tagoloan.) No words can explain the beauty God has exhibited while forming such wonder!

The Tagoloan River Canyon in Sitio Lawis, Barangay Lunocan.

The side facing the Municipality of Malitbog.

 I stayed at Lawis for 3 hours, making sure I document and captured its beauty and share it to others. Lawis proved to me that there are still unknown wonders in Bukidnon and I'm determined to find others. Of all my travels, so far this was the BEST!

The local government of Barangay Lunocan made a viewing deck for tourists's convenience.

Posing right at the edge of the canyon.

By 1:30pm, me and my hired habal habal driver packed and started our travel back to Lunocan proper. During the trip, the driver, which is a teenager, shared that there are other spots in his barangay where tourists can explore and visit. One of them is the Lunocan Hill in which during Holy Week, several people would climb it as their sacrifice. I might go there this year but I'm still not sure.

Upon reaching the highway, I bid goodbye to the driver and a new found friend. I thanked him for guiding me and showing me how proud he was of his barangay. This goes to show that the habal habal drivers are very great local guides.

Exploring new sites always give me joy and happiness. I'm thankful for the presence of the habal habal drivers for without them, who would take travelers like me to wonderful places? This proves that we should not look down at them. I salute all habal habal drivers who dedicated their lives to bring their passengers at the desired destination.

The Tagoloan River Canyon view in Lawis, Lunocan was a very great scenery! God's miracle? Yes it is! So if you're looking for a great scenery like this? visit Barangay Lunocan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

ESTIMATED BUDGET:

Malaybalay City - Lunocan - P80 (estimated price, depending on what public vehicle you rode)

Cagayan de Oro City - Lunocan - P 20-30 (estimated price, depending on what public vehicle you rode)

Habal habal fee - P130 (negotiable)

Food - it depends on you! Bring your own is advisable.

WHAT TO BRING:

1. Water

2. Food/Snacks

3. Sun protection clothings (e.g. jacket, caps, etc.)

4. of course, CAMERA!!

The Tagoloan River Canyon Adventures

Sitio Lawis, Barangay Lunocan, Manolo Fortich

March 16, 2013