the traveler's journal

Help Iligan and Cagayan de Oro's Victims of Typhoon Sendong (Washi)

2011-12-17T18:15:00.000-08:00

My heart is aching upon watching several photos taken by my friends on Facebook of those victims of Typhoon Sendong. In my thought, how tragic event this had happened to Iligan and Cagayan de Oro - the cities where I gained my degree and have spent my first employment. I couldn't imagine the wrath it brought to all residences in the area.

For 4 years studying in Iligan and 2 years living in Cagayan de Oro, I can feel their pain. The two cities have been part of my journey and I wish I can go there to be a volunteer. Good thing is one friend of mine posted the idea of blogging the calamity. I hope through this, I can contribute a little help to them.

Currently, they have no water supply, stores and supermarkets are running out of bottled water too. People are still looking for shelter because their houses has been devastated by flood and muddy.

This post's from my friend:

The saddest thing is, the calamity happened nearly Christmas where people should celebrate and rejoice in their individual houses but the scenario of typhoon Sendong ruined everything. I believe plenty of families are now back to zero.

The following photos were copied from Facebook. I hope these will touch your heart and your little help could be so big to all the victims.

Aerial View of Cagayan de Oro City during the wrath of Typhoon Sendong. Photo courtesy of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP)

Anyone interested to help, you may find below on how:

From Sec. Dinky Soliman of DSWD – Volunteers are needed at DSWD Cagayan de Oro (Masterson Rd, Upper Carmen) to repack and deliver relief goods.

Call +639066150095 and +63 8822 8588892

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To those who prefer to send donation through paypal, send it to the following:

Iligan Bloggers’ #oneforiligan campaign: Paypal ID: singcol.inquisitor@gmail.com

CDO Bloggers’ #HELPCDO drive: Paypal ID: francis.siason@gmail.com

You can also contact them through that emails

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Personally drop items to Xavier University main entrance. Volunteers are accepting in kind and cash at the gate.

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To those who are flood victims and who are in need of medical help, go to polymedic plaza because they offer it for free. except for the medicine

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You may go to Capitol University @ 9:30 am today, December 18,2011 to become a volunteer and help repack foods.

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San Antonio de Padua and Cathedral are accepting donations. Social workers are there to assist you.

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Send cash through Bank account:

Xavier University

BPI CDO Divisoria Branch

BPI Account Number: 9331-0133-63

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Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental:

Panday Bulig Relief and Rehabilitaion Center

Tabang Mindanao Center

12th-22nd streets, Nazareth

9000 Cagayan de Oro City

T/F: +63 (88) 856 6413

E: pandaybulig@gmail.com

(look for Ms. Beryl Tranco)

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Iligan City:

Rural Missionaries of the Philippines

Northern Mindanao Sub-Region

Room 01, Kalinaw Lanao Center

0016 Bougainvilla Puti, Villaverde

9200 Iligan City

T/F: +63 223 5179

E: rmpnmr@gmail.com

W: www.rmp-nmr.org

(look for Ms. Ida Melody Bucog)

Dropping Center in Metro Manila:

c/o StartArt Project

10A Alabama st New Manila Quezon City

Mobile: +63926 7112450

email: info@startartprject.org or nikkiluna@startartproject.org

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Dropping Center in Metro Manila:

c/o StartArt Project

10A Alabama st New Manila

Quezon City

Mobile: +63926 7112450

email: info@startartprject.org or nikkiluna@startartproject.org

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For cash donations, please send to this account:

Bank Name and Address:

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)

Quezon Avenue branch, 9200 Iligan City, Philippines

Account number:

009359-1348-08

Swift Code:

BOPIPHMM

Account Name and Address:

RMP-NMR Inc.

Room 01, Kalinaw Lanao Center for Interfaith Resources

0016 Bougainvilla Puti, Villaverde

Iligan City 9200, Philippines

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Donate via text:

Text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart)

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ANY Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop (Nationwide.)

Manila Donation Center

NN-SuperFerry corporate ticket outlets in

Robinson’s Ermita

Araneta Center Cubao

Victory Mall Caloocan

Pier 15

Pier 2

NN-ATS Express Center at Pier 2

Other Donation Centers or Account

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Together we let's offer a little help and prayer to all the victims.

Be extreme and play AIRSOFT

2011-03-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

Who said extreme sports only for men? Well, it’s not anymore. Since last year I’ve been wishing to try this game called AIRSOFT. We all know what airsoft is a sport which uses imitation firearms to shoot small diameter plastic pellets. Common uses for airsoft are competitive gaming.

Last March 20, I’ve finally practiced this game. Together with some friends we set up a game of seven versus seven at Gold Star Daily farm, Indahag, Cagayan de Oro. At around 2PM, we were heading up to the farm and have started the game with excitement and extreme fun. It wasn’t easy holding an AK armalite, wearing Airsoft gears that hardly to breathe, and acting like a real rebel or army.

The game was fun and tiring. Indeed, after game 3, I was near to collapse. I cannot breathe because I felt that there‘s no air to breathe anymore and my heart was palpating so fast, my vision gone black and my world was turning around then I vomit. Well, that was part of my extreme experience. Hehe!

I survived Asia’s Longest Zip line

2011-01-25T17:41:00.000-08:00

It’s so unbelievable. I’ve just survived Asia’s longest zip line last Saturday with my office mates and friends. Good thing is, the weather was so fine, smiling and shining. It’s a perfect day.

We’ve departed at around 9:00 AM from Cagayan De Oro going to Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon by a Van for only Php350.00 back and forth. I can say that Bukidnon is a beautiful place, fresh and green. Traveling 40 kilometers for almost 2 hours, we have arrived at 10:30AM.

We started by taking of pictures around the place while waiting for our turn for our rides.

Dahilayan Zip line is now the Asia's Longest Dual Zipline based on its longest thrill of 840 meters. It is 4,700 feet above sea level, with speeds of up to 90 kph, an over looking through lush greenery and breathtaking views only found in the mountains of Dahilayan and a superman feeling. I felt like flying that time.

Zipline Rates

320mt. + 150 mt. – Php 250
840 mt. (40kls. – 110 kls. only) – Php 500
All Rides (320mt. + 150mt. + 840mt.) – Php 600

Packages:

A. Php 1,200.00 per pax (Ziplining or Rafting)

Transportation back & forth Cagayan de Oro/Brgy. Dahilayan or City Proper/Rafting Site
Lunch & afternoon snacks
For Zipline: All rides (320mt + 150mt + 840mt), minimum 10 persons
For Rafting: Advance Rafting (21 rapids), minimum 5 persons

B. Php 1,699.00 per pax (minimum of 10 pax)

Transportation back & forth Cagayan de Oro/Brgy. Dahilayan & City Proper/Rafting Area
All rides zipline (320mt + 150mt + 840mt)
Lunch & snacks (during rafting) and snacks (during zipline)
14 rapids Water Rafting (beginners)

C. Php 1,999.00 per pax (minimum of 10 pax)

Transportation back & forth Cagayan de Oro/Brgy. Dahilayan & City Proper/Rafting Area
All rides zipline (320mt + 150mt + 840mt)
Lunch & snacks (during rafting) and snacks (during zipline)
14 rapids Water Rafting (beginners)
Zorb Ball or Ropes Course

D. Php 1,999.00 per pax (minimum 10 pax)

Transportation back & forth Cagayan de Oro/Brgy. Dahilayan and City Proper/Rafting Area
Lunch & afternoon snacks (during ziplining) and lunch & snacks (during rafting)
All rides on ziplines (320mt + 150mt + 840mt)
21 rapids Water Rafting (advance)

Amenities

Wall Climbing – Php 100.00
Ropes Course – Php 200.00
Horse Back Riding – Php 100.00 per 15 minutes
ATV – Php 450.00
Zorb Ball – Php 300.00
Bahay Kubo/Cottage is Php 300.00 for 5 hours
Table under Pines Trees – Php 50.00
Mini Store (for meals/snacks, pay as you order)
Cowboy’s Grill (Restaurant)

Sausage with vegies & rice – Php 120.00
Pork Steak – Php180.00
Chicken – Php 175.00
T-Bone – Php 385.00
Porterhouse – Php 395.00

Pictures

Ziplining – Php1,500.00 (From wearing of harness to the landing area, DVD Copy only)
Rafting – Php1,500.00 (up to 150 pictures, DVD Copy only)

Video

Ziplining – Php 2,500.00 (from wearing of harness to the landing area, DVD Copy/Raw)
Rafting – Php 2,500.00 (from start to end, DVD Copy/Raw)

Transportation back & forth Cagayan de Oro/Dahilayan – Php 2,500.00 (maximum 12pax)
For Overnight Stay

Entire House – Php 6,500.00/night (maximum 8 persons)
Pad – Php 3,500.00/pad (maximum 5 persons)
Tent only – Php 500.00 (maximum 5 persons, guests will bring their own tent)

For more information, visit their website http://www.dahilayanadventurepark.com/

Picture Picture!!!

Midway Beach Resort for Fun and Trips Venue

2010-09-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

It's "BER" months but we still wanted to go think back what summer had brought us unforgettable fun and enjoyment with friends, office mates, and family.

Midway Beach Resort

If you're looking for a place to unwind,relax, and throw away all your stress ,I highly commend that you should visit Midway Beach Resort, located in Initiao, Misamis Oriental. It is more or less one hour travel from Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City by a bus, jeepney or even by your own L300, Grandia or whatsoever automobile you have.

Midway White Beach Resort is a white sand beach nestled in Baranggay Tubigan a few minutes away from Initao National Park by jeepney. It could be an appropriate venue for national conventions, private weddings reception,family gatherings and celebrations, team buildings and company's outing for an entrance fee of only Php 25.00 each.

The resort showcased fruit stands with variety of fruits located just outside the gates, amenities like pool, well-tended cottages, convention hall and a man-made island. There are also sleeping headquarters for those you want to stay overnight. And their latest tricks are zipline, kayak, jetskie, and glass bottom watching virgin corals.

Zipline by the shore for Php 150.oo

Kayak under the sunset...

White Beach At Camiguin

2010-01-13T20:57:00.000-08:00

Camiguin

Looking for a white beach getaway with friends, family, and love one?Don't miss out this one of the best known white beach island in Philippines, Camiguin.It's white crystal clear water surrounding the island is irresistible to plunge into.The island-province of Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island in the northern tip of Mindanao. It is approximately 90 kilometers north of the City of Cagayan de Oro. It is bounded to the north by Bohol Sea, to the west by Macajalar Bay, to the southeast by Gingoog Bay and to the east by Butuan Bay.

Lanzones Festival

Camiguin is also known for it's sweetest lanzones fruit every around third week of October. Lanzones festival is also celebrated in commemoration with it's sweetest harvest of Lanzones.The celebration composed of street dancing, parades, and pageants in the main town of Mambajao.

Within the island were some attractions like Sto. Niño cold spring, beautiful Katibawasan Falls, adventures at Mt. Hibok-Hibok, Sunken Cemetery, Paras Beach Resort, Camiguin Beach Club, Bahay Bakasyunan, Secret Cove Camiguin, and Cave Dive Resort.

Sto. Niño Cold Spring

Katibawasan Falls

Mt. Hibok-Hibok

Sunken Cemetery

Paras Beach Resort

Camiguin Beach Club

Bahay Bakasyunan

Secret Cove Camiguin

Cave Dive Resort

Reaching Tinago Falls

2010-01-05T21:18:00.000-08:00

To all avid adventures and nature lovers like me, another majestic waterfall in Mindanao has to be explored and visited. The known “Tinago Falls” of Iligan City is really another wonderful spot that the city must be proud of. This awe-inspiring “Tinago Falls” is located in Brgy. Ditucalan, Iligan City.

It’s name, “Tinago” means hidden which eventually describes the place. The falls mantled with its deep ravine has a main waterfall and several smaller ones. It’s overflowing cold water which fall beautifully into a calm pool is about 240 feet high.

Getting in to Tinago Falls requires you to be in good physical and mental condition as you still have to touchdown on a 500-step winding staircase. Regardless the efforts of the adventurers pay off at their first sight of the spot. The wonderful waterfall is a very unique sight that any first-time visitor has never seen.

Tinago is indeed a place where you can feel satisfaction and fun. It has a small cave under the cascading waters where visitors can stay and listen to the sound of nature’s rumbling. There is also a man-made swimming pool for children which absolutely perfect for enjoyment.

For a beautiful place to relax from our daily routine which brings us stress, exhaustion, boredom, and emptiness, Tinago Falls is truly a soul sanctuary as its tranquil splendor takes us to a peaceful state of mind and body.

Eco Tourism Village

2010-01-03T20:37:00.000-08:00

Cagayan de Oro City is known as the city of “Golden Friendship”, other than that it captures every thrill adventures and nature lovers of and outside vicinity. Eco Tourism Village has so much to offer of fresh environed. The Village composed of gardens nestled within the slopes of Cugman Watershed in Cagayan de Oro City, it is a 30-minute drive from Lumbia Airport (Cagayan de Oro City Airport).The village has an impressive collection of flora and fauna, which is one of the best eco-friendly destination in Mindanao.

Hold Your Breath For White Water Rafting!

2009-12-04T21:49:00.000-08:00

From the amazing beaches, waves, caves and lakes from the islands, we will explore the spectacular and breath taking rush of white water rafting! Cagayan De Oro is spotted of it's known wildest white water rafting. If you're drained and loaded from your workload and looking for a crazy adventure, you must have to experience this perfect nature thrill adventure of white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro City.Looking for an alternative adventure this weekend, well this exhilarating water rafting is just perfect for an adventure trip for your blood going.But before going for a river rafting escapade, you’ll have to prepare yourself very well. As people think about whitewater rafting is that it’s a dangerous sport.Definitely, it is, since a fast-moving river can easily hack or take a life. But you don't have to be worried because you’ll probably be renting the services of a professional rafting outfit, and these provide river guides and first aid teams during the entire rafting trip, so it should be okay.

Cagayan De Oro Water Rafting adventure is stretch from Barangay Dansolihon to the city provides you with strikingly beautiful panoramic view of the river rocky walls, untouched vegetation and the sight of the resting haven of monkeys.

Behold The Dazing Lake Mainit

2009-12-02T23:43:00.000-08:00

Lake Mainit is the fourth largest lake in the Philippines, having a surface area of 173.40 square kilometers.The lake is also the deepest lake in the country with maximum depth reaching 223 meters.It is situated in northeastern part of Mindanao and shared between the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte. It's name is a Cebuano word "MAINIT" which means hot. Every bus travelers witness the large scale space of this sea-like body of water.

The lake contains resources which can be a source of income with the surrounding communities. There are mushroom like islets within the lake. The image at the right is actually the lake's largest islet. This lake is flush with flora and fauna. Beautiful Fire Orchid, Narra tree, Molave tree, Philippine Rosewood or "toog",Kamagong, Mancono,Malabayabas, Indian Lotus can be found here. There are strangest and wild animals like Mindanao Scoop Owl, Mindanao Savannah Night Jar, Mindanao Himalayan Swiftlets, Minadanao Forest Kingfishers, White-breasted Sea Eagle, Monkeys, and wild pigs. Fishermen catches "Casili" (Anguilla spp.), Mudfish or "hayuan" (Channa striata), Gurami (Gourami belontiidae), "Bolinao" (Neosthethus thessa).

Discover Dinagat Islands

2009-12-02T00:45:00.000-08:00

Dinagat Islands is located south side of Leyte Gulf which is west across of Surigao Strait, and Mindanao to it's south.This island was part of First District of Surigao del Norte until it became a separate province on December 2, 2006 through Republic Act No. 9355, the Charter of the Province of Dinagat Islands. It was the Philippines 81st newest province. This islands composed of mushrooms islets offers a perfect heaven for adventurers.The caves, nature made rock formations, fantastic waterfalls, flourishing bonsai forests, sandy white beaches, and hidden mountain lakes provide a perfect ambiance for the thrill seekers and nature-loving individuals.It is also the site of the greatest and historic Battle of Surigao Strait during World War II.This islands is divided into 7 municipalities (Basilisa, Cagdianao,Dinagat,LIbjo, Loreto, San Jose, Tubajon.Loreto, the northernmost municipality of the province, is the entry point in the Philippines of the American and Filipino Liberation Forces under Gen. Douglas MacArthur before moving to Leyte to fulfill his promise to return and rescue the Philippine Islands from the Japanese Imperial Army.San Jose is the capital of the province and is where the headquarters of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc., founded by the late Ruben Ecleo, is located.This province is known as one of the archipelago's holiest sites in the Pre-Christian native religion. It is here where the God of Hurricanes was persuaded to weaken his attacks on the islands by Da, the God of Peace.Dinagat Islands styles itself as the "Mystical Island Province of Love."

These are some attractions of the islands.

Daku Island,Surigao

2009-11-23T21:16:00.000-08:00

Daku,in Visayan,means "big",hence Daku Island is located nearby Siargao Island.This is a best place to snorkel over the beautiful corals around.Surrounded by fishing village which you can enjoy sight seeing with your friends, families, and love one.
Everybody will say this is paradise!Refined white-sand beaches, beautiful coconut-palm gardens, friendly islanders and crystal-clear, cerulean-blue waters. This island has some of the best beaches you must experience.Also,you can stroll around in the small island’s village and play beach volley with some friendly local boys.

Guyam Island, Surigao

2009-11-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

Guyam Island, situated facing General Luna Beach is an islet with finest-white sand and an assemblage of tall coconut trees. This island can be reached through a pump boat in less than 10 minutes.It has a view of the unbelievable powerful waves of Siargao Island. Nearby away from the island, everyone can go surfing,do other water sports activities like kayak,snorkeling,and others.

Bitaug Beach, Dinagat Island Province

2009-11-19T21:08:00.000-08:00

Bitaug Beach is just a minutes away from my hometown. Whenever I go home, I'll always wanted to visit this place together with my family and friends because of it's well formed blue colored water that I can't even resists to dive in.Bitaug Beach is one of the many white sandy beaches in our hometown that got a high thumbs up from every tourists who visited the place.The clarity and brilliance of the waters surrounding Bitaug Beach that are so much alluring with the eyes rank as the cleanest of all.Bitaug Beach- lying behind the known islet in our place can be reach by a pump boat with more or less 30 minutes.This is a great place to snorkel,kayak, picnic, and scuba dive.Bitaug Beach tranquil waters, a swimming paradise for every one.

Pig-ot Beach, Libjo Surigao Del NOrte

2009-11-18T21:09:00.000-08:00

There are places on earth left undiscovered and unexplored. Some places in Surigao Del Norte are islands and islets scattered like beads of a rosary that beautifully shine like a stars in the sky through the horizon of the Pacific Ocean.This Pig-ot beach is a total hideaway from the turmoil of urban living. It is located in Libjo, Surigao del Norte - cluster of islets are connected through wooden boardwalks. A clear blue water that holds the beauty of nature to every avid adventurers out there.This hidden paradise is reach through a pump boat from the city. You have to cross many islets until up to this Godly made paradise nature.

Mapawa Nature Park, Cagayan De Oro City

2009-11-17T21:04:00.000-08:00

Are you a nature lover?An adventurer?Have you been to Mapawa Nature Park where a panorama of natural environ full of tresses,river trek activities,Zipline,Horseback Riding,Swimming,Bonfire Camping,Overnights and Group Activities?
Well, you must have to visit this place!Mapawa Nature Park is located in Malasag Brgy Cugman. Just 12 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro City.They opens by 7am and closes at 4pm, they only have a low cost entrance fee of Php 40.00 for every person.Their overnight camping rate is Php 100.00 with a minimum of 10 persons.Ranch fee is P 650 per person and a minimum of 5 persons which includes park entrance and breakfast.
This are their rates for the following activities:
Zipline (6 stages) P 250/person

Stage 1 – 3 P 125/person
Stage 4 – 5 P 100/person
Stage 6 P 50/person

Horseback Riding

15 minutes P 75/person
30 minutes P 100/person
1 hour P 175/person

Swimming Pool P 75/person
Trampoline

10 minutes P 25/person
This is a best place for your family outing.Experience a soul refresher adventures with the beauty of nature.Take time to enjoy!

Timoga Swimming Pool, Iligan City

2009-11-13T21:52:00.000-08:00

A nice place to refresh and relax after a stressful workload.Timoga Swimming pool is one of the spots that you can only found in Iligan City, Philippines. It was one of the spots in Iligan City were the neighboring cities and foreigners are visiting this place because of its wonderful and fantastic attraction.It's not just about the beauty of the place but its about the natural overflowing fresh water were you can surely had your great time together with your family,friends and love one. Timoga Pools is consist of 5 different fantastic designs.You can dive with your friends and enjoy!

Maria Christina Falls, Iligan City

2009-11-13T21:34:00.000-08:00

Maria Christina Falls is in Iligan City, Philippines.One of Iligan City's pride, usually visited by many foreigners because of it's fascinating panorama and as if well made nature attraction.The first time I visited the place, It was really amazing and wonderful to everyone's sight.I can hear the power of the falls and feel the cool breeze even in the burning sun,refreshing for the soul.Do you know that Maria Christina do has it's own legend?If you do,what can you say about it? Well,it's mysteries behold with it's beauty.

Lake Bababu

2009-11-12T21:39:00.000-08:00

Mindanao is known for its beauty and bountiful resources in the country. Its beauty embodied the wonderful attractions that you can't resists but to step into it and feels like you’re in a "Paradise Island".One of the best places is the city of islands “Surigao”, that has so many hidden wonders that you may not be able to see yet.
Lake Bababu in Basilisa is a mountain lake surrounded in colossal walls of granite. A high coast to the lake adds thrill and excitement to avid adventurers and offers fine views to numerous small caves in great abandon.Settled between Puerto Princesa and Melgar in Basilisa, this mountain lake is a sight to behold. The lifted vertical inclines add thrill to an avid adventurer. Greenish vegetation dominates the virginal boundary.

Siargao, The Surfing Capital

2009-11-11T21:44:00.000-08:00

Notice one of the best in the Philippine Islands,Siargao.Located at eastern shoreline of the Philippines, facing the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Deep, Siargao afford the best some this country has to offer. The coastline is marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white, sandy beaches, wonderful lagoons, mangrove rivers, palm trees, rice fields, rainforests, cliffs,and majestic caves. One of the best known CLOUD 9 waves can be found here.