By: theteam@twomonkeystravel.com
WE’RE KACH & JONATHAN HOWE
We had both started out on the same path before we ever knew each other existed. We both decided to leave the nine-to-five career lifestyle, sell off our possessions and travel the world. Our paths first crossed in the small, historic town of Luang Prabang in Laos. I (Jonathan) was on a budget motorbike trip around Asia, while Kach was backpacking with her brother and sister.
We spent a lot of time together for a couple of days, visiting waterfalls and exploring the countryside on my motorbike, but then it was time to continue on our separate ways.
1. Caraga Church
Caraga Church, also known as San Salvador del Mundo Church, was built in 1884 and was known to be the oldest church in Mindanao and one of the few remaining Spanish colonial era churches in Mindanao. In 2012, it has been declared as a National Historical Site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Not only an important cultural property, this church is significant not only in the province but to the whole country, since it is where Christianity began, in the Eastern part of the Philippines. This old stone church is made of coral and limestone blocks/rocks placed on top of each other, while the upper half is constructed mainly of wood. Main door has inscription of the symbol of Christ which dates the structure’s foundation in 1884. It also houses several artifacts including the two centuries-old giant seashells that serve as holy water font, a baptismal font used during the Spanish era, church bell that dates back to 1802 and an antique statue of San Isidro Labrador. Fascinating relics, a significant part of Christianity in the country, truly, this is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation in Davao
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Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Pearl Farm Beach Resort offers guests with serene ambiance, excellent customer service – a true paradise, very highly recommended. It is a well situated property in a private beach, ideal for snorkeling. No doubt, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Davao.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
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Home Crest Hotel
With the secured location and the comfort of being just across the mall, this hotel is very much recommendable for travelers who are looking for simple elegance and comfort without the fancy accommodation from known five star hotels. Highly recommended, this is definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Davao.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
2. San Juan Bautista Church
San Juan Bautista Church, or commonly known as Jimenez Church, was built in the second half of the 19th century by the Augustinian Recollects. This Baroque and Renaissance styled structure is known to be one one of the best preserved interior of a Roman Catholic church in Mindanao. In 2001, it has been declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum and one of the 26 Spanish Colonial Era churches under the conservation program of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). An important heritage, and one of the chief attractions of Misamis Occidental, this is definitely one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation in Misamis Occidental
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Royal Garden Hotel
Royal Garden Hotel has a good location, in the middle of the city and within walking distance to mall, eating places and almost everything you need. A classy budget hotel, it offers guests with clean rooms, spacious convention hall and lovely interior decors. A pleasant surprise in the city, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Misamis Occidental.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
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GV Hotel – Ozamiz
GV Hotel – Ozamiz is a convenient and affordable accommodation. In a good location, within walking distance from the pier and the ambiance is good as well. Staff is nice too, very helpful. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Misamis Occidental.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
3. St. James Church
St. James Church in Dapitan is a Baroque styled church built in 1871 by the Jesuits, in honor of St. James the Great. This magnificent creation, in the heart of Dapitan City, is made of indigenous materials such as rocks, sea corals and lime, and is still still well-preserved up to this day. This old Spanish structure symbolizes the early Christianization of the city. Interior is quite fascinating, specially the ceiling and dome design, with amusing patterns, catchy to the eyes. Part of history, this church is where Dr. Jose Rizal attends mass during Sundays, during his exile in Dapitan. Truly, this is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation in Dapitan
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Dakak Park and Beach Resort
A mixture of fun and relaxation, it’s a sure wonderful stay in Dakak Park and Beach Resort. White sand, clear waters, relaxing ambiance, definitely an excellent resort. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Dapitan.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
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Travelbee Heritage Inn
Travelbee Heritage Inn provides guests with a homey ambiance, clean rooms at affordable prices. Food is excellent too and it is well located in a quiet area. Definitely, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Dapitan.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
4. Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral
Built in 1894 by the Spanish friars, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral (or also known as Dipolog Cathedral), was made in honor of Our Lady of Holy Rosary. It was believed that the original altar of the cathedral was designed by Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero, during his exile in Dapitan. Like other churches, it has undergone several renovations, with the latest, in 2009, rebuilding the facade of the cathedral with marbles. Interior is just simply astounding, with ceilings made of Narra wood. Authentic grandeur, this is definitely one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation Near Dapitan
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Ariana Hotel
Ariana Hotel is a stone’s throw away from the airport and is a reasonably priced accommodation. Rooms are spacious, has a swimming pool with sun lounge and good quality food. Service is excellent, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation near Dapitan.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
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Hotel Camila 2
Hotel Camila 2 is a comfortable place to stay in Dipolog, with a good location, accessible along the highway. Rooms are clean and has comfortable bedding, plus they have this cute Mickey Mouse shaped swimming pool. A quaint hotel with efficient service,definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation near Dapitan.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
5. Immaculate Concepcion Church
Immaculate Concepcion Church is the first church of Jasaan, built between 1723 to 1830. This Barn Style Baroque architecture was a provincial attempt to mimic the famous San Ignacio Church of Intramuros in Manila. Significant features of this structure includes the original brick paving, neo-Gothic retablo, and ceiling woodwork. It also has two bell towers, with an old bell dated back in 1807. With it historical and cultural value, the church was declared to be a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum in 2001. Truly, this magnificent creation is considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation Near Misamis Oriental
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Pearlmont Hotel
Pearlmont Hotel is an accessible budget hotel. Rooms are very spacious, staff and room service are very accommodating. Location is great, just few steps away from shopping malls and restaurants. This is definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation near Misamis Oriental.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
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Conchita Hotel
Conchita Hotel is an accessible accommodation, situated in the middle of the market, nearby the Centrio Mall, the famous White Water Rafting River and the beaches of CDO. Rooms are comfortable and spacious, staff is attentive and friendly. This is definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation near Misamis Oriental.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
6. Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral
Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral is located in Cagayan de Oro, was founded in 1624, in dedication to Saint Augustine. History tells that the church was previously settled in an area called Huluga or Himologan, and was later on moved to Cagayan de Oro, founded by the Augustinian Recollects. It was moved to its current location to their belief that it would be easier to defend the church from marauding pirates and enemies. It was attacked several times by Non Christian soldiers from the areas of Mindanao, not spared by fire, due to its light materials. It has undergone renovations due to these instances, rebuilding the church from wood to stone. This Neo Gothic styled structure boast its magnificent interior, of Raphaelite-inspired stained-glass windows. The church is said to be part of the destinations for Cagayan de Oro Heritage Walk Tour, a simple evidence that it is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation in Cagayan de Oro
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LOHAS airport hotel
LOHAS airport hotel has a strategic location in Cagayan de Oro, 5 minutes away from the airport, and they can arrange guest’s airport transfer which is very convenient. Beach is located 10 minutes away from the hotel and they also offer aqua sports activities. Cosy and relaxing pit stop, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Cagayan de Oro.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
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GC Suites
GC Suites offers guests with spacious and properly lit rooms. Bathroom is big too and room design is very fancy. The interior design of each room is quite hip plus snack bar items are all reasonably-priced. Staffis very attentive too. Truly one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Cagayan de Oro.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
7. San Pedro Cathedral
San Pedro Cathedral or Davao Cathedral is a city’s premier landmark, built in 1847 by the first Spanish settlers in the area. This Neo-Gothic styled architecture serves as as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Davao and is considered as a National Cultural Treasure. Special features of the oldest cathedral of Davao include the frontal-curved roofing, designed to resemble the prow of a vinta, gliding over waters, carrying a Cross at the helm. Vinta, representing the Muslim Mindanao and the Cross representing Christianity. Another notable feauture is the Bell Tower which houses the image of Pieta, a statue depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus, and the tablets of the Ten Commandments of God. A true historical landmark, definitely one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation in Davao
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Seda Abreeza
Seda Abreeza is a great modern style hotel with clean spacious room, furnished with an elegant modern touch. Facilities and accommodations are great with exemplary service. Excellent value for money, this is definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Davao.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
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Park Inn by Radisson Davao
The service and facilities in the hotel are first class and the location via a covered walkway to the shops and restaurants of the SM mall make it a great all-round place to stay. Room is clean, pool and food are great! High quality service in great location, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Davao.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
8. Christ the King Cathedral
The Christ the King Cathedral in Tagum City, was built in 1993, solely from donations, and was completed along the the celebration of the silver anniversary of the Diocese of Tagum City in 2005. In this cathedral is where you can find the largest and longest wooden rosary in the world. This magnificent art work is made of magcono (iron wood), which is native to the mountains of Davao Oriental and Surigao del Sur. The giant rosary was a project of the Knights of Columbus to commemorate the silver anniversary of the Catholic diocese of Tagum City. A combination of modern and traditional design, the biggest basilica in Mindanao serves as a chief attraction for tourists. Truly, it is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation in Tagum
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Big 8 Corporate Hotel
Big 8 Corporate Hotel is a nice place, with spacious and clean rooms, basic amenities included and a good selection of breakfast. Excellent service, well-trained and courteous staff. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Tagum.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
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Heroben Hometel
Heroben Hometel offers guests with comfort with their huge bed, yellow lights and ultra quiet air conditioner. Bathroom is decent and clean too, with shower heater, and a countertop to provide space for your toiletries. A fairly priced place to stay, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Tagum.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
9. Tamontaka Church
Tamontaka Church in Cotabato City was built in 1872 and is the first Christian church in the city. In 1879, the church has been relocated in its present location. Like other churches, it has been damaged as well by earthquake and even fire, with only the facade spared with its original structure. It also has an interesting underground passageway leading you to a catacomb, which is a part of the network of caves from which the name of the city was derived. A Spanish influenced architecture, with relics of the living past, truly one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation in Cotabato
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Butlers House at Koronadal
Butlers House at Koronadal has a convenient location, an easy access to most of the must-see in the city. Excellent service and superior facilities, accommodation tastefully furnished. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Cotabato.
Read Reviews on: Agoda
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My Home Trio Dormitel
My Home Trio Dormitel is well situated hotel conveniently located in Koronadal City. It offers guests with comfort and convenience with their many facilities. Professional service and quality rooms, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Cotabato.
Read Reviews on: Agoda
10. San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral
San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral can be found in the isolated community of Tandag, in the eastern side of Mindanao, part of Surigao Peninsula. It was built in the 1950’s and was expanded during the 80’s, adding improvements and extensions to the structures and interior. It is said that the church started as a “kamalig”, made of Nipa leaves, on the same spot where it is standing now. A cathedral with a very grand design, truly one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation in Tandag
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Villa Maria Luisa Hotel
Villa Maria Luisa Hotel offers guests with luxurious amenities, wonderful views and clean spacious rooms. Staff is courteous, always smiling and very accommodating. Great deal, definitely one of the best and a well recommended accommodation in Tandag.
Read Reviews on: TripAdvisor
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Donelles Haven Pension House
Donelles Haven Pension House is conveniently situated in Tandag City, offering guests with high quality room facilities. It’s a great base for exploring the city, an easy access to the city’s must-see places. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Tandag.
Read Reviews on: Agoda
