Nine Spectacular Places to Visit Mindanao

Serene Lake Sebu, untouched Britania Islands, crystal clear Enchanted River, and more

Henrylito D. Tacio is an award-winning journalist based in the southern part of the Philippines. He specializes on reporting science, environment, medicine, agriculture, and travel features

Henrylito D. Tacio

FALLING FOR THE FALLS. Check out these breathtaking spots in Mindanao! Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio/Rappler

Looking for vacation options? Baguio, Boracay, Sagada are popular destinations. But in recent years, many Filipinos have discovered a wealth of beautiful locations in Mindanao. (IN PHOTOS: Dahilayan Adventure Park, Mindanao's playground)

Let’s take a look at a few.

All photos by Henrylito D. Tacio/Rappler

Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio/Rappler

The Department of Tourism promotes this municipality as one of the prime eco-tourism destinations in Mindanao. It is named after the biggest (354 hectares) of the 3 lakes of the town. (The other two lakes are named Seloton, 48 hectares, and Lahit, 24 hectares.)

Lake Sebu is often called the “Summer Capital of Southern Philippines” as its climate is pleasantly cool (due to an elevation of 1,000 meters high from sea level). By night, the temperature gets even cooler and feels great for those who seek the feel of the fresh mountain air.

The bestselling Lonely Planet described Lake Sebu as a place located in a “bowl of forests and mountains.” The 42,450-hectare landscape is recognized by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a cultural landscape in Mindanao.

Maragusan, Compostela Valley

“Maragusan is a cold place just like Baguio and Tagaytay.”

“There are so many beautiful and exotic spots to visit. There are too many I can’t say them all.”

“In the morning, it’s so cold that even cooking oil would solidify. It’s like ice candy in the freezer.” (READ: Perfect for summer: 8 cool-weather PH destinations)

These are just some of the remarks you often hear from people who had been to Maragusan, a first class municipality in the province of Compostela Valley.

The best place to stay is at the Haven’s Peak Highland Resort, which has been featured in The Lonely Planet. It is nestled on Tarago Hills facing the town with 208 beautifully landscaped steps leading to its tidy but beautiful lobby. This mountain resort provides sight of the picture-perfect and picturesque view of green foggy mountains appearing like a painting and like backdrop of a stage.

Kopiat Island in Mabini, Compostela Valley

Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio/Rappler

This 87-hectare island is off the coast of Pindasan. Sea travel around the island takes about 20 minutes by motorized boat, while in-land tour takes about 45 minutes. A portion of the island encircles a seven-hectare lagoon. (READ: From Davao City, make the trip to these 8 beautiful beaches)

Actually, Kopiat Island is part of the protected area known as Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape. It was declared as such during the time of President Joseph Estrada and for good reason. It is a known breeding ground of marine turtles, a “protected and regulated” species. As such, it is a good place for snorkeling and diving.

The whole island is fully planted with coconut trees. There are also some wild fruit trees inside the heart of the island. Since it is still undeveloped, there are no stores where you can buy soft drinks or food. But that’s what makes the island a perfect place for adventure.

Not far from Kopiat Island is the appropriately named Lunod Island: more than half of its 17 hectares is occupied by submerged mangrove forest teeming with beautiful sea creatures. Its rich coral gardens are spawning grounds for fish, crustaceans, and other marine life.

Dahican Beach in Mati City, Davao Oriental

This is located some 15 minutes from the heart of the city. A recent American visitor, who had also been to Boracay, praised the beach in these words: “I have not seen such a wonderful beach, not even in Boracay. The Dahican Beach is South Sea dream come true.” (READ: Head to 'Borawan' and these 5 unspoiled PH beaches)

Swimming is not the only thing you can do while you are in Dahican Beach. If you like water adventure like skimboarding, this is the best place in Davao region. In fact, several skimboarding competitions have been held in the place; it is being touted as the Skimboarding Capital of Mindanao.

George Plaza, whose story I featured in Reader’s Digest, is the man behind the popularity of skimboarding in Dahican. He founded the Amihan Boys to help those out-of-school youths to do something worthwhile instead of being a problem in the barangay where they are living. These boys can be tapped as trainers for those who want to learn skimboarding.

Britania Islands in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur

Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio/Rappler

It’s a group of islands that faces the Pacific Ocean; the islands are stunningly beautiful and will take your breath away. (READ MORE: Britania Islands, breathtaking paradise in Surigao del Sur)

Most of the islands are uninhabited with minimal or no vegetation. But all have one thing in common: they are surrounded with crystal clear waters.

One visitor wrote in Trip Advisor: “In my opinion, the Britania Group of Islands is the next best thing to Boracay in the Philippines in terms of pristine white beaches some people at a time can enjoy. While Boracay is a popular choice (because of the night life there), this group of islands offer adventurers a real deal and one would give a true appreciation of the spectacular white beaches…

Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

In the Trip Advisor website, one tourist wrote: “I visited this place around 5 years ago and it was simply breath taking. We are the only ones there and it was simply surreal. We swam for a couple of hours and just enjoyed the water, the nature surrounding the river and the over-all tranquility of the place.”

Only discovered in recent years, the Enchanted River flows into the Philippine Sea – six meters away is the coastline of Hinatuan Bay – but no one knows where the water comes from. Is it from a spring? Does some of the water come from the sea?

Generally, most people swim in the river whose water’s shade ranges from aquamarine to blue. When the shade is darker blue, watch out; it means the water is already very deep. The water’s undercurrent is strong so people are advised to wear life vests even if they are very good swimmers.

Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur

Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio/Rappler

Its 95-meter wide waterfall plunges 55 meters high from the top of the three-tiered cascading waters that looks like a huge white theatrical curtain. (READ: Hit the road: Cool off at these 5 PH waterfalls)

There is a bamboo raft on the side of the pool which you can ride to go near the falls. If you have more time, you can follow the staircase located at the side of the falls. It will bring you to the second and third levels of the waterfalls. Those who have been there say that the falls in both levels are smaller but the beauty is still incomparable due to its unique formation.

Farther from the three-tiered waterfalls, there is a smaller one located near the entrance. We saw some people swimming in the area. Be sure to do so with caution as the stones are a little bit slippery.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte

Once a breeding ground for Daniel Aguinaldo’s white lipped oyster, whose survival depended on the cleanest underwater environment, it is now an idyllic private resort.

One of the famous landmarks of the resort is the three-tiered Parola wharf (named after the local term for “lighthouse”), which was once a lookout post for strangers who were not welcome on the island, back in the days when it was still a pearl farm. (READ: The beautiful Island Garden City of Samal: 16 things to do)

Just off the beach resort is the Malipano Island which is the site of 7 exclusive villas. All waterfront bungalows were designed by world-renowned architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, inspired by the stilt houses of the Sulu Sea using strictly native materials such as bamboo, coconut and yakal.

For scuba divers, the Pearl Farm is a paradise. This natural haven offers spectacular diving amongst the huge shoals of fish and the giant taklobo clams, without the need for tedious boat rides. Just 60 meters away from the resort are two sunken Japanese World War II ships that await discovery.

Buenavista Island in Davao del Norte

The 4-hectare island is a perfect place to go this summer. It has a beautiful view, especially the one that is facing the Pacific Ocean. It’s no wonder why the owners named it The Island Buenavista (the latter comes from two Spanish words,buena for “good” and vista for “view”).

Take refuge under the shade of coconut trees (they don’t bear nuts so you are safe wherever you go) and feel the sun-kissed cottony sands.

Heading down to Mindanao any time soon? Tag these items on your bucket list. Enjoy and #SharePH! – Rappler.com

Give peace a chance!

THU, FEBRUARY 18, 2016 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

IN MY OPINION
Klaus Doring

I am a real peace-loving person. I am always looking for peaceful solutions. I support peace conferences and peace talks. Living at peace and freedom – a desire of millions of people worldwide. Making one’s peace with the world – also a desire of millions of people worldwide!

Reality looks very different as we all know. But yesterday’s Munich deal in Germany represents a glimmer of hope for Syria. The deal for a cessation of hostilities is vague but also the best hope to end the carnage in Syria. Regardless of whether the agreement becomes reality, one country has shown its strength, commented German National Television columnist Michael Knigge.

Major powers, led by the United States and Russia, agreed to end hostilities in Syria and allow humanitarian access to besieged areas of the country. But, as diplomats said whether the deal holds is still wide open.

Going into the Syria talks, US Secretary of State John Kerry had demanded an immediate ceasefire while his German colleague Frank-Walter Steinmeier had hoped for a breakthrough. What come out of the negotiations, which lasted far longer than expected, was neither. Instead the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) agreed to humanitarian access to besieged areas this week and to work out “modalities” for a “nationwide cessation of hostilities” within one week. The latter is the job of a newly formed task force jointly led by United States and Russia.

If this sounds rather vague, that is because it is. The details of how all of this is supposed to happen within such a short time are still sketchy at best. As is the term “cessation of hostilities,” a much less defined concept than ceasefire, as Kerry him-self acknowledged, says also Michael Knigge, who covers transatlantic relations.

The big remaining problem is when – and if Russia – will halt its airstrikes, for instance those taking place around Aleppo. An end to bombing will prove to be a key condition to allowing humanitarian aid to be delivered to suffering civilian populations around the country. What’s more, even if this deal can be translated into reality on the ground, it does not mean, as we have seen in the Ukraine conflict, that it will hold for long or that a sustainable political solution will be reached. In addition, an end of hostilities simply freezes the conflict – and the current power constellation on the ground. That’s an unsavory prospect considering not only Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad but also most other actors in the country.

But even having said all that, the tenuous agreement reached Friday is still the best and only deal around when it comes to trying to end the carnage in Syria. Given the current geopolitical circumstances surrounding the Syrian conflict – with a reluctant US providing ample space that an assertive Russia has been eager to fill – the deal hammered out in a late night session looks like the most realistic option for success.

Whether what has been put on paper will become reality, one party has already scored a big point in Munich: Russia. By co-chairing the task force on ending hostilities together with Washington, the Kremlin has achieved what it has always wanted, namely being perceived as an equal to the United States on the international stage, at least when it comes to Syria. Judging from the outcome of the talks, Washington has accepted that status. Let’s hope for the sake of the Syrian people that it is a price worth paying.

Give peace a chance! Let’s give each other freedom from war, disturbance, or hostilities! Reflect for a moment. Matthew 5:19 says,       “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God!”

+++

Email: doringklaus@ gmail.com or follow me in Facebook or Twitter or visitwww.germanexpatin thephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdorings classicalmusic.blogspot.com.

Duterte Threatens to Boycott CDO Debate if Local Media will be Barred

By Mike Frialde (philstar.com) 

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Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said he would further discuss the possible boycott with PDP-Laban president Sen. Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III. File photo

MANILA, Philippines - Davao City mayor and PDP-Laban standard-bearer Rodrigo Duterte on Monday threated to boycott the Cagayan de Oro City debate scheduled by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on February 21 if local media will be barred from covering it.

“I will not go there also. Pagka ganun (If it’s like that) you limit the (press coverage). Why?” he said.

Duterte told reporters after his appearance at the thanksgiving prayer of his close friend Apollo Quiboloy, founder and leader of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (The Name Above Every Name) church in Davao late Sunday evening.

Duterte, however, added that he would further discuss the possible boycott with PDP-Laban president Sen. Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III.

According to a statement sent by Duterte's camp, the Cagayan de Oro Press Club earlier said it would boycott the Comelec debate after the poll body limited the participation of the local press in the coverage of it.

“There have been many instances in the past when Manila-based media organizations have condescended on the provincial press. The Presidential Debate in the city is no (exception),” the Cagayan de Oro Press Club said in a statement issued Sunday evening. The statement was relayed by Duterte's camp.

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The debate is sponsored by media giants GMA-7, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas and Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Duterte – who is advocating the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill - said local media should be given equal treatment and be spared from discrimination.

“Kaya nga ako tumatakbong president because I want people from the provinces to be given equal treatment. Kaya ako ay for federalism,” Duterte said.

Duterte and his runningmate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano spent the weekend in Davao City to cap their first week of election campaign sorties.

After the Cagayan de Oro debate, the Comelec will also conduct similar debates for the presidential candidates in Cebu on March 20 for the Visayas region and in Manila for Luzon on April 24.

Duterte had earlier declined to participate in any debate while the disqualification cases against him were still pending before the Comelec. He later expressed willingness to attend debates after the poll body dismissed all four disqualification petitions lodged against him.