You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?

There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!

Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!


Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!

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Saturday, November 23, 2019


It was indeed a memorable and very touching event in Davao City: the Christmas Tree Lightning and official start of a month-long Christmas activities.



Thank you for inviting me, City Government of Davao City. Thank you for this great event. Davao City - life is here!

(Our beloved City Mayor Sara Duterte)




Friday, November 22, 2019

Job Fair


Job Fair- On November 20, 2019 together with the celebration of Reformed Voluntary Surrenderers (RVS) Day, a Special Recruitment Program Jobs Fair was held at the Capitol Grounds of Compostela Valley. It was attended by representatives from TESDA, PNP DOLE, PESO and other governmet agencies concerned. Various recruitment agency both local and abroad joined the said Job-Fair. The Job-Fair was intended for all Reformed Voluntary Surrenderers to start anew.


Burning of Drug and Non-drug Evidences


Highlight of the "Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week " is the Burning of the Drug and Non-drug Evidences. Drug and Non-drug Evidences were gathered from various Provinces of Region XI (Davao City, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental). A total of 2.05 kilograms of Shabu worth Php 24, 624, 697 and 5.33 kilograms of Marijuana worth Php 266, 485.14 were burnt to ashes that day.

Monday, November 18, 2019

HOW MUCH IS YOUR STILL AVAILABLE TIME?

Almost 20 years ago, a good friend of mine gave me a book written by the founder of the Scottish Free Church, Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847). Chalmers treated this topic with plenty of flowering words. Yes, don't be afraid and do live for something... .

Human beings live, move and have to pass away - free from worries, but unknown and unnoticed. They live such an irreproachable life - reputable, but so incomprehensible and inscrutable. Chalmers was very right!

Why do people live like that even knowing they have to leave the  platform of life one day? Why are people sometimes afraid to live and  allow something or someone to block themselves? Still in my mind is one statement of Brother Francis Castro from the Little Brothers of  Jesus. I quoted it several times already: "I feel the burning flame
inside me that makes me jump out of the bed ... and hurry to work!" 

Life's quintessence can be also this: Kindness, by helping the blind man crossing a street; hospitality, by practicing generous reception of strangers and guests (my very first impression, when I step on Philippine soil for the first time in 1976!); helpfulness, by taking care of somebody, who is weak and dependent... .

Believe me: your moment of virtue will never be destroyed by time's storm.

From writer Tiffanie Wen I learned this: “It is a commonplace observation that work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” British naval historian and author Cyril Northcote Parkinson wrote that opening line for an essay in The Economist in 1955, but the concept known as ‘Parkinson’s Law’ still lives on today.

Not only Tiffanie Wen - also I think about it every time I have a deadline. How long it takes me to write a story will by and large depend on when my deadline is and how much time I have until then. In his somewhat satirical essay Parkinson uses the example of an elderly lady writing a postcard to her niece. Since she has nothing else to do with her time, the otherwise simple task takes up her entire day.

Get more subordinates, create more work. When you have a deadline it’s like a storm ahead of you or having a truck around the corner. It’s menacing and it’s approaching, so you focus heavily on the task.

Can ‘menacing’ deadlines cure dallying?

So if the wider points Parkinson was making about bureaucracies still stand up today, what of his enduring first line? Today, while some researchers might chuckle at the mention of the ‘law’ that has come to mean so much more than its original intent, there’s also no doubt they know what it is referring to. Is there some truth to the notion that without strict time constraints, we waste time and our work takes longer to complete?

Humans have a limited capacity for memory, attention and fatigue – or mental bandwidth, according to Eldar Shafir, a professor at Princeton and co-author of Scarcity, a book that looks at the psychology of having less than we need and how it drives our behaviors. “Because our attentional capacity is limited, we divide it sporadically any way we can as we run through everyday life,” he says. But sometimes, of necessity, we need to knuckle down.

And there’s always the chance that rushing to accomplish something in too few hours can have drawbacks as well, particularly if your deadline is set by somebody else. “If your deadline is too short and you’re panicking, you will have sacrificed other things and you might work inefficiently, and things might go badly anyway,” he says.

“People like to say if it wasn’t for the last minute, nothing would get done. But research shows people’s productivity is not linear,” says Elizabeth Tenney, an assistant professor at the University of Utah’s Eccles School of Business who has written about time pressure and productivity. “When people sit down to do a task, they’ll put in a lot of effort initially. At some point there’s going to be diminishing returns on extra effort. To optimize productivity, you need to maximize benefits and minimize costs and find that inflection point, which is where you should start to wrap up.”

That might not mean taking up the full time allotted or working all the way up to your deadline, she says. “Cut yourself off rather than keep tinkering for all time.”

Hurry, jump out of the bed, now!

Saturday, November 16, 2019

TIME TO LEAVE

2 villages in Shrine Hills declared unsafe for dwelling

Two villages in Davao City have been declared unsafe for residents after an investigation was made last week by the City Engineers Office (CEO).
Juario Village and Nacilla Village, both located at Shrine Hills, were found to be unsafe for dwelling due to traces of subsidence and threat of falling boulders.
CEO officer-in-charge Joseph Dominic Felizarta said the villages’ residents, numbering more or less 100 families, were advised for immediate relocation to ensure safety from the risk of landslide.    
“Juario Village is not safe anymore because of the boulders. Nahulog na ang uban boulders gikan sa taas. We declared the area for immediate relocation na jud because of the steepness of the area,” Felizarta said in an interview.
Felizarta also said that during their monitoring with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau 11 (MGB 11) and the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) they also discovered traces of sinking of soil in Nacilla Village.  
“In Nacilla Village in Shrine Hills beside Juario Village we discovered traces of caving in of soil. Dugay dugay na pero kung ma-trigger na ug earthquake delikado na. Pero giuna lang nato ang Juario Village for immediate relocation kay dili man nato ma-accomodate tanan,” he said.
According to Felizarta, the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) and CDRRMO are now studying for the relocation of the affected residents of the two villages. He said during the preliminary discussion, it is being decided that the residents will be relocated in Tugbok relocation site.
“Dili nato matagna ang panahon pero naa naman nahitabo ngano hulaton pa man nato nga ma-trigger na pud utro, meaning naa nay mga landslide na nahitabo ngano hualotn pa nato nga naa na pud mahitabo. Dili ni panagna per kung kusog ang ulan ug maglinog,” said Felizarta.Meantime, Lyndon Ancajas, administrative training chief of City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC), recommended immediate relocation for those residents living in landslide prone areas particularly in Juario Compound in MA-a.
The CEO and MGB also inspected the city’s old dumpsite in Ma-a, which was also found not safe for houses situated in the area.  
“In the old dumpsite in Ma-a ang yuta nakatabon sa mga basura ug naay mga balay -balay sa ilalom na kung kusog ang ulan delikado pud. The upper part of the dumpsite was struck by landslide already. Sumpay ra na siya ug na divide lang kay nagbuhat ta ug kalsada, kung kato na pud ang mu-landslide peligro na pud ang mga tao that is why they are also advised for immediate relocation,” Felizarta said.  
Mayor Sara Duterte has instructed the CEO and CDRRMO to conduct an inspection and re-assessment of these landslide prone areas including the old smokey mountain in Matina Pangi, and Purok Damayan in Buhangin to safeguard the lives of Davaoeños.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Comval joins World Tsunami Awareness Day 2019

Compostela Valley Province---The provincial government of Compostela Valley under the leadership of Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) joins the observance of the "World Tsunami Awareness Day 2019" on November 5, 2019.

 The project aims to install a community-based tsunami preparedness program in the province and strengthen readiness of the coastal communities not only on Tsunami hazard but also threat of storm surge during typhoon.

 PDRRMO chief Joseph Randy M. Loy, RN, lead in organizing the event to all coastal Municipalities of the province namely: Maco, Mabini and Pantukan through their Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs) made the pioneering event a success.

Loy expressed his gratitude to the officials of the Action Against Hunger (AAH) for providing the Information Education Campaign (IEC) materials and for providing Six (6) units of Tsunami Warning signage in addition to the province's 18 tsunami signage installed in all coastal communities of ComVal.

"Thanks a lot to our supportive stakeholders especially from the DepEd Family of Compostela Valley Province and all Barangay Councils who made this event successful," said Loy.(PDRRMO/ID Comval)



Comval opens 22nd CVPAA meet 2019

Compostela Valley Province-

For the second time the local government unit of Montevista is again the host of this year's prominent "22nd Compostela Valley Province Athletic Association (CVPAA) Meet 2019".
The provincial meet 2019 was officially opened on November 11, 2019 at the Montevista Sports Complex, Montevista, Compostela Valley Province.
The CVPAA is anchored with the theme: "Bridging Unity, Teamwork and Excellence through Sports".
The opening program started with a grand parade with the athletes, coaches and technical officials throughout the province.
The conduct of this year's provincial meet is co-hosted by the municipality of Monkayo, Compostela and Nabunturan.
During the program, the entrance and hoisting of CVPAA banner 2019 was led by Comval DepEd and followed by the provincial government banner and the municipal delegation banner.

The declaration of the formal opening of the 2019 palarong panlalawigan was led by Dr. Reynante A. Solitario - OIC- Schools Division Superintendent.
According to Mayor Eutropio S. Jayectin that the people of Montevista is ever proud of this rare opportunity to be the home of CVPAA meet 2019.
He added that, Montevista is totally aware of the boundless responsibility to incur being a modest 3rd class municipality; however, the municipal officials has sturdily accepted the accountability to grasp the event regardless of the shortfall of human resource, possessions and most of all deficiency of funds.
"Our highest regard is to help out our student athletes achieved its individual goals excel in its choice of sports. We want to be part of the aspirations and dreams of the growing athletes; that once in their lifetime Montevista has become a fragment of their success in their field of sports," the mayor added.
Meanwhile, Solitario expressed his gratitude to the leaders of the provincial government headed by Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, Vice Governor Maria Carmen Zamora, District 1 Representative Manuel E. Zamora, District 2 Representative Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga and to the host Mayor Eutropio S. Jayection and to all municipal mayors.
Solitario added that, sports play an important role both individually and collectively. It inculcates irreplaceable core values of sheer hard work, self awareness and discipline a combination that ultimately sums up into excellence.
“All of these can transcended into having a better nation. Collectively, these individual attributes, when applied consistently, can transmute into social cohesiveness and productivity, which are important part of nation building. This is why the Department of Education, together with the public and private stakeholders, is spearheading this annual event," said Solitario.
On the other hand, Gov. Uy extends his warmest felicitations to all participating athletes, coaches and schools of the provincial athletic meet in Montevista.
He said that, exposure in sports will also build our young people's mental threshold, their social skills and their sense of community.
"The holding of this year's provincial meet is indeed very special. This is the gathering of our province's best athletes. We will choose the student-athletes that will represent our province in the upcoming Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet for 2020 which by the way will be held in our province. I am excited by this upcoming opportunity to host as it will not only exhibit our province's capabilities to host but to show our province as a learning destination in Mindanao," the governor said.
The conduct of the CVPAA meet 2019 will end on November 15, 2019.
(Rey Antibo, ID Comval)

Monday, November 11, 2019

COMVAL WINS GREEN BANNER AWARD ...

... and  RECORDS LOWEST CHILD MALNUTRITION INCIDENCE IN DAVAO REGION



Davao City- On the second consecutive year, Compostela Valley Province bagged the highly coveted Green Banner Awards. The distinction is given to local government units that recorded the lowest child malnutrition incidence. Senior Board Member and former Governor Arturo T. Uy along with employees from the Provincial Health Office-Nutrition Council received the award before National Nutrition Council-XI Program Coordinator Maria Teresa L. Ungson last October 28, 2019 at SMX Convention Center, Davao City.

 Due to the 95.18 percent that Compostela Valley garnered during the Annual Monitoring and Evaluation of the Nutrition Programs conducted by the Inter-Agency Regional Technical Working-Group to all provinces and cities in Davao Region. Compostela Valley also recorded the lowest child malnutrition incidence in the region recording 2.9 percent.



Since 2007, Compostela Valley rolled out programs that address hunger and malnutrition especially among children. Among these programs are the Adopt a Child, the Kusina Ng Kalinga, supplemental feeding among children in their early development phase, provision of vitamins and other services to pregnant women.



Reading the message in behalf of Governor Tyron Uy, Senior Board Member Uy said that the award is a product of convergence between local government units, non-government organizations and national government agencies.

“Through the bayanihan of the employees of the provincial government, we were able to rescue many children from the bondage of hunger and poverty”, he said.

 The former governor continued that addressing malnutrition is an urgent matter. He underscored that a truly progressive society is one that is characterized by well-nourished citizens.


“We can never build a peaceful world out of empty stomachs and human misery because the foundation of a truly peaceful and progressive community is always a healthy and well-nourished society”, he quips.

I AM FEELING SO BORED!

Many of us shy away from boredom, but it’s actually very good for creativity.

Many of us lead incredibly busy lives, constantly hopping from one task to the next, and when we’re blessed with a little bit of downtime, we pick up our phones, and scroll the boredom away.

But is that the best way use of our time?

Sandi Mann, a senior psychology lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire in the UK says boredom is an essential part of the creative process and should be applied to our day-to-day lives.

While being a columnist of "Tinig ng Bayan" (published in Abra) during the 1980s, I remember our Taiwanese coordinator Cristina Lising-Geronga, who expressed herself in innumerable write ups about the topic loneliness. Sure, "Tinig ng Bayan" has been a publication or Filipinos abroad. Loneliness, borne by Filipinos living abroad while missing their families in the Philippines became a very "normal" expression.

During that time, my Philippine mentor, the late Monsignor Professor Dr. Dr. Hermogenes E. Bacareza, Chaplain of the Philippine Community in Berlin, started together with me publishing "Ang Mabuhay". Believe me, "loneliness" became a main topic in many write-ups.

Nowadays, loneliness and boredom seem to be the splitting image of each other - so to speak being as like as two peas in a pod. While browsing in social networks like Facebook, one can find more and more comments as in "When Boredom Strikes" or so. Boredom, ending up in loneliness - or vice versus?

How comes that loneliness and/or boredom are still a general topics in our today's society?

Loneliness has been called one of the main diseases even during the last century. It really doesn't strike not only the Filipinos abroad and their love ones back home. Too often loneliness is being followed by alcoholism, drug abuse and even suicide. Yes, loneliness becomes a modern day plague.  I observed several people trying to surround themselves with so-called "friends" only to find that such relationships are often shallow and unsatisfying.

Loneliness can be painful but being lonely or alone at that is not always a bad thing. Ask yourself, how do  you use your time, if you are really alone? Do you simply let the time pass without doing anything  at all? Why not use such time productively? There are many worthwhile activities to engage in, even if you are alone, such as reading, writing, listen to good (light) music, play an (forgotten?) instrument, gardening... .

Reading the bible can be also very particularly beneficial.  The Word of God is "alive and exerts power" and can take our minds off ourselves.

To break the cycle of loneliness, one must be a giver. Let's keep an eye, not only and always on our personal interests but also on the interests others. Look around and watch out who needs help, or who needs a real friend or good listener. Once you have spotted such a person, act! Thus, in order to have friends, you must act like a friend. Luke 6:38 says, "Give to others, and God will give to you!" Besides, "There is more happiness (and less loneliness) in giving then receiving", says Acts 20:35.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Most Beautiful Catholic Churches in Mindanao

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.
Monkey Dividers

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: TripAdvisorCheck-Rates of the Hotel
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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: TripAdvisorCheck-Rates of the Hotel

Monkey Dividers

2. San Juan Bautista Church


30 Beautiful Churches in the Philippines
Jimenez by Project Kisame / CC BY 2.0

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.
Monkey Dividers

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: TripAdvisorCheck-Rates of the Hotel
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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: TripAdvisorCheck-Rates of the Hotel

Monkey Dividers

3. St. James Church


30 Beautiful Churches in the Philippines
Photo by Mejas Nikolas

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.
Monkey Dividers

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: TripAdvisorCheck-Rates of the Hotel
[image type=”thumbnail” src=”33521″]

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: TripAdvisorCheck-Rates of the Hotel

Monkey Dividers

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.
Monkey Dividers

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: TripAdvisorCheck-Rates of the Hotel
[image type=”thumbnail” src=”335362″]

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: TripAdvisorCheck-Rates of the Hotel

Monkey Dividers

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.
Monkey Dividers

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: TripAdvisorCheck-Rates of the Hotel
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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: TripAdvisorCheck-Rates of the Hotel

Monkey Dividers

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.
Monkey Dividers

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: TripAdvisorCheck-Rates of the Hotel
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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: TripAdvisorCheck-Rates of the Hotel

Monkey Dividers

7. San Pedro Cathedral


30 Beautiful Churches in the Philippines
Photo by Jason Concepcion

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.
Monkey Dividers

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: TripAdvisorCheck-Rates of the Hotel
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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: TripAdvisorCheck-Rates of the Hotel

Monkey Dividers

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.
Monkey Dividers

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: TripAdvisorCheck-Rates of the Hotel
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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.
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9. Tamontaka Church


30 Beautiful Churches in the Philippines
Tamontaka Church (Cotabato City) by Shubert Ciencia / CC BY 2.0

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.
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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.
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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.
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Monkey Dividers

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.
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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.
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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.
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