Region 10 - thru the Golden Gateway

Region 10, usually called Northern Mindanao, is composed of the 5 province of

Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Camiguin and Lanao del Norte and
their 9 cities of Cagayan de Oro, Gingoog, El Salvador, Ozamiz,Tangub, Oroquieta, MaIaybalay,Valencia and Iligan.
The whole region covers a total land area of 19,279.60 sq km. with a total
population of 3,505,558 as of 2000 Census, some 84 municipalities and about 2,020
barangays.
Geography
The region is a combination of rugged mountain ranges, rolling hills and plains
with rich agricultural and mineral resources. Its four bays of Panguil, Iligan, Macajalar
and Gingoog provide deep harbor for ships and a long coastline of gray and white sand
beaches and spectacular coral reefs.
Its strategic and typhoon-free location with its modern port facilities and an extensive road network linking it to various parts of Mindanao makes the region an ideal
gateway to Mindanao and an ideal destination all year round.
Economy
The region is considered the dominant economy in Mindanao contributing about
27.2% of the island's total production in 2005 with the services sector as the regions
largest and fastest growing industry at 39.4% share,followed by the industry sec 30.7%
and agriculture, fishery and forestry sector at 29.9%.
Meanwhile,the region's real per capita GRDP in 2005 was P14,820,the highest
among the Mindanao regions and the third highest among all the regions in the try. In
2006, Region 10 was the country's sixth largest regional economy contributing 4.8% to
the country's gross domestic production.
Investments
Throughout the region, Misamis Oriental accounted for the bulk of the regional
investments, sharing about 68%. It was also the fastest growing investment area ing by
44% between 2005 and 2006. Bukidnon was the second biggest contribut the 2006
annual investment. Misamis Occidental with a 26% growth was the second fastest
growing area in terms of investment.
Language and Ethnicity
Bisaya, Cebuano and Boholano are the major ethnic languages in the region.
Native languages still considerably used are Higaonon in Misamis Oriental, Binukid in
Bukidnon, Maranao in Lanao del Norte, Subanen in Misamis Occidental and Kinamiging
in Camiguin.
Hiligaynon, a language in the Visalas, is also used in Bukidnon.
English is generally understood. Tagalog is also understood but not commonly
spoken.

Religion
Roman Catholicism is the major religion. Others are Aglipayan, Evengelicals and
Seventh Day Adventist. Islam is considerably high in Lanao del Norte and Iligan City but
Roman catholicism remains to be the dominant religion.
Cagayan de Oro the Golden Gateway
Cagayan de Oro is a highly urbanized city. It has a major port, an international
container yard about 25 kilometers away, an airport with at least 6 flights to and from
the capital of Manila, 3 universities, several highly competitive private, secondary
schools and at least 4 major shopping malls. This regional capital the golden gateway
to Northern Mindanao is the center of trade, education and shopping in Region 10.
With its numerous tourism facilities such as hotels, restaurants, shopping
centers, nightspots and tourism attractions and activities within the city and its nearby
environs plus a highly efficient information technology facilities, the city is a favorite
choice for various national convention every year.
Being the hub of the region, this travel handbook, will take Cagayan de Oro as
the main reference point for travel to the region in this edition.
Accessibility
Region 10 has four at least 4 major port facilities: the cagayan de Oro port, Iligan
port, the now operational Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan within the 3,000
hectare PIHVIDEC Industrial Estate and the Ozamis port, the busiest port in terms of
passenger traffic.
By air, the region is most accessible through Cagayan de Oro airport which has 7
daily flights from Manila and 1 daily flight from Cebu. The city is serviced by several
shipping lines plying the Manila-Cagayan routes. It is accessible by land from Davao,
Butuan and Zamboanga.

Cagayan de Oro: A Walking Tour of the old settlement by the river:

The Cagayan River
Cagayan River, stretching up to 69,518 meters long, is a major witness to the city's life
and history. Its riverbanks were said to abound with "lambago"trees in the past. The
term Kagay-an is believed to have come from a Proto- Malay word "kagay"which means
river.
Ysalina Bridge
The first bridge of the city, YsaIina bridge, connects barangay Carmen to the
Poblacion area. Its predecessor built in 1892, made of stone and bricks and spanning
128 meters long, was then called "the longest hanging bridge of the Philippines."

 San Agustin Metropolitan Cathedral

This church's history started as early as 1626 when a Portuguese Augustinian
Recollect Fray Pedro de San Agustin, popularly called El Padre Capitan,decided to
transfer the early inhabitants from their original settlement in Himologan since he found
the latter to be a difficult location to defend in case of attacks from the men of
Maguindanao's Sultan Qudarat who wanted to regain Cagayan as part of Maguindanao
territory.
Despite the transfer, the church was still torched by the invaders at least four
times until 1834 when it was rebuilt replacing its old materials of old and nipa with
marine stones from China.
In 1942, during the Second World War, it was occupied by the Japanese and
subsequently bombed by the Americans. In 1946, Bishop James T.G. Hayes, S.J. D.D.,
the first bishop of Cagayan who arrived in 1933, rebuilt the cathedral along semi Gothic
lines.
Gaston Park
On this site, El Padre Capitan built a wooden fortress called Fuerza Real de San Jose
which served as the public plaza. Later, it was rebuilt in stones until it was demolished
in 1875 and the stones were used to pave the streets of the growing town.
The park was named Gaston Park in the early 1960s after Segundo Gaston who
was governor of Misamis and mayor of Cagayan before World War II.
On the north side of the park is the site of the Battle of Cagayan that took place
on 7 April 1900.The battle was part of the Philippine-American War which saw the death
and heroism of almost a hundred Cagayan revolutionaries who fought under the banner
of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. A marker was installed in solemn ceremonies by the National
Historical Institute on 7 April 2000, the centenary of the Battle of Cagayan. Across the
northeast side is another historical marker that marks the spot where hundreds of
Cagayan members of Club Popular, a local organization of nationalistic cause, signed a
manifesto on 6 January 1900 signifying their intention to fight in the Philippine-American
War in Cagayan.
City Hall
The City Hall building or Casa Real on Capistrano St. or Calle Real during the Spanish
period, along with the water tank and the Archbishop's Palace nearby, are the only
remaining American period built buildings in the area.
Casa del Chino Ygua
Built in 1882, this "balay nga bato"or house of stone is made of bricks,
transported from China by Chinese junks.The bricks served as ballast for the long
voyage.The owner, Sia Ygua, was a Chinese merchant from Amoy, China.

During the Philippine-American War, Sia Ygua supported the Filipino

revolutionaries in the Battle of Cagayan on April 7,1900 against the Americans. During
the centenary of the battle on 7 April 2000, the National Historical Institute honored the
brave revolutionaries with a national historical marker.The house stands on the corner
of Apolinar Velez St. and Hayes St., formerly called Calle del Mar y Calle Victoria.
Plaza Divisoria
This elongated promenade was built in 1901 by Cagayan's town mayor Tirso
Neri, to serve as a fire breech or"divider"to contain the spread of fires in the town. It also
divided the town into north and south sections.Today, it is also called the Golden
Friendship Park.
Along the stretch of the Plaza are monuments of national heroes and local lead ers such as that of national hero, Jose Rizal, which was inaugurated in 1916,-considered one of the earliest Rizal statues in the entire Mindanao.The Centennial
flagpole beside it was inaugurated in 1998 during the Philippine Centennial to mark the
country's independence from Spanish colonialism.
The monument of former President Ramon Magsaysay was inaugurated in early
1960s by Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez and Israeli Foreign Minister Golda Meir who
later became Isarael's Prime Minister.
Museo de Oro
Museo de Oro, a folkloric museum started in August 1967, displays an array of
relics of the Bukidnon and Maranao cultures. Among those that one would find in the
museum are paintings and ethnographic artifacts that depict the ancient stories of the
origin of the world and of man in mythic tradition. The various displays also highlight the
belief in supernatural beings or spirits, the institution of shamanism and the rituals for
curing; the ways of settling disputes and their peacepacts..
A notable piece in the museum collection is a human skeletal remain found at
Huluga Cave, calibrated by the University of California in San Diego as dated 377 A.D.,
one of the earliest known human existence in the entire Mindanao.
Another is one of the three extant copies in the en1 tire Philippines of the menu
in the presidential banquet of Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898 in Malolos, Bulacan.
The museum is located inside Xavier University, Ateneo de Cagayan--the first
university in the entire island of Mindanao and the first of all the Jesuit Ateneos in the
country to become a university having been declared as such as early as March 1958.
During World War Il,the university was used by the occupying Japanese forces
as a garrison and concentration camp and was the regional headquarters of the
Japanese Military Command. It was severely damaged by American bombs in 1945.
Makahambus Hill-A Historical Landmark
The Cagayan revolutionaries had the historic record of winning the first battle against
the Americans in the entire Philippines in the Battle of Makahambus Hill that took place
on 14 June 1900.

Makahambus Cave is a short cave where the end opens to a precipice that over looks
the meandering Cagayan river. On top of the cave is the Makahambus Hill.At the other
side of the present road is the
Makahambus Gorge, a 130 foot circular gorge where an underground river flows from
one cave to another cave. Today, the parkis being used as an adventure park where
one can do skybridge, rapel and zipline.The ravine is covered by lush tropical rain forest
trees and various species of plants.

Gardens of Malasag
Eco-Tourism Village
Located in a 7.2 ha. botanical garden on the slopes of Cugman watershed with a
breathtaking view of historic Macajalar Bay, this cultural showcase offers the visitors a
glimpse into the rich and colorful cultural heritage of Northern Mindanao. Here, one can
interact with some of the regions' tribal people such as the Higaonons and the
Talaandigs of Bukidnon and the Subanons from Misamis Occidental who live in their
own tribal homes found in the village where they grow some of their crops their crafts.
Everyday, around 3:30 p.m. the tribalpeople perform their dance to the visitors to the
beat of their own music.

Adventure Tours
Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Mikhail Angelo F. Bautista
White Water Rafting is so much fun! I've actually done it twice already-and I'm
still looking forward to doing it again and again! My rafting days have been among the
best experiences of my life.
Waking up at around 4 AM to prepare for the rafting adventure was nothing. I
was a little hung over but as the day progressed my headache was soon forgotten as I
had one exciting, exhilirating, action-packed day!
My first time was a tour with about 50 other people including my cousins, a few
friends, and some strangers. But this didn't faze me because everyone there was super
nice ... as what they say, Kagay-anons are friendly(ahem!). Anyway, we drove for almost
an hour through the mountains until we arrived at our starting point somewhere in
Barangay Kabula. It was such a beautiful day. Clear vivid blue sky with the sun shin- ing
so brightly amidst cotton candy white clouds.The hillsides were lush and green and
many of them terraced all the way to the top.The scenery was spectacular!
When we got to the drop-off site, all of us had to put on helmets and life jackets.
The very accommodating and friendly river guides then gave us a few instructions
safety procedures and a brief orientation on what to expect.We were taught the techniques of paddling and as well as what to do in case we falloff the raft
(scary!).One of the guides informed that this particular ride was not that dangerous, as it
was the shorter course. If that doesn't make much sense let me put it this way, some of

the rapids were so strong you could be thrown off the raft if you didn't hang on for dear
Iife.There were about 7 rafts with six people each.The raft I was in had 7 riders,
including one guide, a requisite in every raft.
We went on. Our guide asked us if we wanted to hit the surf and we all eagerly agreed.
He told us that when the boat flips or if we fall, we musn't panic, instead he instructed
that we try to grab the rescue rope and if we miss it, we should assume the safety posi tion (by facing downstream with our legs elevated) and one of the trained rescuers
would get to us. It was really intense. Luckily, nothing of that kind happened to me or my
friends. However, there was a raft behind us that got turned upside down while they
were maneuvering one of the higher class rapids. When I looked back after we safely
got out of that rapid, I saw addles and some people immersed in the river.Only four of
them had managed to hang onto the overturned raft. Fortunately,the two others were
safe and had managed to bravely swim their way to the riverside, inspite of
the very very strong current. Our guide flipped it back over and hoisted them up. After
getting everyone back together and organized again, both rafts, ours and theirs, set off
once more. From there, we went to the snakes'cave, bats'cave and many more
captivating views and challenging currents. At the end of the river run, we had a super
awesome and delicious lunch at the endpoint.
Basically, on my second rafting adventure, I shared the fun with my cousins and
relatives, there were around twenty of us. It was so much more exciting since we all
knew each other.And having this as my second time around, I was definitely more
prepared. Nevertheless, it was still full of surprises--another truly awesome and memorable experience!

White water Rafting runs

1.

Mambuaya-Kabula Run

This run starts at Sitio Aura in Bgy. Mambuya, the put-in point, and ends at Sitio
Kabula,the take-out point, on the border of Bgy Lumbia and Bgy Bayanga. Covering
about 12.32 kilometers,the run takes about 3 hours, including lunch and sidetrips.One
sidetrip,taking about 10 minutes, is toTumilaong River which is already a part of
Bukidnon. Here, the rafters get off the raft and cross the river (river-crossing) with arms
locked to those beside them to counter the strong river current.
2.

Ugyaban-Kabula Run

This run starts at Sitio Ugyaban in Bgy. Dansolihon where there are higher rapids along
the course. It is considered the master's course and open for those who have done the
basic Mambuaya-Kabula run. The run from Ugyaban-Mambuaya covers about 4 kilometers, making the whole stretch from Ugyaban to Kabula a total of kilometer run in hours,
crossing 25 rapids of class II-IV.

3. Kabula-Taguanao Run
This is the main course for tubing e fondly called, Pinoy Rafting--another fo of white
water rafting which uses inflat, tubes. This run covers 6.4 km with IN classes of rapids.
Optional activities with Pinoy Rafti include a 30 feet bridgejump and a rock jump from
the graduation Rock. Another option is to do a cliff rapel at the exit of the historic
Makahambus cave.
All white water rafting adventure tours are run year round!

CAVING
This is technical caving which includes rapelling110 feet down to the entrance of the
cave and exploration of an underground river. So, definitely expect to get wet as you will
have to swim to be able to get to the exit of the cave!
For bookings:
Please call Gerome Garcia at (0919) 4043930.

Canopy Walk
This is a real high adventure for those who dare. Located in Mag-bais, Mat-i in
the municipality of Claveria, Misamis Oriental about 40 kilometers from the city of
Cagayan de Oro.
Before getting to the canopy walk proper, be ready to trek the slopes of the
rainforest for at least 30 minutes, depending on your speed. At the Walk, you will be
pulleyed up to a deck where you start The Walk through 6 hanging bridges that swing at
least 100 feet above the ground. Enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime experience of be ing on
top of the world with the birds and being close to Mother Nature.
For bookings:
Please call Gerome Garcia at (0919) 4043930.

MACAHAMBUS ADVENTURE PARK

An interesting stop before or after a white water rafting activity is the Macahambus Adventure Park which opened on 28 December 2004. It is located in a 72-hectare
forest reserve, 17 kilometers away from the city proper.
There are three activities that you can do in the park: skybridge,zip line and
rapel. Before the activity, adventurers will have to wear the safety equipment such as a
helmet and a safety harness which is attached to a safety line above the head.
Skybridge
Skybridge is a bridge with wooden planks and cable railings. It hangs over Macahambus Gorge which has a depth of approximately 150 feet.The bridge consists of 3
spans totaling 123 meters.: the first span is 51 meters; the second has 18 meters; while
the third span has 54 meters.

Zip line
The zip line has a 120 meter distance from the zip station to the starting deck.You zip
through the distance in only 14-20 seconds, depending on your weight!
Rapel
This activity starts at the 1 st deck --after the 1 st span of the skybridge-- from where the
adventurer rapels down Macahambus Gorge.
Cost: P300- skybridge and zip line; add P200 if including rapel
Contact: Chisum Factura of Sinkhole, Inc. at (088) 856-3972.

Golf Tour
Pueblo de Oro Golf Course
Cagayan de Oro
Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club, operating since 1980, is conveniently located at the Pueblo de Oro Township, about 6 kilometers from the airport and 5
kilometers from the city center.
It is considered one of the top golf courses in the country with an18-hole, par 72,
all-weather championship golf course designed by world-renowned golf course architect
RobertTrent Jones ll. Its daunting natural ravines, especially its signature Eleventh and
Thirteenth Holes are said to pose a challenging play to any golfer.
The golf course has played host to various tournaments such as the PAL
Interclub, the Rotary international Foundation golf tournament, the Southern Ladies
Club and Samsung Golf Tour. It has magnificent views of the mountains of Bukidnon
with occacasional glimpses of Macajalar Bay from the back nine holes.

Del Monte Golf Course

Camp Philips, Bukidnon
Del Monte Golf and Country Club was built as early as 1928 right within the vast
pineapple plantation. It offers a cool and scenic location about 620 meters above sea
level and provides a good view of the Mt. Kitanglad range.
It has an 18-hole par 72 golf course with challenging, tree-lined fairways, manmade lakes, treacherous sand traps,fast and slow greens and a sloping front 9 considered by golfers-pros and amateurs alike-as one of the most scenic and difficult
courses in the country.
The golf course's first 9 holes were designed by the company's first general
manager James McNeil Crawford while the second 9 by former Del Monte employee,
and later 7-time Philippine Open Champion Celestino Tugot together with former Del
Monte Executive George Richardson.
The location is at Cawayanon, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, approximately a 45
-minute drive from Cagayan de Oro.

The golf course has produced world -class champions such as Celestino Tugot
and the famous Frankie Minoza who made the golf course his playground when he was
still a child.
It has been the site of the country's most prestigious tournaments including the
annual M ,u U . gion Tour ament since 1975, the Philippien Golf Circuit and the Philip
Morris Open and the PAL interclub.

Camiguin
Camiguin, the smallest of region 10's provinces is a favorite tourist destination in
the region popular among sun-lovers, divers and those who simply want to take a break
from their busy lifestyle.
This pear-shaped island with a total land area of only 292 sq.km. offers visitors
the simplicity and tranquility of a provincial destination with warm and honest people.
It 64-kilometer road circumference makes it easy for the tourist to tour the island
during a weekend, covering its five municipalities of Mambajao,the capital town,
Mahinog,Guinsiliban, Sagay, and Catarman and trying out its natural hot and cold
springs nd beautiful, white sandy beaches.
Originally inhabited by Manobos from Surigao,this island still largely remains
agricultural, producing mainly copra, rice, corn. Fishing is also major source of income.
Old Spanish documents indicate that the great explorers Ferdinand Magellan
and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi landed in Camiguin in 1521 and 1565 respectively, but it
was not until 1598 when the Spanish settlement was established in what later came to
be Guinsiliban.The first major settlement of the Spanish era was Catarman which grew
and prospered but was destroyed by the 871 Mt.Vulcan Daan.Today,what remains of
this illustrious past are the ruins of the buried ancient Spanish church and convent
located at the center of Catarman.

PLACES OF INTEREST
CATARMAN CHURCH RUINS
Located in Brgy. Bonbon, Catarman, these ruins of adobe walls, belfry and
convent that are testimonials to the devastating 1871 earthquake and volcanic eruption
that wiped out the illustrious town of Catarman established earlier as a Spanish
settlement in 1697.
CROSS MARKER AND SUNKEN CEMETERY
The huge cross was installed to mark the community cemetery which sank
during the 1871 volcanic holocaust.

WHITE ISLAND
This uninhabited small white sandbar, 2 kilometers off Agoho beach, is ideal for
swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. From here, one could get a good view of Mt.
HibokHibok and old Vulcan.
ARDENT HOT SPRING
Located six kilometers southwest of Mambajao proper, this hot spa of the locality
is a natural pool of about 40 degrees centigrade coming from the bowels of Mt. Hibok
Hibok.
TAGUINES LAGOON
This man-made lagoon located in Benoni, Mahinog, is said to be the crescent of
a sunken volcanic crater. It has a good seafood restaurant where one can go fishing for
your meal in one of its fish pens.
OLD VULCAN
Located 13 kms. west of Mambajao, this is the newest landmark for PANAAD, a
holy week activity, when devotees come to offer prayers and sacrifices while trekkinq
around the island and up the 14 Stations of the Cross on the mountain.
STO NINO COLD SPRING
Located four kilometers up Catarman town, this pool measures 25 meters by 40
meters. Its depth goes up to two meters deep of cold spring water sprouting from a
sandy bottom. Picnic huts are available and one can ask some locals to cook your meal
while you go for a refreshing swim.
KATIBAWASAN F FALLS
Located five kilometers southeast of Mambajao, this waterfalls Irops 250 feet
down to a pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns,trees and boulders.Its cold
water provides in ideal summer splash o bathers and picknickers.
How to get there
Take a public bus or van at Agora Terminal, Bgy. Lapasan in Cagayan de Oro for
Balingoan, 88 km. away from the city.Travel time is about 2 hours. If taking a private
vehicle, travel time may take only about 1.5 hours. At Balingoan, take a ferry bound for
either port in Camiguin: Benoni port in Mahinog or Guinsiliban port. Ferry ride takes
about 1 hour. Boat fare is about P110, one way.

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL AQUAMARINE PARK

Libertad Bajo, Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental
This 200-hectare park, a recipient of Galing Pook Award in 2005, serves as an aquaculture production center as weil as marine and wildlife sanctuary. It also has a Dolphin
island, a recreational area off the mainland, where visitors can feed the dolphins, swim
with the turtles and fishes and go snorkeling at the Giant Clam Garden.
Other activities include diving anc kayaking. Scuba, kayak, snorkeling gea and a
glass bottom boat are available for rent.There are also dining and accommodation

facilities, and large meeting halls for meetings and seminars. For bookings: contact
Janice Salvador at (0927) 2622756.

THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES OF NORTH-CENTRAL MINDANAO

Of the regions in the Philippines, Mindanao has the most number of indigenous
ethnolinguistic groups. There are about 30 or more of such communities distributed
throughout the island including the outlier islands-Basilan and the Sulu archipelago.The
indigenous communities are distinguished from the migrant lowland settlers, who
originally came from other regions of the archipelago such as the Bisayans,
Ilocanos,Tagalogs, etc., for they are called the Lumad (native) since their ancestors had
lived in Mindanao from time immemorial. They had occupied their welldefined ancestral
domains and maintained their cultural traditions, values, patterns and practices.
In order to understand the peopling of Mindanao, specifically north-central
region, we have to trace back to where the indigenous peoples came from in the distant
past. According to archaeological studies,there were several movements of human
population that came through Mindanao.The earliest were the ancestors of the Aetas
and Mamanua, who came around 30,000 years ago.This was followed by groups of
Austronesian speakers, believed to have originally come from South China and moved
down through the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, and reaching the shores of Mindanao on
the southwestern region around 3,000 years ago. The earliest group of autronesian
speakers that arrived was the Proto Manobo. Based on the linguistic studies of Richard
Elkins,the Proto Manobo had the most variant speakers distributed throughout
Mindanao and also the largest ethnolinguistic group.
It is believed that over time the Proto Manobo had dispersed throughout the
island of Mindanao as they searched for resources and finally occupying different
ecological zones-coastal, riverine, valley, and montane.The groups that went northward
(northern variant) reached the Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin. They
inhabited the mountains and plains of Bukidnon, and the coastal areas of Misamis
Oriental and Camiguin. Today, they are known by different ethnic identity, but speaking
the binukid language, namely the Higaonon who are living in the highlands of northern
Bukidnon,Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin; theTalaandig are found in the municipalities
of Lantapan and Talakag, Bukidnon. Other binukid speakers are also found in Agusan
del Sur ( Esperanza, Las Nieves, San Luis [Banwaon]) and in the boundary of Agusan
deI Sur and Bukidnon, specifically along the Umayam River.The sub-variant western Ma
nobo peakers-Matigsalug,Tigwa, and Pulanginon,-are inhabiting along the SaIug,Tigwa,
and Pulangi Rivers, respectively, and scattered throughout the municipalities in
southern Bukidnon.
The speech patterns of these ethnic groups are variants or sub-languages of the
Manobo linguistic stock.They share many common word cognates and thus could intelligibly understand each other. However, there are many terms/words that vary among
their speech patterns in the vocabulary and intonations. Linguistics attribute this to the
length of time of separation wherein they developed their own language gloss as they
adapted to their particular environment and interacted with other ethnic groups including
the lowland migrant settlers.

Culturally, these indigenous communities in north-central Mindanao share many

commonalities in their subsistence patterns, social organization, political system, religion and belief system, and the aesthetic preferences. However, many of these groups
attempt to claim their own ethnic and tribal identity based on the nature of ecologi cal
zone and the name of the natural feature such as rivers or plateau, valley, etc. Each of
these groups has its own history of origin, where they came from, but they share a
common story-the epic of Aggio found in the Ulaging of the Talaandig and Higaonon
and Ulahingan of the Manobo.This appears to be indicative of a common origin. More over, each ethnic group developed over time their own unique ways different from their
other "relatives; which may be functional to a particular group, but no longer worked for
the others.
Today,there are supposedly seven "tribes"in north-central Mindanao-- Talaandig,
Higaonon, Bukidnon, Matigsalug,Tigwahanon, Umayamnon,and Pulangihon-who were
derived from the Proto-Manobo ancestors.
The North-Central Mindanao Indigenous Communities: Brief Cultural Description.
Higaonon. This group originally inhabited the coastal area of Misamis Oriental
and Lanao del Norte. In the past they were engaged in fishing and horticulture
(kaingin).When the Spanish established their hold of Misamis Ooriental, many were
converted by the missionaries (Recollects and Jesuits) and became Christianized.
However, many also left the coast and moved up to the mountains/uplands of Misamis
Oriental and Bukidnon because of their dislike of the Spanish occupation and the com ing of the Dumagats from other parts of the archipelago.The people were thus named
Higaonon because they came up from the coast (naghigad). Today, Higaonon communities are distributed in the uplands of Misamis Oriental (from Magsaysay up to Lanao
del Norte) and northern Bukidnon.
Talaandig/Bukidnon. The Talaandig/Bukidnon (people of the slope) communities are distributed in southwestern part of Bukidnon, particularly the municipalities of
Lantapan and Talakag, which are on the foothills of Mt. Kitanglad. The Talaandig used
to occupy the plateaus of Bukidnon but retreated to the uplands of Mt. Kitanglad upon
the exploitation of the plateau by the Spanish government for agriculture and ranch ing.
But there were also many who were converted by the Spanish missionaries who went
up to Bukidnon to convert the natives.The Christianized communities became the bulk
of the population until the coming of the migrant settlers in the early 1900s.
Umayamnon. This ethnic community is a sub-group of the eastern Manobo
speakers who inhabit along the Umayam River, a tributary of the Pulangi and links with
the Agusan River. Their community is within the political jurisdiction of the municipality
of Cabanglasan, which borders on to Agusan del Sur Province.
Matigsalug. The Matigsalug are a sub-group of the western Manobo speakers
who are distributed along the Salug River, a tributary of the Pulangi River. They are
mostly confined in the municipalities of San Fernando and Kitaotao, Bukidnon and
spread up to Marilog district of Davao City.
Tigwahanon. The Tigwahanon are also western Manobo speakers like the
Matigsalug, except that they lived along the Tigwa river, another tributary of the Pulangi
River in the municipality of Valencia and northern part of San Fernando.

Pulanginon. This ethnic community also belongs to the western Manobo speakers who lived along the Pulangi River and Plateau in southern Bukidnon. They are
largely distributed in the municipalities of Maramag, Quezon, Kadingilan, Pangantucan,
Dangcagan,Kibawe,and Damulog.
The cultures of these ethnic communities have similarities and differences. The
similarities can be found in their way of production in the past and still is practiced by
some of these groups who opted the traditional farming pattern, which is swidden
cultivation/farming.They all used to hunt wild animals and fish in the rivers and forage
the forest for edible plant foods.Today, many of these communities are engaged in
lowland farming using the draft animals and planting lowland crops. Hunting and
foraging is no longer a part of their lifestyle since they are now into domesticating
animals.
Practices and Beliefs
Marriage practices among these groups also have similarities in the past.
Generally the marriage pattern was by arrangement (buya) between two families even
when the prospective groom and bride were still children. The groom's family was
expected to prepare the bride-price/wealth to be given to the bride's family during the
betrothal. Among some of these communities such as the Higaonon and Talaandig,
before the wedding takes place,there was haggling or bargaining of bridewealth
(carabao, money, sacks of rice, etc) between the relatives of the couple until such
agreement was reached.The ceremony was always officiated by the chieftain (datu) or
shaman (baylan), which was done by the couple feeding each other with a ball of rice,
signifying union. Among all of these communities, feasting would follow. After the
sacrife wedding, the new couple would reside with the bride's parents (matrilocal)
or with the groom's family (patrilocal) for a year or so until they are able to build their
own residence.Today, many of the young people from these communities follow the
lowland ways of getting married, that is selecting their spouse and married in the
church, although some of the communities still adhere to the traditional ways.
Polygyny (having more than one wife) or duay used to be practiced by those who
could afford to support more than wife. Sometimes a wife may encourage a husband to
get another wife to help her with the house and farm chores.The wife selects the
woman for the husband and would help her husband in obtaining brideprice to be given
to the family of the woman.The second wife lives in the same household with the first
wife as the manager. Since many of the indigenous communities had been
Christianized and educated, the duay system is hardly practiced, except for the older
generation.
In the past these indigenous groups were animists who believed in nature spirits
called diwata. They were perceived to dwell in different places such as the forest,
mountains, rivers, trees, soil, and the sky. Their supreme deity was Magbabaya (Higaonon and Talaandig) and Manama (Matigsalug and Tigwa) and the diwatas were his
aides and guardians of the environment.These diwatas were believed to impose taboos
on the people and should be careful not to breach them.They had to perform a ritual by
offering a sacrifice (chicken or pig) to appease a diwata whose taboos were violated lest
he would become sick. Thanksgiving is celebrated through the Kaamulan of the
Higaonon and the Talaandig or the Kahimunan of the Manobo when someone becomes

well from illness, or when giving thanks for post-conflict victory.The Baylan ((shaman),
who served as a medium between the diwatas and the people, performed most of the
rituals for different occasions-during illness, planting and harvest, hunting and fishing,
and settlement of conflict.
Today, many indigenous communities have been converted to different Christian
faiths and had abandoned their indigenous religion.The baylan has lost her/his function
in the community and as the repository of traditional knowledge. However, there are still
some members of these communities who persisted to follow their indigenous beliefs
and practices or even when they are Christians they continued to believe in their
traditional religion and blended or syncretized the two belief systems.
Political Hierarchy
These indigenous communities have their own way of governance, which is
under the leadership of the Datu or Igbuyag (Matigsalug) and recognized by the
Philipine government. In the past, the power of a Datu was encompassing for he served
many functions: chief warrior, arbitrator/settler of intratribal conflict; he was assisted and
guided by the council of elders. Under the Datu were his warriors called Bagani by the
Manobo groups and Alimaong by the Talaandig and Higaonon.These warriors were
believed to be protected by their own patron diwatas during warfare.
The Datu's leadership and authority today is mostly confined within his ancestral
domain and his function is respected by the Philippine authority.The political structure
had changed in that the warriors no longer exist, except in one Talaandig community of
Sungco. The Datu and his council of elders are allowed to exercise their customary
laws over concerns of their community. The Indigenous People's Rights Act (IPRA) has
mandated for the indigenous communities to have rights to their ancestral domain,
some of which have already been titled.
Arts and Crafts
The arts and crafts of these communities show some comparable similarities
especially in the woven crafts made into baskets, containers for different kinds of
foodstuff. These are usually made of bamboo, rattan and tikos vine. In the past, they
used to make their own tools for cutting, weeding, and for warfare; they had the
knowledge of blacksmithing.The easy access to obtain blade implements in the market
led to the stoppage of the practice of iron smithing.
Weaving is still practiced in these communities, done mostly by women, using
hemp/abaca fiber made into material purposely to make bags like the kamuyot of the
Talaandig and Higaonon. It is believed though that they had cotton veaving in the
distant past but was not preserved by the succeeding generation of women. The
Matigsalug Manobo of upper Kalagangan, San Fernando composed of Simsimon,
Dapiluan, and Malunasay settlements, still possess the knowledge of cotton weaving
and preserved by the old women. It is imperative that this indigenous knowledge be
transferred to the younger women for continuity of cultural heritage. Bead making is a
common livelihood occupation among the women for they can sell these during the
Kaamulan festival or during town fiesta.

Music and Dances

These ethnic communities have different musical instruments. The Higaonon and
Talaandig share common types of instruments, such as the kubing, saluray, kudlong,
agong, and gimba, which also are found among the Manobo groups. However, the
Matigsalug Manobo has a unique instrument, the bangkakaw, which is a hollowed log
slightly suspended on two wooden poles and pounded by players using the butt end of
the poles to make a drum-like sound while men and women dance to the tune.
The communities have dances, though some differ from each other, yet there are
similarities in others. Most of their dances depict occupational activities such as planting
and harvesting, hunting, fishing or foraging; imitation of denizens in the forest, like the
monkeys, frogs, birds, etc.; and cultural events such as warfare, marriage, religious
beliefs. The Higaonon and Talaandig are famous for their dance called dugso, which is
associated with farming and danced only by the women. The Manobo groups, on the
other hand, a couple-man and woman- sing and dance together, with the man playing
the kudlong while the woman dances and sings to the tune of the kudlong.
These communities have preserved some of theiroral traditions, which are
recited through chanting-olaging in the Talaandig and Higaonon, and ulahing among
the Manobo. Men and women in these communities sing the limbay (lullaby) to their
children; and the young men would sing the bayok (courtship song) to a young woman,
the object of his admiration.The dasang (debate), which is recited by two men
composing the issue to be debated upon is strong popular among some Higaonon
groups, but no longer practiced by other Bukidnon and Manobo groups.

CULTURAL-HISTORICAL Destinations
Fuerte de la Conception y del Triunfo
This solid, rectangular fort, popularly known as "Triunfo"fort was built in 1756. It
formed part of a network of fortifications in Mindanao, particularly, in Iligan, Cagayan,
Tandag and Zamboanga.
The fort was constructed upon an elevated platform strategically located at the
mouth of Panguil Bay. It was planned and constructed by Fr. Joseph Ducos,S.J.and Fr.
Paver. Fr. Ducos was a Jesuit missionary who also had the title of Captain General as
the leader of an armada that patrolled the Mindanao Sea against Muslim pirates. In one
of the sea battles, Fr. Ducos lost one eye. He is the same man who had led the people
of Iligan in a successful defense of their town against a Muslim raid.
The fort's name "Conception"referred to Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary under
her title of the Immaculate Conception while the "Triunfo"was in honor of Father Ducos's
flagship in the armada, a galley called "Triunfo."
This fort, as in other forts, was a key instrument in the establishment of
Christianity in the islands of the Philippines, from Luzon to Mindanao.
The Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of the immaculate Conception is the
Patroness both of the fort and of the town of Misamis.

Her image on the wall continues to be a venerated shrine to which many people
make a pilgrimage on July 16, to honor her as Virgin del Triunfo" or"Virgin sa
Cota"(the"Virgin of t he fort").
In Spain, it is said that this date also marks the special commemoration of the
"Triumph"of the Cross" in the Battle of Las Navas deTolosa of 1212, when the united
Christian armies under the command of king (later Saint) Fernando of Castille defeated
the Moors and drove them out of Andalucia, with only Granada remaining in Moorish
hands.

HULUGA SITE COMPLEX:

Its significance to the Culture History of Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao
Mindanao Island has a place of importance in Philippine culture history for it
served as a corridor for the early human populations in their movement from mainland
Asia via a land bridge about 30,000 years ago. Over time later different human groups
followed and occupied different ecological niches in the archipelago.The vestiges of
their culture were imprinted on their material things (artifacts) interred in caves, or left
embedded in ruined settlements and abandoned by time.
Archaeological sites,where past material culture are found,have been discovered
in different regions of the Philippines including Mindanao, a few of which were
investigated by the National Museum of the Philippines, but many of these sites were
disturbed and destroyed by treasure seekers in search of Yamashita's gold. The de struction of the sites has negative implication-the loss of the local cultural heritage of the
region, which is the hubris of the country's patrimony.
Discovery of the Huluga Site Complex
In 1969, a resident of sitio Tagwanao, Pedrito Baccaro reported to Fr. Francisco
R.Demetrio, S.J. of Xavier University about a cave, which he found on the cliff of a
promontory about 100 feet above the waters of Cagayan River. He showed some of the
artifacts from the cave and showed him the location. Fr. Demetrio, who had just opened
a small museum, reported the site to the National Museum in Manila. The latter sent
two archaeologists in 1971 to investigate the caves in the Himologan or Huluga vicinity
and also conducted reconnaissance survey of other sites around the area.
The cave, which was of limestone material, when initially surveyed by the
archaeologists revealed physical human remains (parts of a skeleton) such as the
cranium and pieces of bone fragments from the upper and lower extremities. Associated
with these remains were funerary goods, which included broken pieces of pottery, small
stone adze, and shell ornament (armlet).The cave, apparently, was used as a burial
place. About 100 meters away from the cave, part of the promontory lies the open site,
which the archaeologists also investigated.The site was littered with potsherds and
obsidian (volcanic glass) flakes and chips, and shards of porcelain. The presence of
such material culture was indicative of human activities, i.e., people must have settled
and inhabited the area.
In the summer of 1975, Fr. Demetrio had invited the writer, an archaeologist, to
train some students of Xavier University who had organized an archaeological society,

in field archaeology. Pedrito Baccaro reported another burial in the Huluga cliff a few
meters away from the main cave. It was more of a hole on the cliff which contained
skeletal remains (skull, arm and leg bones and some ribs) in association with funerary
goods such as a small broken pot, polished stone adze, tip of iron implement (knife or
spear), shell ornaments, and a few carnelian beads. In 1977, a small bone sample was
sent to the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at La Jolla, California to be dated through
the amino acid racemization calibration to determine when the person had Iived.The
result gave a date of 1,600 B.P. (Before the Present).
Included in the training was the exploratory excavation in the open site.Trenches
and pits were layed out to determine deposition of material culture and also the horizon
levels of occupation. Surface materials were systematically collected according to quadrant (eg. NW, NE), which included potsherds, obsidian flakes, chert flakes, and
porcelain shards.The open site was badly disturbed since it had been used as a farm
and had been plowed many times over. Therefore, it was impossible to determine the
stratification of occupation.
The presence of obsidian (volcanic glass) flakes/chips, some of which were
worked, is an interesting phenomenon for northern Mindanao archaeology because it is
only in Cagayan de Oro sites where obsidian had been found. Although volcanic activities were quite obvious to have taken in these parts many thousands of years ago, it
needs further intensive study to locate the source or provenance,which could be outside
of Mindanao or the Philippines.
There had been further archaeological reconnaissance surveys conducted by the
National Museum archaeologists around Cagayan de Oro City area and vicinities,
specifically along the Cagayan River and plateaus in the 1980s, which revealed several
archaeological sites, some of them were rockshelters and burials. Unfortunately, many
of these have been destroyed by road construction, putting up housing subdivisions and
other infrastructures, and by treasure hunters.
In 2003,the City of Cagayan de Oro constructed a road from Macasandig up to
Tagwanao cutting the open site into half and built a bridge over Cagayan River con necting to Barangay Balulang. While shifting through the debris of dirt, a member of the
Heritage Conservation Advocate found a segment of a metal harpoon (iron) and a
Spanish coin minted between 1788 and 1808 during the reign of Charles the 4th the
king of Spain.
On the lower western slope of the open site lies the kitchen midden (garbage
pile) where a good number of pottery shards with various designs and animals bones,
both domesticated and feral, were uncovered. Different species of mollusks were also
associated.The contents of the midden gave good information on the diet of the people.
It is unfortunate, though, that the construction has destroyed the open site and the
material culture therein.
Cultural Reconstruction of the Huluga Site Complex.
From the archaeological finds in Huluga site complex, it can be inferred that Ca gayan de Oro was inhabited from prehistoric times (ca. 2000 years) up until the advent
of the Recollect missionaries in 1622.The physical environment then around Huluga
was believed to have been heavily forested and rich in biodiversity, which could have

enticed early human populations to live in the area where they could hunt wild game
and forage the forest for wild edible plants.The presence of pottery in the site
assemblage could indicate that they had subsisted on food crops that were planted. It is
probable that they were engaged in simple horticulture through the slash-burn
technique (kaingin) to clear areas to plant their crops.
Like many early prehistoric societies in other parts of the world, caves had
served not only for habitation, but internment of the dead. In Huluga,the limestone
caverns served that purpose wherein their dead were placed inside the caves along
with their personal possessions/effects. This practice was common among many
societies in the past, which had been interpreted by scholars to be related to the belief
in life after death.
The water level of Cagayan River then was higher than it is now and abounded
in aquatic life, including several varieties of fresh-water fish, mollusks, and edible plants
that grow along the banks of the river. Because of the rich natural resource, Huluga
area became a haven for human habitation. It was probably occupied in different time
periods from the late Neolithic (new stone age) around 2000 years ago up until the
onset of the Spanish regime in the Philippines. The earlier groups intermittently
inhabited the area since they were more nomadic hunters and gatherers; but the later
occupation seems to point a more semi- sedentary life to more sedentary station,
wherein houses were permanently built. It is highly probable that the open site was
occupied in different periods by different groups of people.
It is also evident that the inhabitants in the open site manufactured pottery of
varied forms and types, such as cooking pots,jars, and dishes.Although the obsidian
flakes and chips were found intermixed with the pottery materials, however, it does not
necessarily mean that the bearers of obsidian materials were contemporaneous with
the pottery making people; they could be older. Moreover, the great bulk of pot tery
shards collected from the open site could attest to the presence of a community, a
settlement or village, not merely as a camping site as contended by a group who
conducted an excavation in the open site two years ago.
Where is Himologan Village?
One of the crucial questions frequently asked: Is Huluga site complex linked to
the existence of the earliest settlement called Himologan as cited in the oral history of
Cagayan de Oro? In the account of the Recollect missionaries who visited Himologan in
1622,they related that the place was a steep inaccessible rock along the Cagaiang
River (where the name Cagayan was perhaps derived). It had no way of approach or
mode of ascent but ladders made of rattan and was fortified and protected. Himolo gan
was under the leadership of Salangsang with five hundred followers. The account
continues on to tell that the site was perched on top (of the promontory) with a large
house resembling a cloister (a long house) where many families dwell. In the middle of
the place was a structure called diwatahan, a house of worship. (Blair and Robertson,
The Philippine Islands:The Early Recollect Mission. 1624,Vol.21).
Moreover, according to the oral history of the Cagayanos that the place was also
called Huluga, another derivative term from Himologan because of the trees that were
felled or cut were dropped into the river to be carried by the current down to the mouth
of Cagayan River.The activity of cutting down trees was on going during the Spanish

regime when timber were needed to build ships and even for residences in the village of
Cagayan de Oro.
The beginning of Cagayan de Oro is not merely based on myth or legend It is
supported by historical accounts and attested by the presence of archaeological evidences in the open sites. Himologan tells the ethnohistory of the Cagayan de Oro City-its
origin, peoples, events, and cultural development. Its destruction also meant the loss of
the cultural heritage of the Cagayanos.
In 2001, the National Museum declared 26 Spanish colonial-era churches in the
country as "National Cultural Treasures. Of the twenty-six, 'wo are found in Min danao.
One is the church of San Juan de Bautista in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental built by the
Recollects and the other one is the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Jasaan,
Misamis Oriental built by the Jesuits.
These churches, constructed prior to 1898, were both found to have kept intact
much of their church complex (church, convento, church yard), preserved much of their
pre-1898 interiors including furnishings and even ambience; and their respective
architecture and chosen locations were representative of some artistic style of the original church-building orders, such as the Recollects and the Jesuits in Mindanao.

Church of San Juan de Bautista

This church, located on high grounds, was said to have been built in 1862 by the
Re-collects headed by Fr. Roque Azcona. Other priests who succeeded him and
continued the building were Fr. Jose Abad in 1886 and Fr. Constancio Asencio in
1891.Fr. Asen- cio was the parish priest until 1898 and it was said that it was during his
term that beau-tiful icons and painting works were done on the ceiling, that the imposing
19-meter high bell tower with a clock was built, and that the most beautiful ornaments,
including the pipe organ which arrived from Spain in 1894, were received.
A tremor sometime in 1976 was said to have damaged the church causing some
major repairs to be done until 1977.The exterior walls, except the front wall, were
reinforced by adding a layer of hollow blocks and cement plaster. Potico openings were
braced with reinforced concrete.
In 1995, the bell tower base, formerly the baptistery, was renovated and
converted into a chapel for St.Jude.
In 2002,the nave and chancel ceiling paintings on canvass were restored by the
National Museum.

Church of the Immaculate Conception

This church was built in the latter part of the 19th century by the Jesuits. The
church complex is located on high grounds near the sea. Its old convent found on its
right side is still being used as a convent. Recorded renovations start in the 1950's
when portions of the chancel and central aisle floor was replaced by granolithic marble
finish and cement tiles.
In the 1980's up to the 1990's, renovations in the exterior and interior parts were
made. Included here was that of the wooden pediment of the facade which was

replaced by a concrete wall.The bell tower walls were covered by galvanized iron
sheets and concrete plaster.
The grill-covered windows - each opening is 1.20 m. wide and 2.45 m high, and
is 1.63 m above the nave floor level.
The church's facade.

Old Houses
Old houses, dating back to the Spanish and American period still exist in various
municipalities or cities.
These houses, are usually a two-storey rectangular building with a balcony or a
balcon from where one can watch processions or parades passing the street.
Some of these houses follow the style of bahay na bato, or "house of stone"
which is made of stone and wood. This style, an improved version of the bahay kubo in
terms of materials and space allocation, is also labeled a Spanish style house
displaying influences Spanish art such as tiled roof, wooden spindles, iron grills and
latticed upper wall above the window transom.

Festivals
KAAMULAN FESTIVAL, Bukidnon
Every 1st Saturday of March
Kaamulan is an indigenous term for "gathering"-whether for a datuship ritual, a wedding
ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time or a peace pact. In November
1977, the provincial government spearheaded the annual celebration of Kaamulan Festival which includes a street parade participated in by various indigenous communities,
a trade fair, and a rodeo. Main venue for the celebration is at the Kaamulan Park
located at the back of the Provincial Capitol.

KAGAY-AN FESTIVAL, Cagayan de Oro

3rd or 4th week of August (28th of August Feast of St. Augustine)
This festival is celebrated in honor of St. Augustine, the patron saint of the city.
The celebration starts around the 3rd week of the month of August.There are trade fair
events at the Capitol Grounds like "salo-tabo"where different producers from the
province gather to sell their agricultural products; river festivities such as long boat race,
white water rafting competition, and a fluvial parade, dubbed"Sakay-sakay sa Lambago"
and a food festival called "Kumbira." Highlights of the festival are street dancing and the
Search for Ms. Kagay-an Tourism.

KALIGA FESTIVAL, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental

23 July
This is a thanksgiving festival with a street dancing performance to celebrate the
city's charter day every 23rd of July. Activities include the Search for Binibining Gingoog
Tourism, skim boarding competition and annual mountaineering climb of Mt. Lumot in
Bgy. Lunotan

LANZONES FESTIVAL, Camiguin

Every 3rd week of October
This is to celebrate the bountiful harvest of lanzones, locally called,"buahan "
which is said to be sweetest in Camiguin. Highlights of the festival include an agrifair,
streetdancing contest displaying traditional dances and ethnic costumes.

VIVA SENOR SAN MIGUEL

29 September, Iligan City
This feast is held to honor, the city's patron saint, St. Michael the Archangel.The
feast has three parts:
1) Pagpakanaug, held every 20th of Sept at 8 a.m.This is the ritual transfer of the
statue of St. Michael from the main altar to the side altar for his bath and change of
clothes.
2) Its dance parade called Kasadya Festival, a dance parade usually held on the
27th of September.
3) Comedia de San Miguel or Yawa-yawa,the Iliganon term for this indigenous
stage play said to date back to 1890.This play focuses on the conflict between St.
Michael the Archangel and Lucifer.

SAGAYAN FESTIVAL, Tubod, Lanao del Norte

July 4,Tubod: Started in 1992 and held during the Araw ng Lanao del Norte and
participated in by all municipalities of the province. A cultural centerpiece is a colorful
and spectacular Maranao war dance depicting the Maranao - Maguindanao epic
"Darangen"(Datu Bantugan and BaeLawanen).
CHRISTMAS LANTERN FESTIVAL,
Tangub City, Misamis Occidental
The whole month of December sees a colorful display of huge Christmas
lanterns in this city. People from far places come to witness this unique lantern festival.

Pasalubong Shopping
There is a wide array of choices for pasalubong available in the region.
Try the various hams Cagayan de Oro is known for: Pines (Montalban St.), Oro
Ham (Corrales St.) or SLERS (Velez cor del Pilar Sts.).
Or visit Vjandep Bakeshop (Tiano St.) which sells its famous pastel of Camiguin,
a soft dough coffee bun, which comes in various flavors like "yema,"durian, mango, and
pineapple. Also available in this store are products of Iligan like Cheding's greaseless
peanuts and Iligan's famous "Pinakurat"vinegar of different flavors, from sweet to spicy
and cashew nuts of Lumbia and Soling's Piniato, peanut brittle made of high-grade
peanut, honey and sugar.
Salay handmade paper is available in a shop along Pabayo St., Cagayan de
Oro, contact (088) 858-7517.
In Cogon market in Cagayan de Oro or in Jolo Barter Trade in Iligan City, one
can buy Muslim wears widely used in Mindanao, such as "tubao"or headcloth and

the"malong"ortubeskirt. A"malong"may be used for everyday wear or for ceremonial and

gala occasions (e.g., the "landap"and the "andon" which are intricately designed). The
malong and tubao usually come in colorful, checkered or geometric design.
In various malls such as Gaisano Mall (Corrales St.), Lumad shop in Ororama
(Lapasan), Limketkai Mall (Limketkai Center) and SM Mall (Masterson's Ave.) in
Cagayan e Oro, one can buy t-shirts, bags, caps and shorts and other souvenir items.
At the fruit stand, one can buy varied fruits of the season like
mangoes,"rambutan,"durian,"marang,"mangosteen, sweet lanzones from Camiguin.
In Bukidnon,ZetaTrading sells local handicrafts.
In Misamis Occidental, especially in Tangub, as well as in Lanao del Norte, crabs
are aplenty and people usually bring home pails of this as pasalubong. Seafood, like
dried fish-is also widely available in public markets.
Also, a popular choice is the lechon, of the wild boar type Iligan or just the
regular type but just as popular from Cagayan de Oro, like Anon's, Poldo's to name only
two.
From Camiguin, bring home packs of Maestrado Tablea, a uniquely-shaped
cocoa tablet molded out of freshly-ground cocoa beans (contact Pura M. Maano at
(088) 87003) and La Salud Turrones de Mani, homemade peanut candies wrapped.

Tour Packages
CAGAYAN de ORO CITY TOUR w/ MAKAHAMBUS Cave & Gorge
Tour Code: CCT
HULUGA OPEN SITE/CAVES
. GARDENS OF MALASAG
UPTOWN CAGAYAN
. SHOPPINGS
ORO GARDENS
. MUSEUM VISIT
SAN AGUSTIN CATHEDRAL
. OSTRICH AND CROCRODILE FARM
PLAZA DIVISORIA
inclusions: Roundtrip a/c transfers, ent. fees, tour guide, lunch
Duration: half-day; pick-up: 8 a.m.
cost/person: P3,000 (2-3); P2,500 (4 and up)
ILIGAN DAYTOUR
Tour Code: IDT
MARIA CRISTINA FALLS
TINAGO FALLS
TIMOGA SPRINGS
MACARAEG ANCESTRAL HOME
Inclusions: Roundtrip a/c transfers, entrance fees, tour guide, lunch
Duration: full day; pick-up: 9 a.m.
Cost/person: P3,000 (2-3); P2,500 (4 and up)

BUKIDNON COUNTRYSIDE TOUR

w/ DEL MONTE PINEAPPLE PLANTATION
Tour Code: BDT
MANGIMA CANYONS
KAAMULAN PARK
MONASTERY of the TRANSFIGURATION
Inclusions: Roundtrip a/c transfers, entrance fees, tour guide, lunch
Duration: full day; pick-up: 8 a.m.
Cost/person: P3,500 (2-3); P3,000 (4 and up)
SUN, SAND & SEA DAYTOUR
swim, sunbathe, feed the fishes, snorkel!
Tour Code: SDT
Inclusions:
Roundtrip a/c transfers from Cgy de Oro, entrance fees, tour guide, lunch
Duration: full day; pick-up: 8 a.m.
Cost/person: P3,000 (2-3); P2,500 (4 and up)
SIGHTS & CULTURE A TOUR of REGION 10
Tour Code. GT-101 (Min. 10)
This is a specially designed tour for those who want to experience firsthand the different
cultures of Northern Mindanao, visiting ALL FIVE provinces in the region, seeing the
spectular sights, tasting the people's local cuisine, and interacting with the local people.
CAMIGUIN ..."the island of your imagination"
Tour Code. CIT
KATIBAWASAN FALLS
CROSS MARKER & SUNKEN CEMETERY
CATARMAN CHURCH RUINS
STO. NINO COLD SPRING
ARDENT HOT SPRING
WHITE ISLAND
Inclusions: Two nights aircon accom. in an "AA"resort, roundtrip (rt) land & sea transfers
from Cagayan de Oro, (rt) land transfers to resort from Camiguin port, daily breakfast,
CAMIGUIN Tour w/ lunch, inclusive of transfers, local guide, entrance fees, government
taxes and barangay fees. Plus, HOP to WHITE ISLAND wl 1 roundtrip boat transfers.
Go for Pure Adventure
White Water Rafting + Canopy Walk
Tour Code: PAD
Inclusions: Two nights aircon accom., roundtrip airport transfers, daily breakfast, White
Water Rafting Adventure with lunch with jeepney transfers, safety gears and equipment,

river guides, and bgy fees + Canopy Walk Adventure with lunch, van transfers, harness
and other safety equipment, mountain guides, bgy fees. Assemble at pick-up point for
WWR: Plaza Divisoria, in front of McDonalds, approx. 7:30-8a.m. Pick-up at hotel for
Canopy Walk Adventure. Important: MUST arrive Cagayan by 7 a.m. or add one night.
Canopy Walk is a high adventure that includes a forest trek ... a "swing for life"... and a
walk through a hanging bridge about 100 feet high ...
The COTA and AQUAFUN Plus!
Tour code: OAT
Inclusions: Roundtrip land and sea transfers from Cagayan De Oro, two (2) nights hotel
accommodation, daily breakfast, historical and pilgrimage tour with seafood lunch, a
day tour at the marine park with lunch, services of a guide and entrance fees.
Cost/person : P9,950 (min. 2-3) P8,950 (min. 4-up) Option: Dapitan+DakakTour
THE PIPE ORGAN
of IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL FORT
of NUESTRA SENORA del TRIUNFO de la CRUZ
MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL AQUAMARINE PARK
TOURISM DIRECTORY & Ad Index
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY
Accommodation, Dining, & Others
COMPANY NAME

ADDRESS

AJIS RENT-A-CAR

40 Upper Zone 5, Bulua

Barkadahan Grill
Bigbys Quality Food Corp.
Blueberry Caf
Bonair Inn
Bos Coffee
Caf Laguna
Cagayan Pakview Hotel
Cagayan River View Inn
Casa Crystalla
Casa Luciana Guest House
Chali Beach Resort and Conference Center
Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Resort
Coffee Wats
Consuelo Steakhouse
Country Village Hotel
Countryside Steakhouse
Covadongga Retreat House
Cucina de Oro
DEAR MANOK
De Luxe Hotel

Tel. No.

(08822) 737785
(088) 8584843
(088) 8568484
Dolores-Veles-Sts.
(088) 8575511
Velez st.
(08822) 725291
Pres. Sergio Osmena st.
(08822) 728735
Veles St.
(088) 8553999
Limketkai Center
(088) 8582999
Tirso-Neri St.
(08822) 726656
Vamenta Blvd., Carmen
(08822) 729039
Pabayo Chavez Sts.
(08822) 722465
Sgt. A. Velez St., Mabulay Subd.(088) 8561580
Old Road, Cugman
(088) 8552108
Baloy
(088) 8552702
Limketkai Center
(088) 8562240
Corrales Avenue,
(088) 8561353
Villarin Sts., Carmen
(088) 8583004
Limketkai Center
(08822) 728953
Upper Macasandig
(08822) 724324
Limketkai Drive, Lapasan
Tiano Akut St.
(088) 8564914
Capt. Vicente Roa St.
(08822) 726527

Demiren Hotel
Discovery Hotel and Restaurant
Dynasty Court Hotel
FEMS VINES PENSION HOUSE
Fiesta sa Balsa Sugbahan
Fort santiago Pension House
Gardenia Guest House
Gardens of Malasag Eco-tourism Village
Golden Ajirang (Korean Restaurant)
Goodnews Travellers Inn
Grand Caprice Restaurant
Grand City Hotel
Green Haven Vegetarian Rest.
Harbor Lights Hotel & Restaurant
HOTEL CONCHITA
Hotel Koresko
Hotel Ramon
Inilog Grill
King William Inn
Kagay-anon Restaurant
La Mar Inn
La Tegula Cucina
Lexis Grill
Mallberry Suites
Marco Hotel
MASS-SPECC Hostel
Maxandrea Hotel
Middleton Apartelle
MINDYS CDO
Mountain Suite Business Apartelle
Natures Pensionne
Oriental Garden Restaurant
Oro Renaissance
Park Caf
Pearlmont Inn
Philtown Hotel
Pizza d Amore
Pips and Soy Diner
Pjoes Diner
Pryce Plaza Hotel
Queensland 7
Ramen Tei
Reyna del Rio Floating Restaurant
Ridgeview Chalets
Sentro
Southwinds Hotel
Sunshine Christian Guest House
Tapsi Time & Charlie Chan
The Bam
TOURMAKERS PHILS., INC.
VIP Hotel
Vienna Kaffehaus
Victorias Grill
Young Men Christian Asso. (YMCA)

Tiano Kalambaguhan St.

Osmena-Florentino St., Limketkai Dr.
Tiano Bros. cor. Hayes Sts.
Aguinaldo St., cor. Yacapin St.
Akut Tiano Bros. St.
2nd-19th St., Nazareth
Biasong Tinib Road, Macasandig
Malasag, Cugman
C.M. Recto Avenue,
Capt. Vicente Roa St.
Limketkai Center
A. Veles St.
LKK Center
Old Road, Gusa
Guillermo-Yacapin Extensiopn Sts.

(088) 8561398
(08822) 727814
(08822) 724516
(08822) 724582
(088) 8565149
(08822) 729606
(088) 8572157
(088) 8556183
(08822) 727876
(08822) 728244
(08822) 726955
(08822) 723551
(08822) 724862
(08822) 724878
(08822) 727355
(088) 856 3856
Pueblo de Oro Golf Estates
(088) 8592299
T.Neri Burgos St.
(08822) 724738
Veles St.
(08822) 724846
Cruz Taal cor. Burgos Sts.
(08822) 712888
Limketkai Center
(088) 8563843
J.R. Borja cor. Don A Veles Sts.
(08822) 723474
80 Hayes St.
(088) 8572137
Tiano-Makahambus St.
(08822) 714406
Florentino St.
(08822) 724999
Alwana Business Park, Cugman
(088) 8552198
Tiano-Pacana St.
(088) 8562340
J.R. Borja cor. Aguinaldo st.
(08822) 721029
Max Suniel St., Carmen
(08822) 723665
Yacapin cor. A. Veles St.
(08822) 720698
Kimwa Compound, Baloy
(088) 8551724
T. Chaves St.
(088) 8572274
A. Veles- Makahambus St.
(088) 8561813
Kauswagan Natl Hway
(08822) 724851
Plaza Divisoria
(088) 8564444
Limketkai Drive
(08822) 728913
A. Veles-Makahambus Sts.
(08822) 726295
Limketkai Center
(088) 8567333
25 Tiano-Nacalaban St.
(08822) 723161
Limketkai Center
(088) 8565555
Carmen Hill
(08822) 722791
Kauswagan National Highway,
(08822) 738122
LKK Center
(088) 8566222
Burgos-Chaves Sts.
(08822) 714264
Airport Rd, Xavier Estates, Up. Balulang (088) 8587930
Veles st.
(08822) 721850
Capt. Vicente Roa Ext.
(08822) 727623
Mabulay subd.
(08822) 723053
A. Velez-Makahambus St.
(08822) 723551
Rizal-Hayes St.
(088) 8575009
57 R.N. Abejuela St., Plaza Divisoria
(08822) 710185
(088) 8581448
Apolinar Velez cor. Pacana Sts.
(08822) 726082
Don Apolinar Velez St.
(088) 8576171
Pride Rock Business Park, Gusa
(088) 8585169
Julio Pacana St.
(088) 8569624

GINGOOG CITY
Accommodation & Dining
COMPANY NAME

ADDRESS

TEL. NO.

A & E RESTAURANT
R.BaolSt.,Gingoog City
(08842)7275
ARTURO S. LUGOD GYMNASIUM
Dugenio.St.,Gingoog City
(08842)7260
CENTURY PENSION HOUSE
CV Lugod St., Gingoog City
(08842)7834
CITY HALL PENTHOUSE
City Hall, Gingoog City
(08842)7260
CORRE'S APARTELLE
Paz Village, Gingoog City
(08842)7244
DNEW DEBONAIRE
Rizal-Condeza Sts.,Gingoog City
(08842)7724
Eastland Restaurant Mountain air Hotel
Gingoog City
(08842) 7999
GINGOOG MOUNTAIN AIR HOTEL
Dona GraciaSt.,GingoogCity
(08842) 7999
GRAHE SIDEWALK GRILL
Guanzon-Condez Sts.,Gingoog City
(088) 8611080
LARRY'S
National Highway, Gingoog City
(08842)7296
LITTLE MANSION LODGE
Lugod St., Gingoog City
(08842) 7409
MANSION BY THE SEA
Rodriguez-Lugod Sts., Gingoog City
(08842) 7409
New Lane Restaurant
Natl Highway
(08842) 7246
ONWARD INN
Natl Highway, Gingoog City
(08842)7773
Sentro Music Lounge
Natl Highway
(08842)7527

MISAMIS ORIENTAL
Accommodation & Dining
COMPANY NAME

ADDRESS

TEL. NO.

BASAMANGGAS RESORT
Duka Bay Resort and Restaurant
Lauremar Hotel
LIYANG BEACH
LIYANG HEIGHTS
MANTANGALE ALIBUAG DIVE RESORT
Tabing Dagat Restaurant

Kimaya,Jasaan
Medina
Opol
Jasaan
Jasaan
Balingoan
Opol

(08822)760564
(08822)722528
(08822)735411
(0921)7477333
(0921)7477333
(08822) 720707
(08822)724488

CAMIGUIN
Accommodation & Dining
COMPANY NAME

ADDRESS

TEL.NO.

BAHAY-BAKASYUNAN SA CAMIGUIN
CABUA-AN BEACH RESORT
CAMIGUIN HIGHLAND RESORT
CAVES BEACH RESORT

Batbagon,Mambajao
Cabua-an, Mambajao
Orasan, Soro-soro, Mambajao
Agoho, Mambajao

(088)3870278
(088)3872103
(088)3870516
(088)3879040

J&A FISHPEN RESORT&RESTAURANT

MAMBAJAO BEACH RESORT
PARAS BEACH RESORT
RJ FASTFOOD & PENSION HOUSE
SECRET COVE
TIAS BEACH RESORT&PENSION HOUSE

Benoni,Mahinog
Balibagon, Mambajao
Yumbing, Mambajao
Mambajao
Yumbing, Mambajao
Poblacion, Mambajao

(088)3874008
(088)3871059
(088)3879008
(088)3870089
(088)3879084
(088) 3871045

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL: OZAMIS, TANGUB, OROQUIETA

Accomodation & Dining

COMPANY NAME

ADDRESS

TEL. NO.

Asian Tourist Inn

BebsPalace
Cebuano Lodge
Century Pension House
Chopstick RestoBar
Country Lodge
Dads Pension House
Dajao Lodge
Daminar Riverside Garden
DDC Noodle House
Dikyu's then Baboy Fastfood Haus
DPalace
Emily's Lodge
Emerald Pension
Executive Hotel
Kamayan sa Oro
Irenes Lodge
Johanns Cuisine
Minerva Tourism Inn
Naomis Tourist Inn
Palace Hotel
Plaza Beatriz Hotel
Rhapsody Inn
Rosales Travellers Lodge
ROYAL GARDEN HOTEL
Rhovics Place Hotel and Restaurant
Sheenas Inn
Tatines Food House
Tatongs Beach Resort and Restaurant
Triple K

Parojinog cor. Capistrano, Ozamis City

Barangay 3, Tangub City
Mabini Ext., Ozamis City
Independence St., Oroquieta City
Independence St., Oroquieta City
Ledesma Ext. Annex, Ozamis City
Las Aguadas St., Ozamis City
Pastrano St., Poblacion Oroquieta City
Villaflor, Oroquieta
Pastrano St., Oroquieta City

(088)5211424
(088)3953045
(088)5211704
(088)5311225
(088)5311225
(088)5210472
(088)5212058
(0910)6030492
(088)5311998
(0906)9130071
(0921)8122768
Banadero, Ozamis City
(0920)5461683
Lower Langcagan, Oroquieta City
(088)5311505
Abanil St., Ozamis City
(088)5214636
Gallardo St. cor.Cebedo St. Ozamis City (088)5210360
Pastrano St., Oroquieta City
(088)5310155
Parajinog cor. Burgos St. Ozamis City (088)5212444
Don Anselmo Bernard St., Ozamis City (088)5214351
Washington St., Ozamis City
(088)5210065
Banadero, Ozamis City
(088)5212441
Valconcha St., Ozamis City
(088)5210573
Port Road, Ozamis City
(088)5211394
Layawan, Oroquieta City
(088)5311594
Ledesma Ext., Ozamis City
(088)5210359
Burgos cor. Zamora St.
(088)5212888
City Plaza Blvd., Oroquieta City
(0918)5801906
Barrientos St.cor.Del Pilar.,Oroquieta City (088)5311158
Independence St., Oroquieta City
(088)531-131
San Vicente Bajo, Oroquieta City
(0919)2457305
Barangay 3, Tangub City
(088)3953149

LANAO DEL NORTE

Accommodation & Dining
COMPANY NAME

ADDRESS

Alson's Palace
Maranding, Lala
AUNTIE MANNIE'S PLACE
Tubod
Auntie Manies Place
Poblacion,Tubod
BAROY FARMERS TRAINING CENTER (BFTC) Bagong Dawis, Baroy
Bebeth's Casserole
Crossing Baroy
Calao Beach Resort
Maigo
Dimavivas Residence
Poblacion,Kapatagan
Duhaylungsod Residence
Poblacion, Kapatagan
Farmer'sTraining Center
Bag-ong Dawi, Baroy
Hyksos & Dreams
Maranding, Lala
JULTIRS LODGE
Tubod
Mindanao Civic Center
Sagadan, Tubod
MOFECC Catering
Baroy
Polka Dots
Marauding, Lala
Quirong Residence
Poblacion,Tubod

TEL. NO.
(063)3887142
(063)3415126
(063)3414003
(036)3736398
(063)4980179
(0920)3560208
(063)3828020
(063)4970082
(063)3416398
(0920)3655062
(063)3415131
(063)3415471
(063)3736398
(063)3887140
(063)3415990

Rianas Snack and Catering Services

Xenus Pensionne House

Tubod
Poblacion, Tubod

(063)3415557
(063)3415471

ILIGAN CITY
Accommodation & Dining
COMPANY NAME

ADDRESS

TEL.NO.

Cafe Hermoso
Casa Palmera
Casa. Royale
Cheding Peanuts
Cheradel's Suite
Corporate Inn
Crystal Inn
Elena Tower Inn
Esmeralda
Famous Pension House
Farrah Hotel
Fleckstone Inn
Jalexis Inn
Josefas Guesthouse
Jy Dimsum
Kingway Inn
Maria Cristina Hotel
Maria Cristina Lounge
Patio Alejandra
Renes Pension House
Sunburst Fixed Chicken House
The Guesthouse
Tip- Top Restaurant
Tom's Diner
Zoey Caf

Tino Badelles St., Ext.

Lluch Park, Pala-o
Tino Badellies St.
SabayleSt.
Bro. Jeffrey Road
Isabel Village
Tibanga Highway
Tibanga Highway
Isabel Village
Brgy. San Miguel
Sabayle St.
Tibanga Highway
Cors. Juan Luna And Zamora St.
Seminary Road, Pala-O
Gen. Aguinaldo St.
Tibanga
Gen. Aguilnaldo St.
Gen. Aguinaldo St.
San Miguel St.
Mahayahay
T. Badelles St., Mahayahay
Brgy. San Miguel
Torralba St.
De Leon St.
Gen. Aguinaldo St.

(063)2213675
(063)2212014
(063)2213324
(063)2215164
(063)2238118
(063)2214456
(063)2212779
(063)2215995
(063)2213065
(063)2254780
(063)2216985
(063)221-927
(063)2238907
(063)221813
(063)2213654
(063)2233937
(063)2215308
(063) 2215309
(063)2212754
(063)2213701
(063) 2213401
(063)2217013
(063)2217653
(063)2238270
(063)2212876

BUKIDNON
Accommodation & Dinning
COMPANY NAME

ADDRESS

BOONDOCKS TRAVEL AND TOURS

Chardys Seafood And Grill
Dotz Lodge
DRV TRAVEL AND TOURS
G & H Pension House
Halfway House
Haus Malibu
Hotel Valencia
Imees Lodge
Jocels Fastfood and Garden
Kusina sa Valencia
MGM MOUNTAIN SPRING RESORT
Website: www.mgmmountainresort.com
Mindys
Mindys

G. Lavina Ave., Valencia City

(088)8284288
M. Fortich St,,Valencia City
(088)8284098
Valencia City, Bukidnon
(088)8284146
Plaza Villahermosa Bldg., Valencia City (088) 8284184
Purok 7, M. Fortich St., Valencia City
(088)8281292
Dalirig, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon
(0915)4546022
Bonifacio Drive cor.Comesio St.Malabalay(088)2212714
Hagkol, Valencia City
(088)2222442
Valencia City
(088)8280472
Pob. Valencia City, Bukidnon
(088)8281247
P-13 Hagkol, Valencia City, Bukidnon
(088)8284150
Dologon, Maramag
(0920)4225611
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
Valencia City, Bukidnon

TEL. NO.

(088)8281151
(088)8133893

Plaza View Tourist Inn

Pine Hills Hotel
Royal Hotel
Small World Travels Inn
Taipan Restaurant
Villa Alemania
Waig Crystal Spring Resort

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

(088)2212503
P&T Town Center, Fortich St., Malaybalay (088)2213211
G. Lavena Ave., Guinoyuran Rd. Valencia(088)8283490
Rizal St., Malaybalay
(088)8131206
Hagkol, Valencia City
(088)8282007
Moreno St., Fortich cor., Malaybalay
(088)8132301
Purok 8-A, North Poblacion, Maramag (088)3561111
(0921)2086304

Important Tourism Related Offices

Cagayan de Oro City
Department of Tourism 10

Philippine Tourism Authority

Tel/fax:(08822)
7263947/
723696,
(088)86-4048
Gardens of Malasag Eco-tourism Village(088)855-6183

Department of Foreign Affairs

Geleng Bldg., Lapasan

Bureau of Immigration and Deportation

Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center

Veles St., Cagayan de Oro

(08822)726578
724309
Osmena St. infront of (Gordiel AutoParts)(08822)726517

Police Assistance Centers

Divisoria:
Cogon:
Carmen:
Lapasan:
Fire Station, Cogon:

(08822)728602
117
(08822)728604
(08822)728603
112

Cagayan de Oro City

Gingoog City

(088)8573164
(088)8614219
(088)4427509
(063)2214342
(088)2212267
(088)8282015
(088)5210270
(088)5311516
(088)3951591

City Tourism Offices

Iligan City
Malaybalay City
Valencia City
Ozamis City
Oroquieta City
Tangub City

Provincial OfficesTourism
Bukidnon
Camiguin
Lanao dal None
Misamis Occidental
Misamis Oriental

(088)2213272
(088)3871091
(063)3415467
(088)5311419
(08822)727275
(08822)729995

Source: GO 10 TRAVEL GUIDE AND TOURISM DIRECTORY FOR REGION 10, published by Tourmakers,
Philippines, 2007