Explore Butuan City

Too much attached to the beauty of the Philippines? Here’s another place where you can spend your vacation with the family.

Butuan City is located in Mindanao - the second largest island of the Philippines. The word Butuan is said from the sour fruit “batuan” and once ruled by “Datu Buntuan” according to etymology sources. It became the center of trade and commerce by the 11th century and as the early 10th century, there’s a trading relation between Butuan and Southern Vietnam. Their transportation used in trading is the balangays, a big boat made by Butuan ancestors.

What to visit in Butuan? There are many historical and beautiful places in this Place. Get your backpack and booked at a Butuan Hotel. Let’s go travel.

Nipa Wine Distillery
Make a wine in the traditional way. Laksoy is a local wine from the juice of Nipa Palm of Butuan. Magellan’s Landing Site

Magellan’s Landing Site
Ferdinand Magellan dropped in the City to do the first Mass in the country. The Butuanons celebrated it annually to reminisce the historical event.

Butuan Regional Museum
To know more the beauty and how cultural and historical Butuan is, visit them. The museum is the house of archaeological discoveries, artifacts and cultural memorabilia.

Balangay Shrine Museum
The home of the Balangays boats discovered and used by the ancestors.

Banza Church Ruins
The anza church ruins is the oldest church in Mindanao. It was built by Augustinian friars in 1622 but ruins by the Morons in 1752. The bell tower is the only left.

Related Post:
A City Paradise | Puerto Princesa

A City Paradise | Puerto Princesa

Philippines is undeniably rich in natural resources making tourism one of the fast-growing industries today and, in turn, a thriving of hotel enterprises.

Hotels serve as a fusion of flavors and colors of tourism. Hotels in Puerto Princesa are good example of the unified collaboration of good food, service, and peaceful surrounding giving its visitors a sense like home. It takes caring individuals to maintain balance in a city like Puerto Princesa. Puerto Princesans understand the value of nature and stewardship of life’s blessings and the good thing about the people is that they take responsibility on developing what they have.



Puerto Princesa is a perfect place to search for peace, find new friends, be in touch with nature, and witness steady progress at the same time; a forest where you can find hotels, grills and bars to eat and have some leisure time; and a city where you can be at peace, think and appreciate nature. A real “City in a Forest”, Puerto Princesa, as it offers adventure like no other.

Tourists may experience the sense of peace and appreciate silence during the serene voyage across the Underground River. Tourists are advised to bring their own flashlights so they can see the rock formations on the cave. The soft breeze of wind inside adds serenity to the tour, as well as the guano’s smell completing the time travel from the cave formation.

To those who want a bit of thrill, tourists may try scuba diving and encounter the fun world under water. Honda Bay is one of the good diving centers that offer thrill and excitement to its visitors. Scuba diving gives a number of benefits to its diver. Divers have the chance to experience the healing power of water as they submerged their selves underwater. Also, meditative breathing improves mental capacities and stimulates circulation. Tourists will surely enjoy the meet and greet with the abundant marine life.

Others may enjoy traveling from one island to another in delight of the lovely and lush greenery. Travelers have the chance to free their mind and find peace after long weeks of work. Iwahig firefly watching is one the most relaxing things to do during the tour. This activity allows every individual much closer to nature. It would be a perfect time to reminisce memorable moments in life while staring in the fireflies shining brightly in the dark surrounding.

Tummies will surely be happy during the tour as “City in a Forest” offers fresh and mouth-watering seafood delicacies. Equally, tourists cannot resist the tempting Croc Sisig made from crocodile meat, which is low in fat and a good source of protein. They may also try the famous mangrove-infesting wood worm that is actually not a worm! Tamilok, the name of the so-called wood worm, is actually a mollusk that belongs to the same group as the octopus and squid. Tamilok can be eaten raw and fits perfectly with a spoonful of vinegar.

After the tiring and enjoyable day around the city, tourists can cherish the peaceful sound of nature while savoring the good taste of food served in the hotels. Chirping of the birds is like music to the ears while relaxing on the hotel lobby. Tourists replenish their strength with the harmonious atmosphere and give in to the classic taste of seafood or the exotic deep-fried Tamilok. Hotels in Puerto Princesa serve a as a perfect resting place to regain soul of adventure with the similar breeze of wind in the Underground River. Hotels do have the same ambiance of peace, calm, and serenity just like the city itself as it captures the taste and color of nature.

The Floating Houses of Agusan Marsh

In the Philippines, there are two types of weather we typically encounter, the sunny and the rainy seasons. It seems that sunny season is nearing its end and the rainy season is now knocking in the whole archipelago. In the past few years we encountered different kind of calamities. One of the recent calamities was the attack of typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban that caused heavy rains and floods, wrecked houses and still undetermined number of casualties.

The havoc of Haiyan was one of the devastating stories that the whole world witnessed. It gives Filipino citizens a sense of dread that every time light rain pours in a drizzle we get nervous immediately and worried what will happen next, if another heart-wrenching calamity is on its way.

Because of this, is there a possibility we could change the kind of house that we build in the Philippines? In year 2005, one of the strongest hurricane attacks New Orleans, Pelicans. By the help of Hollywood actor, Brad Pitt, the floating house came into the scene. It can float when the flood starts to rise.

Picture source: phys.org
According to the Bible, God ordered Noah to build an ark that can withstand the force of nature. In the present, there are people who built their houses that boat looks like Noah’s ark. In Agusan Marsh, Agusan Del Sur, Mindanao, the people there are staying in houses that are floating and become as their permanent home. The houses are placed above a plank of wood or bamboo stem. And their learning center is floating in the water as well.

So, that’s one way on how we can adapt to the kind of weather that we encountered here in the Philippines.

Top Theme Songs in the Philippines

Wedding is the very special day to everyone. It takes a year in preparing the requirements and organizing the wedding. We start in choosing the place for the ceremony and reception, then picking the beautiful invitations, souvenir, cakes, gowns, shoes, flowers and other more. After finalizing those stuffs, is there anything else needed? The wedding song, preparing the wedding songs sometimes not in the priorities, which is not bad, but it adds color and sense.

Philippine Wedding Videographers_themesongs

Every song has its own meaning and it’s a reflection of life. Some of the well-known songs make us cry when we heard it and because of the memories behind it. Also, it makes us to remember the precious person and the moment that we had. For wedding, music helps to enhance the atmosphere, tell the story of the couple and adds the sweetness, especially if it is the couple’s theme song. Your favorite songs or music may play as the bride entrance or at the reception. Since this is your day, you are free to list down all your favorite songs. Here are the top wedding songs in the Philippines;

1. Your Love (Alamid)
2. Sa’yo Lamang (Joey Albert)
3. With a Smile (Eraserhead)
4. Kahit maputi na ang Buhok (APO Hiking Society)
5. The Promise (Martin Nievera)
6. Ikaw (Regine Velasquez)
7. Now that I have you (The Company)
8. How did you know (Chiqui Pineda)
9. Forevermore (Side A)
10. Forever (Regine Velasquez and Martin Nievera)
11. I’ll be there (Martin Nievera)
12. The gift (Jim Brickman)
13. Two word (Lea Salonga)
14. Ikaw ang aking pangarap (Martin Nievera)
15. Ikaw lamang (Gary Valencio)

Best Historical Places in the Philippines Part II

The Philippines is really full of history and structures that remain as a stain of many historical revolutions. As we see those structures that were constructed by our house contractors ancestors, we reminisce the sacrifice of all Filipinos to aim the freedom we had now. These structures really play a very big role in our history and in the present time, it shows as the evidences of all the struggles that our Filipino heroes have gone through. That's why many Filipinos, preserved these structures to remain the memory of sacrifices done till to the next generation of the Filipinos. Here are the 5 historic structures;

house contractors Philippines

Corregidor
Corregidor is a small rock island located near at the entrance of Manila Bay, Philippines. It serves as the headquarters of the brave, heroism Filipinos and American who battled against to the forces of Japanese during World War II. The Island becomes one of the popular destinations in the Philippines because of the images left from the War such as the big guns, cannon, ruin buildings and many more memorabilia of the brave people who fight for the freedom and justice of the Philippines.

Barasoain Church
Barasoain Church is a historical church where the first Philippine Republic was declared. There are three events are happened in this church: the assembling of the “First Philippines Congress”, recruiting the “Malolos Constitution”, and inauguration of the “First Philippine Republic”. This church gets attractive because of the architectural design and lots of history of it.

Leyte Landing Memorial Park
Leyte Landing Memorial Park or McArthur Park is well-visit in the city of Tacloban. It was built to remember the heroic promised of Gen. Douglas McArthur in aiming the freedom of the Filipino against Japanese colonies. It became an important event in Philippines history, especially when Gen. MacArthur said “I shall return”, as a promised to the Filipino citizens.

Magellan’s Cross
Magellan is a Portuguese explorer, the first person who crosses the Atlantic Ocean to Pacific Ocean. He is a servant of King Charles for searching of westward route going to “Spice Island”. His navigation was not accomplished successfully because he was killed during the “Battle of Mactan”. The Cross was planted by Magellan to spread the importance of Roman Catholic. And this Magellan’s cross that can be found in a small chapel was built to give Magellan honor in bringing the Roman Catholics in the city of Cebu.

Lapu-lapu monument
Lapu-lapu’s monument is built to honor Rajah Lapu-lapu, the ruler of Mactan who conquered the battle to Magellan to aim the freedom of his people. Lapu-lapu is the first Filipino or Cebuano hero. His statue in Lapu-lapu City, Cebu is 20 meters bronze.

Best Historical Places in the Philippines

The Philippines are known for having lots of tourist destination. Beside that, the Philippines is rich with history and culture and it is reflected in the architectural heritage of the country. It became part of Filipinos life, to reminisce the sacrifice and heroic deed of all Filipino heroes. It is not just the historical places, but it also attracts the tourists to visit the country. Through the years, some of the structures undergo maintenance, through construction services and house construction. Here are the 5 leading structures that are famous for the tourist.


Rizal Park
Luneta park or Rizal Park is also known as Bagumbayan, where Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero executed by the Spaniards. It was built to give honor and salute the national hero who fights through literature against the Spaniards. It became the one of the major attractions in the City of Manila. Nowadays, it became one of the favorite hangout places for refreshments, socializing and bonding with friends and family.



Vigan
Vigan is one of the wonderful heritage place that in the Philippines is located in the northern part of the country. It got famous because of the preserved architectural village. The houses were built during the Spaniards period and this place is listed in the UNESCO world heritage.



Rizal Shrine
Rizal Shrine was built as a dedication to Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero. The shrine is the home of Rizal memorabilia such as books, artworks, manuscripts, and his shells collected in Dapitan. This shrine has an important role in the history because Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last night here and found by his family, his famous and last poem titled “Mi ultimo adios” or “My last Farewell”.



Fort Santiago Fort Santiago was built in 1571 in the Spaniard period. It is the prison cell of Jose Rizal before he was executed. These days, the Fort Santiago has preserved the history behind of it and also used as a tourist destination.



Intramuros
Intramuros is known as “Walled City”, the oldest district in the Philippines and a historical palace. It is used as the fort of the Spanish government. Today, it has become a tourist destination in the city of Manila, because of the historical events that took place in that walled city.
The list is not yet finished, join me to get know better the history of famous structures in the Philippines until the next post.
See: Best Historical Places in the Philippines Part II

Philippines’ Best Diving Sites – the Luzon Plunge Part III

It rivals Boracay’s fine white sand beaches. In the islands of Mindoro, there is a gem called Puerto Galera. Another credential attached to Puerto Galera is being one of the premiere diving destinations in the Philippines. Like its powdery white sand beaches, Puerto Galera has crystalline blue waters full of wonderful surprises under its currents.

More than 30 dive sites, if this number is not enough to quench your thrill for an underwater adventure. A Puerto Galera dive will test your limits. You’ll encounter at least three types of dive: recreational, wreck, and drift diving. We cited a few of these awesome dive spots below:

Sabang Triple Delight
We only made this up for the purpose of highlighting the three Sabang plunges: Sabang Reef, Sabang Bay and Sabang Point. You’ll also be delighted to know it only requires a recreational or beginner level to experience Sabang.

Hole in the Wall
This one is coined as it is, a coral wall with a hole (2m wide) right at it. Although a beginner could try this one, a diver must watch his buoyancy to avoid bumping at the soft and hard corals as he goes thru the hole. Don’t forget to take pictures to relish the moment.

The Canyons
The exhilarating part starts here. Take note that this dive is for advance levels. The Canyons hit the 45th place on CNN Travel best diving site in the world. Definitely, this dive site is worth the try and the risk.

Fish Bowl
We need to remind you first the Fish Bowl is not for the faint heart. When we say you’re going to be sucked in, we’re not exaggerating. Upon descending, a strong current will push you in to the deep blue. Be ready because the sight at the bottom can astound you for the second time. This was not named the Fish Bowl for nothing. Expect a trench shaped-bowl where schools of Barracuda, White Tip Reef Sharks, Tuna and other marine life swirl inside it. Behold a kaleidoscopic scene right before eyes, but make sure to hold on tight – with all your strength.

Japanese, Sabang, and Alma Jane Wrecks
When you see a wreck in land, it is often referred as a junk. Put a wreck under the depths of the sea or ocean it will be a masterpiece – turning into vibrant wreckage adorning the sea floor. Over time, coral communities will populate it. Eventually, school of fishes and other marine life will take over this wreckage and turn it to a habitat.
Colorful, mysterious, and beautiful are the proper descriptions for shipwrecks turn into artificial habitats for underwater flora and fauna. The perfect spots are the Japanese, Sabang, and Alma Jane shipwrecks. Capture the past using your underwater camera.

Kilimar Drift
Do you want to take a drift? Then try the Kilimar Drift. Avoid this one if you’re not an expert drift diver. You’ll not only be injured, it will not be a fun and memorable experience.

Did we somehow convince you to enroll in a crash course, just to take a dive and witness Philippines’ exotic marine life? Remember this is only some of Luzon’s best dive sites, namely, Romblon, Palawan, and Puerto Galera. A country being a part of the famous Coral Triangle has many benefits such as automatically listing the Philippines one of the best diving destinations in the world.

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