Exploring Iniyakan Island | A Cantilan Summer Escapade

It's been a month since the last time I escaped my usual lax weekend from my temporary abode in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. Maybe I got depressed during the time when my most precious and cheap camera got damaged  during the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon (sigh).

Maxima Experience in Samal Island

Scream all you can adventure in Samal Island

The best season of the year has come and with the scorching heat intensified by the concrete jungle in the city, it's time to take a break and  visit some of your favorite summer destinations.

One of the favorite places to visit during the summer days in Mindanao is the Island Garden City of  Samal (IGACOS) or simply Samal Island, off coast from the main land province of Davao del Norte. Getting to Samal is a no brainer for commuters because of the available boats and buses bound for IGACOS .

Dinagat Islands Exposed | A Prelude to a Great Mindanao Island Escapade

                                                                            

In 2007, I started my first island adventure aiming to visit the exotic  places in the Philippines that I could only spot in the glossy pages of travel magazines. My very first grand island getaway was in Palawan and I was blown away with its majestic beauty and I have thought that I've seen  the most beautiful place in the Philippines until I had my escapade  in the neophyte province of Dinagat Islands.

Once Upon a Time in Davao: 76th Foundation Day

The smell of Durian once again flourished in the narrow streets of downtown Davao City as it celebrated its 76th Foundation day last March 16-17. It was a coincidence that I came to  the city  on the day of a grand merriment  of the people of Davao.  

Rio Hondo: The Other Face of Zamboanga City

There was this particular place in Zamboanga City that many visitors and even locals are afraid coming to as if it the name of the place is  synonymous to death as far as security is concern. Rio Hondo, which means  "deep river" is currently inhabited  by Muslim brothers  and tribes in  Mindanao.  

Zamboanga City: Souvenirs from Badjao and Yakan

I have been to Zamboanga City many times but never had a chance to look and buy  for souvenirs that would remind me of my travels in the Latin City of Asia.

After my trip to Tawi Tawi , I landed in Zamboanga with  lots of time waiting before my flight back to DavaoCity in the afternoon, so I decided to look for a couple of places where I can look around to shop. My idea of souvenirs are far from the usual key chains, bags, necklaces, refrigerator magnet and so on. It has to be unique and the piece it self tell a rich history before I buy them.

Kaamulan Festival 2013:Dancing to the Beat of Ethnic Life (Street Dance Competition)

(Pardon the quality of my pictures, taken from video since my camera malfunctioned in the most crucial time.., camera failed! g-r-r-r-r-r)

Male dancers of Pangantucan beating the vibrant rhythm of drums with shields and spears.

The highlights of the Kaamulan 2013 may have concluded, but the rhythmic beating of the drums still lingers and the soaring ethnic chants of the tribes continuously echo  to the steep mountain ridges of Kitanglad in Malaybalay.

Visiting this city for the first time gave me a boost to be excited once more to witness another story of one great promising land in Mindanao. The 17 hour nonstop land based travel was not a waste upon experiencing the vibrant celebrations in Bukidnon, the Kaamulan Festival 2013.