ASIK-ASIK OR PAGURAN FALLS

It was once belief a fairy haven nature, hidden in a vast of forested, greenery and mountainous area of Alamada, North Cotabato. Above is an agricultural land with corns, vegetables, coconut trees and upland rice as their major crops, well maintained and valued by both Christians, Muslims and natives who are original settlers of the area. This paradise was totally hidden and difficult to reach due to limited access, communities along the area believed that it was an enchanted place where the fairies have lived long before. Until such time that the nature naturally opens itself to share its wonder to the public and for all who love nature. Wonderful nature, a one of a kind and only can be found here. A panoramic views of spring curtain waters that gives amazing experience to those who have witness for this beautiful paradise in the midst of mountains.

Amazingly the source of water is not coming from a stream or cause by a river. It is a spring water gush flow through the stone crust of the mountain wall. A crystal clear cold water and its finest taste of natural and rich of minerals is quite good and rewarding to your thirst during a long trek and adventure, aside from what you might have experienced in this paradise.

Asik-asik was named after the visayan term of ilonggo as sprinkler of water, where the constituents are mostly an Ilonggo hiligaynon and ilonggo karay-a. Before it was called Orantimor in Muslim dialect and changed to its name as Paguran, later on it was changed to its name as Asik-asik. There was also a proposal from the President of the United of Idelman Tribe Association in the Philippines Bai Rebecca Alamada-Buan, renaming Asik-asik to Lamihan that signifies meaningful description to the natives. No matter what they call it, it is still majestically sacred sanctuary and a truly blessed with wonderful nature.

ADVENTURE BEGINS

We traveled way down from South Cotabato to North Cotabato, coming from General Santos City. I woke up as early as 4:00am to prepare my things and hit Bulaong Terminal by 5:00am. I took my breakfast in the terminal and started to travel by bus for Digos City. From Digos City took another bus  for Cotabato City and dropped in Midsayap. My contact was already waiting along the terminal, it was past twelve noon we arrived at Midsayap. We took our lunch while our friends were waiting with their motorcycle. We started to travel with single motorcycle riding in tandem and hit the road to Alamada. It was a rough ride, most of the road is not yet cemented, totally an adventure happens always to test your perseverance for this mystical nature. I timed our travel before we started from Midsayap, it was more than 3 hrs. It was about 4:00 pm we arrived at the area, the Barangay Tourism Officer Jude Magbanua, welcomed and approached us as we signed and registered our names, he also introduced us the honorable vice-mayor Leo Nigildo "Toto" Calibara of Alamada Municipality, who were also an advocate for nature preservation. For his love of nature Vice-mayor is constantly supportive to all the activities of Asik-asik. We had a short conversation and interviews for the brief history of Asik-asik and how it was discovered. The generous Vice-mayor accompanied us down with his staff and the Brgy. Tourism Officer who are dearly almost dedicated his time and effort to support the Asik-asik conservation and protection program to attract more tourist and to promote the hidden paradise of Alamada.

From the jump off, we started to descend from its 375 concreted stiff steps down as counted, along the way you can see the 360 degrees of panoramic view of entire North Cotabato. The concreted stairs were constructed through the joint effort and funded by local government unit, communities and non-government organizations for the development of eco-tourism.

HISTORY

Before it was discovered and opened to public it has been told that some people who might have already known this place long time ago, but due to accessibility problem no one interests to go further. Alamada is a highly difficult terrain and a hilly place, both mountains has a 90 degrees cliff where the waterfalls in the middle is located. The potential way down there were blocked with a huge balete tree, which they believed an enchanted sanctuary, who might guarding the waterfalls. Until such time when the heavy rainfall by typhoon frank naturally uprooted the said huge tree and there amazingly revealed the true beauty of once hidden and now shared to everyone that we should be proud of, we have this only kind paradise. 

On the record it was officially discovered last April 4, 2012 and officially opened to the public last September 20, 2012. Inaugurated with some provincial and municipal officials and its benefactors.

SITIO DULAO, BRGY. DADO, ALAMADA, NORTH COTABATO

A panoramic view of Alamada and its neighboring provinces, Lanao del Sur in the North, municipality of Libungan in the South, Municipality of Banisilan in the East and Municipality of Pigcawayan and Buldon province on its West. It is totally elevated and hilly place.

SAFETY

Most of us when we have heard Mindanao it is like a virus that everyone must have to avoid and pre-judged as full of bad influences or packed with negative expectations. Arm conflict in this area is just an isolated cases, not all part of Mindanao are war zone. Way up there from the recommended jump off places is totally safe, here Christians and Muslims are harmoniously living together with respect for each other's cultures.

Once and for all, a brief and short visit to this falls gives me unforgettable and wonderful experience that forever be treasured.

In case you want to visit Alamada, North Cotabato I recommend a friend of mine who serves as our local guide going to Asik-asik. They are very accommodating and approachable you can contact him through his CP no. 09196161124 just call him Pastor "Toto".

THINGS TO KNOW

• Language
• English
• Can able to understand and speak since most of schools and local offices use it as medium language.
• Tagalog
• Ilonggo
• Hiligaynon
• Karay a
• Greet everyone as
• "Maayo nga Aga" - Good Morning
• "Maayo nga Udto" - Good Noon
• "Maayo nga Hapon" - Good Afternoon
• "Maayo ng Gab-i" - Good Evening
• "Migs" or "Migo" - Calls for a friend
• "Pila ini or pila ni?" - How much is this?
• Cebuano
• Greet everyone as
• "Maayong Buntag" - Good Morning
• "Maayong Udto" - Good Noon
• "Maayong Hapon" - Good Afternoon
• "Maayong Gabi-i" - Good Evening
• "Bay" or "Bai" - Calls for a friend
• "Tag-pila" - How much
• Muslim
• Maguindanaoan
• Maranao
• Transportation
• Sea
• You can do access by boat but only from Cotabato City, Cagayan de Oro, Davao City and General Santos City port.
• Air
• There is no airport serves in the area the nearest airport is in Cotabato City but you can go another options in Davao City and General Santos City Airport.
• Land-Tricycle
• P8.00 in short distances in Midasayap Municipality.
• Take Haba-habal or passenger single motorcycle type from Alamada proper to Sitio Dulao, Brgy. Dado, Alamada, North Cotabato.
• Land-jeep
• From Midsayap or Libungan you can take a jeepney ride to municipality of Alamada.
• Land-Bus-Van
• From General Santos City two routes going to Alamada
• 1. From Bulaong terminal take a bus to Cagayan de Oro via  Koronadal City, Isulan and drop off to Kabacan.
• Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. bus
• From Kabacan terminal take a bus to Cotabato City and drop off to Midsayap.
• 2. From Bulaong terminal take a bus to Digos City.
• Holiday bus and Yellow bus
• From Digos City ride a bus to Cotabato City via Kidapawan, Kabacan and drop off to Midsayap.
• Weena bus
• From Davao City
• From Ecoland terminal take a bus to Cotabato City via Digos City, Kidapawan, Kabacan and drop off to Midsayap.
• From Cotabato City
• Take a bus and you can drop off to Libungan or Midsayap.
• Weena bus
• Foods
• There are plenty of restaurant you can find at Libungan and Midsayap since this is already considered as first class municipality, favorite fastfoods can be found in the town proper, but for the budget travelers take our recommendation to look for carenderias or Turo-turo.
• Where to stay
• check hotels here http://www.maplandia.com
• Financial Establishments
• Banks at the town proper as well as ATM
• Remitance centers are also available here

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SAN JUANICO BRIDGE

MAC ARTHUR PARK

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KASABANGAN FALLS

Kasabangan falls is located at the Municipality of Cabucgayan a mountainous area of Biliran, with a concreted road that access to the entrance of the falls with fee of P 10.00. There you have to walk in a monkey bridge, along the trail you have to pass a multiple layered of small cascading waters from the main falls itself. It has been told that this waterfalls is just only part of the 13 waterfalls along the stream. Local guides are available with in the area in case you want to venture the forest area, the 7th waterfalls is what they called a "Saug"" falls a bigger and higher than Kasabangan. We were running out of time to take the adventure just to see the other falls, contented already for this accessible one.

Kasabangan was already developed to a resort, near the cascading water have a concreted bench on both side of the stream well covered with roofing for all weather protection of the excursionist and tourists. You can bring your own food and drinks, just make sure be responsible enough to clean your own garbage. We should take good care of this nature as if we took good care of ourselves. I am truly glad when I saw this nature, just one thing in my mind after I left the area, although the government has their own insights on how to maintain but it might good for the development not too close to the area to give more space to preserve its natural areas. Well on the other hand the advantage is there are concern citizens who dearly love natures and maintain the gift of God.

It is easy to access this waterfalls it is well known to the locals. From the biliran municipality you can take a ride for a single motorcycle or what they called a habal-habal and they will take you to Kasabanga, it's a 15-30mins travel time from Biliran proper, traversing a concreted road all the way to the entrance. Where  before you reach the area you have to pass an almost 45 degress up to the top, make sure you hire a motorcycle that is capable with a powerful motor to take you there. I am pretty sure you will love Biliran for its natural and eco-tourism, that not all have already experienced to be there.

More info about Biliran, biliran >>>Here

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BILIRAN PORT

Biliran is the oldest municipal town of Biliran province and divided by 11 Barangays such as Bato, Burabod, Busali, Hugpa, Julita, Canila, Pangumhan, San Isidro (Pob.), San Roque (Pob.), Saggalang and Villa Enage (Baras). Located at the northern part of Leyte, A century old municipal is a remnant of pre-Hispanic era in the Philippines it has been told that the original settlers were the Moros which have had waged several war from the Spaniards.

Lot of hidden gems of natures to be found here in Biliran, it is truly blessed with natural resources and eco-tourism and still unexplored areas awaiting to discover. Clean environment, clean air abundant fresh foods and crystal clear sea waters. It is a must to visit place where you can enjoy a peaceful and tranquil vacation.

THINGS TO KNOW

• Language
• English
• Can able to understand and speak since most of schools and local offices use it as medium language.
• Tagalog 
• Can do speak and understand
• Waray
• Local dialect use
• Good Morning - Maopay na aga
• Good Afternoon - Maopay naudto
• Good Evening - Gab-i
• Let's eat - Mangaon kita
• How much - Tagpira
• Transportation
• Sea
• You can do access by boat but the nearest port is in Naval municipality, biliran and take a jeep or a van to biliran municipal.
• Air
• There is no airport serves the area the nearest airport is in Tacloban. Access it by riding a car or a van from tacloban.
• Land-Tricycle-habal-habal
• P8.00 in short distances from the terminal to any point.
• Foods
• Short orders restuarant are available here, known fastfoods is in Naval, Biliran.
• Where to stay
• M and M Hotel is the nearest you can stay with contact Ms. Marichu Opao for reservation CP # 09497175182
• Financial Establishments
• Banks at the town proper of naval

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BARANGAY WAWA NASUGBU, BATANGAS

We were supposed to go payong-payong point before the sunrise, but due to unavailability of boat to bring us to the area, we just positioned and have this advantage at the Wawa port. People are so very busy along the port, some doing their exercise, jogging, fishermen fixing their fish nets and you can observe some boats unloading their catch.

For the other details you want to know about Nasugbu, Travel, Adventure, People and foods to eat follow>>>Here

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WAWA PORT

Wawa port is located at Brgy. wawa, Nasugbu, Batangas. This place is very familiar to some photographers who loves landscape for its grandeur view during sunrise and sunset of ever well known Payong-payong point. A crust of stone carved by the nature due smashing waves, an off shore stone formation during high tide and noticeable during low tide. Mostly the landscape photographers took advantage during sunset for its vantage point.

Going to payong-payong point must have to ride a banca (small boat) to take you to the other side of it, from wawa port it might cost P10.00 per person. Right and there you can have your rest or you can leave your belongings to the interlink beach resort. They called it interlink because some times long ago the owner of the cottages along the shoreline have connected with a cable and an Internet link that serves the area, it was named after the company who brought fort for their connection and it was an Interlink. Cottages are own by Nanay Precy Morales a well accommodating owner with her family leaving near the Payong-payong point. 

Barangay Wawa beach shorelines have offered a brownish sand, an irresistible to dip into its crystal clear sea water, where you can also over see the fortune island. Most of the beach goers often stayed at the Interlink, a mini sari-sari store that have offered a groceries and small products for a quick relief of a hungry stomach. The place is familiar since it has been a venue before of one of the most prestigious fantateleserye Mutya.

LOMI

Noticeable delectable foods have found here on the nearby place where we stayed during our shoot. This small short orders restaurant is simply decorated with a canopy and umbrella with a table serves as a dinning area. The place is not that huge like restaurant, but the foods are great tasting, we only have noticed it while we were on rest, looking for a place to stay for awhile. At first we ordered an 11 cups of Halo-halo to chill down our exhausted bodies after having a very tiring but enjoyable photo walk in Nasugbu. I forgot to take a picture of Halo-halo, but I will try to describe as good as we have tried the best halo-halo in town, comparable to some fast food's halo-halo? The sweetness is not just sweetened by a sugar, a mouth watering tasty is a well balance made just right for our taste, from a secret sweetened ingredients made specially for this merienda food. Well this is something special just hidden in the inner most community of Brgy. Wawa, Nasugbu. A not so well known fastfood but some customers where coming from the other side of town just went here to order, in fact some have a cars. Great are foods and budget is good.

We tried also their Lomi, the special taste of this food is not what you get from its appearance or how it has been offered but it is how they have prepared and can call it a master piece of every dishes they have made. The taste itself can do make you more than satisfied for an affordable cost you might spend. A single order of this one have been tried by a more than 10 photographers and convinced enough for what they have tested. Look for Lomihan sa Kanto by Mr. Willie Sarasa located at Malasugi St. Brgy. Wawa Nasugbu, Batangas, just right beside the grocery store of Tita Helen, who dearly welcomed us into their home a very well accommodating person as well as her family.

We would like also to acknowledge the effort of our friend Kanayon Caloy Iblasin through his initiative to make this trip possible. 

See more Seascape photos >>>Here


THINGS TO KNOW

• Language
• English
• Can able to understand and speak since most of schools and local offices use it as medium language.
• Tagalog or batangas tagalog(Batangueneo) also known as "Ala eh"
• Transportation
• Sea
• You can do access by boat but it is practical to take a landtrip and park your car at the wawa port and take a small boat to the Interlink resort.
• Air
• There is no airport serves the area the nearest airport is in Manila. Access it by riding a car or a bus.
• Land-Tricycle
• P8.00 in short distances from the terminal to wawa port.
• Land-Bus
• P150.00 Pasay to Nasugbu, Vice versa and then take a tricycle to the wawa port.
• Foods
• There are plenty of restaurant you can find it here, favorite fastfoods can be found in the town proper, but for the budget travelers take our recommendation to look for a short orders cafeterias, foods is very good.
• Where to stay
• check hotels here http://www.maplandia.com
• Financial Establishments
• Banks at the town proper as well as ATM
• Remitance centers are also available here

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SANTO DOMINGO DE GUZMAN CHURCH

If you happen to watch a teleserye on a big local network this was previewed in some of their scenes with a leading man Coco Martin and Julia Montes. The church has been their wedding venue, this church has its own characteristics different from the other century old churches. Twin dome old belfries are very well detailed, its old structure and materials is an evident as if you are travelling back in time.  One of historic architectural building that still stands in time, it is a treasure that needs to protect.

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SALVACION WATERFALLS

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