Explore Region 10: Nortern Mindanao

ARE YOU READY TO EXPLORE THE WONDERS OF NORTHERN MINDANAO?

itsmorefuninthephilippines.com

Region 10 is an eco-tourism hub of the Philippines. From forest to plains, and mountains to coastal areas, the environmental richness of Northern Mindanao is evident. This region supports agriculture and aquaculture because its topography is varied...(read more: https://angelicalapena.wordpress.com/)

(I actually posted the blog in my wordpress account so you might wanna check it! Just click the link above! :) )

Get To Know Region 10: Northern Mindanao

Northern Mindanao's Pasalubongs and Souvenir Ideas

Definitely,we all want to have some pasalubongs or souvenirs whenever we go on a trip to a tourist destination . I don't think you'd want to go home empty-handed or without these special treats and unique items from the places you visit and explore, and not just simply pictures and selfies! (Oh com'n, you can do better than that! Haha.)

Camiguin's Pastel

xplorerboyz.blogspot.com

Don't miss the famous Pastel of Camiguin! Bring home the "no.1 Pastel" and satisfy the fancy of your taste buds, and share it with your loved ones too.

Durian

thechalkboardmag.com

Fruits abound in this region, and they're popular for pasalubongs like suha, marang, davao pomelo, and especially Durian! Durian is famous for its odor. The opinions about the qualities of that odor are quite opposite! Most Asian people say that the odor of the durian can be compared to a perfume. Other people, especially foreigners, say that the fruit, when the skin of it is opened, stinks. "It smells like hell and tastes like heaven," is how some foreigners describe the fruit. 

Iligan's Cheding's Peanut

chedingspeanut.blogspot.com

Cheding's Peanuts store has been in Iligan City for decades. Tourists and travelers flock the store for its numerous delicacies to take home to family and friends. Cheding's Peanuts peak season is on city City Fiesta time (September), Christmas season, and summer months.

Bracelets, Wallets, Baskets, Cowboy hats, etc.

www.traveljams.com

There are a lot pasalubong ideas to choose from in Northern Mindanao. From bracelets to wallets to cowboy hats. Oh well, try to save up for your souvenirs because it serve as an evidence of memories or the "memorabilia" you spent on the destination, plus you got to help the locals! :)

Warning: Breathtaking views in Region X

When you are planning to go to Northern Mindanao, don't you ever forget to bring your camera with you because you'll be surprised that there are a lot of picturesque views in this region! So here are some..

MISAMIS ORIENTAL

Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort

vigattintourism.com

One of the amazing sunsets to be seen in Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort! Amazing isn't it? And I guess filter won't be needed in this photo. Actually, this place is a great jump-off point to more than a dozen dive sites, and a bonus of magnificent seascapes around here. 

Monigue Cave

boyetstour.blogspot.com

Breathtaking cave it is. One of the popular attractions in Misamis Oriental that you shouldn't miss!

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL

Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park: Dolphin Island (MOAP)

tripsiders.com

Dolphin-lovers would surely love to visit this place! You're not just going to enjoy the scenic view in the Dolphin Island, but you'll also enjoy the experience with the dolphins! Oh, and I'm sure you'll never forget it. 

Lake Duminagat

top-destination-choice-the-philippines.com

A pristine crater lake that was formed by volcanic eruptions, and according to the locals, it's supposed to have healing powers. So if you want to enjoy some secluded place and do some "soul-searching", here's a perfect place for you, but don't forget to take a selfie!


LANAO DEL NORTE

Tinago Waterfalls

triptheislands.com

A breathtaking view of Tinago Falls. No filter needed. Amazing view as it is! Imagine yourself being in this picture and I'm sure you don't wanna leave this place!

Dodiongan Falls

escapemanila.com

Ready your camera and don't miss this "Angel-winged falls of Iligan City". As one would say, "Defining and classifying waterfalls is a subjective science." Dodiongan Falls' thin sheet of thread-like water could easily deceive the eyes. It's as if the cascade doesn't flow at all!

CAMIGUIN

White Island of Camiguin

ironwulf.net

Time to do the "#NoFilter", 'cause this paradise is naturally picture-perfect scenery! No need for long caption. The picture says it all. 

Mantigue Island

forum.skyscraperpage.com

So here's another picturesque view in the island of Camiguin. Although not as popular as the White Island, Mantigue Island has its own beautiful offerings too, like diving spots, marine sanctuaries, swimming with the turtles and other marine creatures, and a lot more! Experience the beauty and the privacy at the same time of this paradise. Enjoy the pristine waters and don't forget to take awesome shots like this!

BUKIDNON

Bukidnon Provincial Tree Park - Malaybay City

bukidnonphotojournal.blogspot

A mesmerizing view of Malaybay City proper. One of the destinations in Bukidnon you shouldn't miss! 

Lake Apo

bukidnonphotojournal.blogspot

A serene lake described as the cleanest and greenest inland body of water in Northern Mindanao. Another picture-perfect view in Bukidnon province.

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Sources:

http://bukidnonphotojournal.blogspot.com/2013/04/top-10-tourist-attrations-in-bukidnon.html
http://www.iligan.gov.ph/dodiongan-falls-angel-winged-falls-iligan-city/

http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/misamis-oriental/

Taste & Tell: Foodtrip in Northern Mindanao

pinterest.com/explore/road-trip-america/

A tourist's travel experience won't be complete without trying the destination's mouthwatering delicacies and authentic dishes! Ready your taste buds now, and get ready explore the delicacies of Northern Mindanao.

FOODS TO DIE FOR IN BUKIDNON

BINAKI

ivanhenares.com

Binaki, a known delicacy in Northern Mindanao, was originally a homemade dessert in Bukidnon. It is a steamed cake made of grated young corn with powdered milk, baking powder, and sugar mixed with water. Naming the  delicacy "binaki" is somewhat weird since the term sounds like baki, which is the vernacular for frog, but it has nothing to do with frogs. The assumption to why this delicacy is called like that is maybe because the corn cake when wrapped with corn husk resembles frog legs. 

PIÑASITAS

bukidnon.weebly.com

Piñasitas, a pineapple-based product, is one of the famous delicacies in Bukidnon-the pineapple capital of Asia and food basket of Mindanao. No wonder why its emerging delicacies come from pineapple. However, aside from pineapple-based products, organic rise-based products such as cookies, barquirice, pop rice, chicharice, etc. are also getting popular in Northern Mindanao.

FOODS TO DIE FOR IN CAMIGUIN

LANZONES

interaksyon.com

Duku in Indonesia, Lang-sat in Thailand, Lanzones in Philippines! This sweet and slightly sour fruit is one of the popular fruits in Southeast Asia, and mostly unknown in the West. This tropical fruit grows well in North-Central coast of Mindanao, and is said that the sweetest Lanzones in the Philippines comes from Camiguin. So, if you're planning to visit the province of Camiguin, make sure to do it in the month of October to experience Camiguin's Lanzones Festival, which is held every third week of the month.

 PASTEL

xplorerboyz.blogspot.com

Pastel is a Spanish term for cake. It is a mouthwatering delicacy from the paradise island of Camiguin. These are soft, sweet bun, filled with yema (made mostly of milk, eggs and sugar). Today, Vjandep Pastel of Camiguin has 12 varieties of fillings to satisfy your taste buds! Available flavors are as follows, Regular Yema, Ube, Mango, Macapuno, Cheese, Langka, Pineapple, and special flavors such as Durian, Guava, Strawberry, Chocolate, Special Yema and Assorted flavor.

FOODS TO DIE FOR IN LANAO DEL NORTE

 DODOL

choosephilippines.com

Dodol is the most popular rice-based delicacy in Lanao, particularly in the city of Baloi and Marawi, the places which have been touted as the "Dodol Country". It is often served in the special occasions of Maranao such as weddings, fiestas, birtday, etc. It is made from sticky rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. Others add durian to make it more delicious. 

HALANG-HALANG

pinoyadventurista.com

"Halang-Halang", literally means "anghang-anghang" (spicy-spicy), is where chilis are the primary ingredient of this spicy soup dish. It has small bits of beef, served as a soup. You can add more chopped chilis and spring onions to soothe one's taste and preference, This is one culinary adventure that is best experienced in food stalls, and found all over this province. (pinoyadventurista)

FOODS TO DIE FOR IN MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL

MORON OF PLARIDEL

top-destination-choice-the-philippines

When you hear the word "Moron", maybe, the first thing that comes to your mind is an adjective used to describe a fool/"stupid" person, but not in the province of Misamis Occidental, because "Moron" for the locals, is one of their best delicacies. Moron is a sweet tasty treat made of glutinous rice or rice flour mix, chocolate, sugar and coconut milk, rolled and wrapped in banana leaves then boiled or steamed. 

SUMAN OF CLARIN

spot.ph

Found in the one and only House of Suman in Clarin, Misamis Occidental, this Suman is hard to miss! It is made from malagkit, pure coconut milk and sugar. It's sweet and comes in a variety of flavors such as balintawak, suman latik, and ibus. 

FOODS TO DIE FOR IN MISAMIS ORIENTAL 

JAMON DE CAGAYAN

choosephilippines.com

Cagayan de Oro is famous for its hams which are locally known as Jamon de Cagayan. Also known as leg ham, this product undergoes the long process of salt curing and natural smoking. Once it’s done, it comes out fully cooked and ready to serve. Jamon de Cagayan is even packed in traditional cloth bags called “katcha” which are symbolic of Southern comfort and warmth. This delicacy is being produced by the best local ham makers in the city namely SLERS Ham, Pines Ham (TGO Foods), and Oro Ham. (incdo.com)

REMEMBER ME

This is one dish that is bound to make a mark in your life. It is a unique recipe that originated in Cagayan de Oro. It’s composed of internal and reproductive organs of animals, specifically the testicles of cows and horses. This delicacy is said to be an aphrodisiac, making it extremely popular both to tourists and locals. Remember Me is served in many restaurants and even food stalls in Cagayan de Oro so you won’t have difficulty finding this exotic dish.  (Sorry guys, but I wasn't able to find a picture of Remember Me :( )

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Sources:

adventuringfoodie.com/2014/02/binaki-corn-cake-cagayan.html/

bukidnon.weebly.com/delicacies.html

xplorerboyz.blogspot.com/2012/09/camiguin-vjandep-bakeshops-camiguins.html#.VE0R-_mUfz5

islandcamiguin.com/foods.html

choosephilippines.com/eat/local-flavors/1580/maranao-dodol-kalamay/

top-destination-choice-the-philippines.com/misamis-occidental.html

incdo.com/2012/07/top-5-delicacies-from-cagayan-de-oro.html

Explore Region X: 5 Things To Do in Northern Mindanao

An eco-tourism hub of the Philippines, Region 10, is one of the captivating places you shouldn't miss! This region cannot hide it's beauty, since the richness of its natural resources were really evident. So are you ready to explore? Then, here are some of the exciting things to do in Northern Mindanao:


1. Be Refreshed!

Visit the White Island of Camiguin!

Are you tired living the city life? Want to have a break? Do you want to have some time just to relax, enjoy the beach, the sea, the sand, and the scenery? Well, the White Island of Camiguin is a perfect place for you! A "diver's paradise", "snorkeler's haven" and a paradise for the beach-lovers, White Island of Camiguin offers you a fulfilling getaway. 

Source: www.ironwulf.net

Spelunking, is it worth trying?

Definitely, it is! Discover and enjoy the cave of Monigue in the province of Misamis Oriental. 

Source: boyetstour.blogspot.com

Spring Time! 

Sick with the beaches? Done with spelunking? Well, might as well visit and experience the relaxing springs of Camiguin! Discover the hot spring of Ardent, as well as the Sto. Niño cold spring. Don't miss it!

Ardent's Hot Spring

Source: mindanaotours.com

Sto. Niño Cold Spring

Source: i-wanderlustours.com

2. Adventure time with nature!

Lasang Secret Adventure Park

Located at Initao, Misamis Oriental, The Lasang Secret Adventure Park is one of the famous tourist attraction in the province. The "secret mountain" that has five hanging bridges, 100-meter treetop boardwalk with an 80-feet spiral staircase and a zip line are among its tourist attractions which allows tourist, visitors, as well as guests both domestic and foreign to explore and experience the "inner sanctum" of the forest.

Source: vigattintourism.com

Source: pinaytravelista.com

Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park

Another "must see" in the province of Misamis Occidental is the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP) which features two attractions: the  mini zoo and the dolphin island. 

    Here's the bamboo pathway of the zoo! Creative isn't it? 

Source: kinabuhi.net

    Want to say "hi!" to this cute, little fella? 

Source:kinabuhi.net

Another attraction in MOAP is the Dolphin Island! Well, it's not an island actually, but more of a man-made structure designed as a dolphin rescue center. 

Source: tripsiders.com

Want to swim with the dolphins? Want to experience feeding the dolphins? Well, I suggest you book a flight to Misamis Occidental now ! :) 

Source: babydesertwolf.blogspot.com

3. Zip Along!

Dahilayan Adventure Park

Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon is proud of their Dual Zipline – the longest zipline in Asia. It speeds up to 90 kph, 840m long and launches at 4,700 feet above sea level. This nerve-racking adventure is guaranteed safe for all ages and in fact was already tried by a 2 yrs.old baby and a 77 year old grandpa! While relishing the adrenaline rush, one can enjoy the mountainous back-drop as if flying very high above the air! (Source: e-philippines.com)

Source: dahilayanadveturepark.com

Source: dahilayanadventurepark.com

4. Time Travel!

Fuerte De La Concepcion Y Del Triunfo

Want to experience time travel? Well, let me take you to the place that will take you back to the Spanish-colonial era. The Fort was built in 1756 to guard against the pirates, and still stands today.

Source: commons.wikimedia.org

Source: ivanhenares.com

Discover Atlantis!

The first major Spanish settlement in Catarman was wiped out by the 1871 explosion of Mt. Vulcan in Camiguin. You can see what's left of the old town above ground, or you might wanna try and have a spooky dive adventure to the Sunken Cemetery! 

Source: boyetstour.blogspot.com

5. Make it to the top!

Do you have the strength to make it to the top? the will to conquer every mountain? Then, don't miss the chance to do this exciting things in Region 10! 

Camiguin's Mt. Hibok-Hibok!

Source: thebackpackersadventures.blogspot.com

Bukidnon's Mt. Kitanglad!

Source: pinoymountaineer.com

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So that's it! Are your bucketlist ready?..What are you waiting for?..Go and Try those amazing things in 
Region X!

Sources:

http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/misamis-occidental/top-things-to-do/

http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/misamis-oriental/top-things-to-do/

http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/lanao-del-norte/top-things-to-do/

http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/camiguin/top-things-to-do/

http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/bukidnon/top-things-to-do/