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14
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October 14-20, 2007 |
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The Iligan
City Hall built atop Buhangin Hill is a popular
spot for familiy picnics and other gatherings |
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An antique
statue of St. Michael, the city’s patron saint,
stands inside the city hall |
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The Anahaw
Ampitheater nestled below the Iligan City Hall
provides a panoramic view of the city |
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The
Macapagal-Macaraeg ancestral house where
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo spend part of
her childhood |
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The interior
of the Iliganon restaurant and bar (home of the
cheapest all-you-can-eat-buffet) |
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The dedicated
staff of Iligan’s Tourism Office |
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Iligan City...
from page 2 |
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A Dip and A
Dose of History |
The first stop was the
Maria Cristina Falls, the landmark and the most famous
attraction of the city. Cascading waters, with a volume
of 100 meter per cubic second, plunge 320 feet down the
rocks generating enough pressure to power the whole
region of Mindanao. It has inspired countless of myths
and legends, one of which is about two sisters Maria and
Cristina who threw themselves down a mountain in a fit
of broken-hearted sorrow. The viewing deck of the nearby
hydroelectric plant provides visitors with a grandstand
picture of the majestic falls.
Unfortunately, taking a dip was out of the question
because of the strong currents, so I was grateful for
the chance to literally get my feet wet in Timoga
Springs. The clear, flowing water was invigoratingly
ice-cold but it didn’t stop me from climbing about the
large rocks to get closer. The spring lay hidden behind
thick foliage and tall trees, lending it a very secluded
feel. At the same time, picnic tables built on a softly
flowing stream made it convenient for picnics.
For a dose of history, we went to the Macapagal-Macaraeg
ancestral home where two of the nation’s chief
executives lived, former president Diosdado Macapagal
and his daughter, the current president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Declared as a heritage site by the National Historical
Institute, remnants of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s
childhood, including a playhouse and a swing set, were
evident throughout the humble abode. Scattered about the
enormous, manicured lawn were effigies and busts of
former president Diosdado Macapagal, including a
life-sized statue of him and “little Gloria” on a swing.
Iligan at night enchants like no other. JR Galang, the
mayor’s |
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nephew no less, took me to see popular local
hangouts and regaled
me with early stories about the city. My appetite is as big as my wanderlust. Imagine my sheer delight at
having
stumbled upon Iliganon, a local restaurant and bar. At PhP85, it is the cheapest eat-all-you can buffet
I’ve been to. They serve local delicacies as well as well-known Filipino dishes.
I finally called it a day at Maria Cristina Hotel, a quaint and homey inn that was right across the town square. That night, as
part of
the month-long festivities of the cities, local bands put on a program. I watched them from my open window before drifting off into a
long-awaited slumber.
Iligan was my first real experience of the Philippines outside bustling Manila and some tourist enclaves not too far from it. It
is the
farthest I’ve gone in this country. Not once during my stay there did I feel anything less than at ease and welcomed. Tranquility
lays apparent on the land, and open, unaffected smiles greeted me everywhere I went. Its people were among the happiest, friendliest
and most patient and loyal I had ever met. A place that can inspire such ardent devotion from its people ought to be wonderful.
But don’t just take my word for it .
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How to get
there: |
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Getting there
is relatively easy although there are no direct
flights from Manila to Iligan. A flight to
Cagayan de Oro, where cabs and car rentals are
abundant, and a short bus ride will take you
straight to the epicenter of the city. Daytours
arranged by the local tourism office are
regularly available, which includes roundtrip
transfers, entrance fees, a tour guide and
lunch. For inquiries, contact the local tourism
office at (063) 221-3426. |
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