Remembering Boy Daku...

Photo source: amazing butuan

I just got the news that the former mayor of Butuan, Democrito "Boy Daku" Plaza II, passed away last Friday afternoon.  Who would have thought that a strong man like him would soon succumb to death?  He had survived a kidney transplant operation about a week ago but he did not live long thereafter..

My condolences to his family and constituents...

House and Lot For Sale

I am selling my house (120sq.m. floor area) and lot (354sq.m. lot area) in Butuan City, Philippines. This property is ideal for foreigners who would like to settle down and retire in the Philippines.

The house has four rooms: master bedroom, 2 guest rooms, and maid's room. it has also a garage and an outdoor dirty kitchen. It is already semi-furnished, inclusive of double-decked beds and cabinets, among others.

The lawn has growing fruit trees particularly indian mango, coconut, and guava. It is landscaped with korean grass and plants. The pathway is cemented. The master bedroom has its own bathroom and mini-kitchen. It has also a separate entrance/exit door to the lawn/garage.the two guest rooms share one bathroom while the other bathroom is located near the maid's room. The servant's quarter is composed of the following: maid's room, bathroom, dirty kitchen, pantry, and laundry area. It has its own entrance/exit door to the lawn.

If the house is too big for you and if you want to earn additional income, you may have the master's bedroom and the servant's quarter rented out to others as two bachelor's pads.

My property is priced at P1 million.

Should you have further questions, please let me know. you may contact me thru this email: guiamadelo@gmail.com or thru my mobile no. at +63-915-363-9066.  Please note however that this cp no. is available only on weekdays (Monday to Friday).  I would rather suggest that you contact me BOTH thru email AND mobile phone.

God bless! :)

Science High School in Butuan

I didn't know that Butuan does not have a science high school, not until I read this article from pia.gov.ph.  If I'm not mistaken, Surigao City, Butuan's neighboring city, has already its own science high school.

According to the latest news, the earnest planning of local government of Butuan is already underway to put up a branch of Philippine Science High School in the city.  For the complete details, please click this.

Not Again!

According to Manila Bulletin online, Mindanao (including Butuan) will suffer another rotating brownout which might start anytime this week.  It is feared that the dreaded brownout might last until end of this year.

Imagine the inconveniences one has to go through (again!) for this power shortage...

By the way, have I already posted in this blog that a friend of mine bought a generator about a year ago because of that rotating brownout?  Well, he will find that unit useful again in the coming days.. :(

Fact Facts About Butuan: Points of Interest

Lake Mainit from skyscrapercity.com and mb.com.ph

Lake Mainit –hailed as the deepest lake in the Philippines and contains rich marine biodiversity making it ideal for snorkeling, diving, or simply swimming.

Kalinawan River -The pristine and picturesque river is Lake Mainit’s only outlet. It holds historical importance as one of the oldest trading missionary routes in the Philippines.

Mt. Hilong-hilong –An adventurous trek in this mountain requires a climb of 4 ½ to 5 days which includes passing by seven waterfalls and seeing endemic flora and fauna.

Mapaso Hot Spring - This geothermal spring is ideal for trekking, camping, and swimming as well.

Sak-a Falls – engulfed with numerous falls cascading over huge boulders, developing into a natural swimming pool deep enough for a safe vertical plunge and wide enough for a satisfying swim.

Sumaliklik Falls - An exotic waterfall serving as a rewarding site for outdoor enthusiasts.

Agusan River - The long and winding river in the province’s capital, Butuan City nicknamed  “The Timber City of the South”.

Historic Magellanes Marker - Erected in 1872 under Governor Maria Caravello, this historic marker commemorates the celebration of the first Catholic Mass in Mindanao.

Source:  online version of manila bulletin

Fast Facts About Butuan: The Festivals

Photo source: butuantoday.tumblr.com

Here are some facts about Butuan, particularly its festivals, as featured in the online version of manila bulletin:

• Baoto Festival - The festival pays tribute to the native “baoto” or dug-out canoe and is held every 2nd of September.

•  Lisagan Festival - A religious celebration showcasing Manobo dances and rituals, which re-enacts a miraculous healing in 1910 of a Manobo while dancing in front of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

• Araw ng Agusan del Norte – a celebration of the founding anniversary of the province of Agusan del Norte held every second week of June.

Masawa Hong Butuan, The Largest

Photo source: chrispforr.net

I just learned that among the three vessels which are currently sailing around Southeast Asia, "Masawa Hong Butuan" is the largest.  The names of two other balangays are:  Diwata ng Lahi and Sama Tawi-tawi.

To know more updates about the expedition, please click this link to gmanews.tv.

Pirates Almost Did It To Balangay Sailors

Photo source:  The Borneo Post

It was scary to imagine that the Balangay team sailed into the pirate-infested waters somewhere off the coast of Mindanao.  They however managed to take refuge into the cove from the powerboats with the pirates on board.

To read more, please click this.

Earthquake Hits Butuan Again

A 3.8-magnitude quake, tectonic in origin, hit the southern province of Agusan del Sur around 12:47 p.m., local time. The epicenter was traced about 37 kilometers northwest of the southern city of Butuan.

Source

Butuan Mayor On Training To Korea

Butuan City (20 August) -- City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. left Butuan on August 18, 2010 to join 14 other Mayors from other regions of the country to attend a14-day training from August 21 to September 3 in Local Administration Improvement to be held in Seongnam and Suwon, Korea. Participants will be housed at the KOIKA International Cooperation Center.

The South Korean government, through the Korea International Cooperating Agency (KOICA) will conduct the trainings that are aimed to help promote faster and more sustainable growth in the Philippines, and paved the way for future collaboration and aid opportunities in particular cities or municipalities.

The 15 participants from the Philippines will undergo a short study program with the objectives of offering Korean perspective of national development by introducing Korean development experiences, to enhance understanding of Korean local administrative system and to promote better understanding and more friendly relations between Korea and participating countries.

It was learned, that KOICA offered to invite 132 Filipinos for 2010 to Korea to attend 36 training courses, five of which were designed exclusively for Filipinos, one of which is the Local Administration Improvement that Mayor Amante will be attending.

The trainings offered by KOIKA are the following: National Integrated Vehicle Management and Inspection System Development, Economic Development in Mindanao, Immigration Management, and Railway Management and Operations.

"The interaction of Mayor Amante and Korean experts may help identify areas where the Korean government can provide interventions as well as for us in the city government to adopt Korean best practices in relation to effective governance," said Vice Mayor Lawrence Fortun.

The Vice Mayor was appointed to act as the Officer in Charge from August 18-20 and shall seat as the Acting Mayor of Butun City on August 21 until September 3, 2010. (dxBN-Radyo ng Bayan Butuan/PIA-Caraga)