Surigao del Norte could very well be tagged as the mother of all islands as it embraces a mosaic of islands that lies at the rim of the Asian continental shelf. Nestled at the northeastern part of Mindanao, it faces the Philippine Deep.
One of the four provinces of the Caraga Region, Surigao del Norte is bounded on the north and the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the south by Agusan Del Norte and Surigao del Sur and on the west by Surigao Strait. Its strategic location makes it genuinely untouched, unspoiled and undiscovered.
The scope of the province in almost equivalent to ten per cent of the total land area of Northern
Mindanao. Within its domain of 274, 014 hectares lie 27 municipalities and a component city, also named Surigao.
The capital of the province, Surigao City, is likewise known as the "Gateway to
Mindanao" because of its strategic position and places of interest found at its heart. The famous Buenavista Cave can be found here. It measures three kilometers and has three entrances. Inside is a knee-deep pool and a chamber complete with a "king's throne".
ISLANDS WITHIN AN ISLANDThe mainland of Surigao del Norte is its cradle of civilization. This is where the Panhutongan and Amoslog archaeological excavations were found.
Three of its biggest islands are the Dinagat, Bucas Grande and
Siargao. They are all situated in the northeast and boast of white sand beaches, secluded islets, enchanting rock formations, mysterious caves, vast mangrove forests and most especially, tall surf waves.
Dinagat Island has the classification of being the most historic among the three, having played a vital role in the Battle of Surigao Strait. It also provided the entry point for the American Liberation Forces before Gen. Douglas McArthur kept his promise in
Leyte. Its caves, unique rock formations and mountain lakes provide the perfect venue for nature lovers and thrill-seekers.
The island's most impressive rock formations are the San Roque and Hagakhak Rock Formations. These are naturally-carved rocks which can resemble anything from melting candles and soaring eagles -- something cliffhangers and rock climbers would surely find to be an interesting challenge.
Bucas Grande on the other hand boasts of the Suhoton Cave, said to resemble the Underground River in Sabang,
Palawan.
However, it is only half-submerged in water during low tide. Should one have the luck to see it, he would chance upon a lagoon with countless islets and crystal clear waters.
SURFERS' PARADISESiargao Island is the most visited island of the three. It boasts of white sand beaches, secluded islets and tall waves perfect for surfing which have given Surigao del Norte the label "Surfing Capital of the Philippines".
Both local and international surfers flock to
Siargao almost twelve months a year but mostly during the months of September and October to compete for the
Siargao International Surfing Cup. The International Surfing Competition started in 1996. To attract more participants, kite-flying competitions and indigenous games were also included.
The event usually takes place in Cloud 9 Beach Resort, part of the bewitching 27-kilometer General Luna Beach in the town with the same name. Its powerful, intimidating and untamed waves provide the ultimate adrenaline rush for surfers who come from all over the world.
Siargao residents say that the name of the beach resort came about courtesy of a foreigner who was once watching the waves. They claim that a big wave took the form of a huge number 9 while the foreigner was eating Cloud 9, a brand of a local chocolate bar commonly sold in small stores around the island. Thus, the name of the resort.
With this kind of environment, town folks claim that even children at a tender age of nine or ten learn how to walk on the whitecaps.
ISLETS OF SECLUSIONExploring the vast waters off
Siargao, one will discover secluded islets perfect for lovers, honeymooners and even families who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Daku, Guyam and Naked islets are all white sand beaches.
Daku, as the name suggests, is the biggest among the three. It is also the most developed.
Guyam, which means ants in Surigaonon, is not covered with ants but the coconut trees around the island are. Owned by a certain Rosario Asino vda. de Montilla, the residents of this islet are a family of caretakers. The island is ideal for that honeymoon hideaway or if one wants to do a Brooke Shields, just like in the movie, "The Blue Lagoon".
Naked island, as the name implies, is a bare island. No coconut palm trees here. Just pure, fine, powdery
Boracay-like sand perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
NATURAL BEAUTY AND RICH HERITAGEThe entire island of
Siargao is also a mangrove sanctuary. Of the 123,000-hectare mangrove reserves in the country, 8,200 hectares are in
Siargao. The town of Del Carmen holds the biggest share with more than 3,000 hectares of mangrove reserves. Aside from mangroves, the island is home to a large species of salt water crododiles and other endemic swamp creatures.
If one wants to take a glimpse of the whole island, the perfect place would be from the Tolentino resthouse on San Ramon Mountain.
Tourism potential aside, Surigao is, more importantly, home to one of the country's most colorful tribes, the Mamanwas. Known for their creative patterns, brass jewelry and indigenous crafts, the Mamanwas fill the streets dancing during the Bonok Bonok Maradjao Karadjao Festival on the second week of September. Celebrated on the occasion of the feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino, the Bonok Bonok portrays the natives' gratitude to their animistic gods for a bountiful harvest and good health.
The Mamanwas are also believed to be the descendants of the most primitive Filipinos. This belief was borne out of the discovery of burial coffin jars and antique Chinese kitchen wares unearthed in Surigao del Norte years ago.
The Surigaonons of today are physically of rich Malay stock with Chinese, Japanese and Arab features. They are peace loving and gentle, possibly brought about by the favorable climate in Surigao which is breezy or windy most of the time. Their character represents the Ilocanos of
Luzon and the Visayans of central Philippines. Their dialect is a combination of the Cebuano, Boholano and Tausug language.
Needless to say, the Mamanwas' surfing abilities are at par with the Europeans. After all, they were the first ones here.
Text by:
Chared Q. BalloPhoto's by:
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