By
Leandro Padilla
Ideally sitting on the island of Mindanao
in Southern Philippines is the lovely city called ILIGAN, the city where I was born and raised.
As you read on, you will learn the
divergent efflorescence of my beloved home. Each of us has stories to tell about where we
came from, and this is my story.
Iliganons
at Heart and in Spirit
The people in Iligan, who are called Iliganons,
have a noticeably graceful disposition; always putting on a smile on their
faces and are given to commonly frothing of amusement.
Often, Iliganons call their comrades or even strangers: “Bai,” akin how you call an American: “Joe.”
Come
on in, the Water’s fine!
Maria Cristina Falls
definitely rings a bell and is frequently the first stop of the sightseers.
Espying the cascading majestic falls gives
me a different panorama of peace and beauty. Its resonant downpour produces
lavish sound that nobody would ever like to miss. So if you’re seeking tranquility,
you will surely find it here.
 |
| Photo from: http://www.photo.net.ph |
The Tinago Falls is unpararelled
considering that you have to go through almost 700 stairs just to catch a
glimpse of the hidden falls!
But don’t despair, the adventure is
admittedly worth it! The deep blue water will surely brighten and boost you
that you can’t wait to explore what’s underneath. And also, the downrush gives
you a refreshing massage feeling which you will certainly delight in.
Nothing comes close to the fascinating Timoga
Spring Waters! So comforting is the running water which if it’s
beckoning, you would happily get soaked and think no more of immersing!
 |
| Photo from: http://www.markmaranga.com |
Going for a swim in Mimbalut Falls was an
aesthetic experience for me! It was so
inviting to be sitting alive on the ingenious work of art--- the gutsy tables
and chairs lying on the water surface.
Picturesque
Architecture
Settling on the massive Buhanginan Hills
is the well-known City Hall. It is outstanding for it’s cultured Anahaw Amphitheatre
which is a smaller version of Dionysus Theatre in Greece, Athens.
The City Hall is enthralling during the
night. You can have a seat there and gaze the city lights from afar.
Let’s go to the city plaza and witness most of
the enjoyable events such as Sangka sa
Awit ug Sayaw (sing and dance competition).
St. Michael’s Cathedral is situated in the heart of the city- a solitude place for praise
and worship.
Satisfy
Your Cravings: Take a Succulent Meal
From a 30-inch pizza to a delectable
hamburgers to a mouthwatering savoury, you will absolutely determine your
favourite in The Strip which is strategically located in Pala-o.
If you’re in a solo flight or you want to
finish a loaded meal with coffee and tea, or you just want to have fun, Highway
30 is waiting for you!
In case that you’re tummy is dying for
homemade Filipino dishes like fish kinilaw
and any kinds of sinigang (soup or
stew), Big Dipper is the answer, else, Tita Fannies serves
palatable grilled chicken and pork liempo.
Jaime’s Lechon Bayug
supplies the best lechon as always!
Cheding’s Peanuts
and Sukang
Pinakurat (sour vinegar) are just a few of Iligan’s leading products
that are recognized worldwide.
Recreational
Parks: Create Memorable Moments with Your Loved Ones
Feel the seabreeze and warm sunlight at Centennial
Park in Dalipuga. You will find bushes, sturdy trees, and rocky beach
which complete the blissful picnic of family and friends.
Children’s Park in
Barangay San Miguel contains a very big space apparently for children to play. Aside
from that, you, yes you, can sweat yourself out by utilizing the tennis and
basketball courts.
World-Class
Education: In Preparation for a Good Future
There is no doubt that Iligan has a lot to
offer when it comes to good learning centers, academies, and institutions. One
of the best is MSU-IIT (Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology).
I am proud to declare that I am one of the graduates of the mentioned top-notch
university and am currently enjoying a good-paying job!
Mountaineering
is more fun in Agad-Agad!
Come on guys and get ready with your
trekking gear! Endure almost two hours of rough trail going up and another two
going down! Congratulate yourself afterwards when you reach the highest peak!
Festival:
In Commemoration of Saint Michael
Every September, Iliganons and tourists
are gathered all together to celebrate the Diyandi Festival. Customarily,
street dancing and street party fill the air!
 |
| Photo from: http://seifatima-atasteofeverything.blogspot.com |
Your
Home Away From Home
For an elegant yet affordable stay, you
have the choice to relax either in D’Morvies Suites or Famous
Pension House. Iligan can also offer you a nice hotel/inn stay that
works within your budget. You can pick between Maria Cristina Hotel and Elena
Tower Inn. Whatever you choose, you can assurely make yourself at home
away from home.
Beat
that Heat on the Beach
As an old adage says, “The best things are
free!” Truth be told, there’s no fee to pay to have fun in Halibas Beach Resort and Regs
Beach Resort. So what are you waiting for? Pack your things up!
How
to Reach Your Destination
Up until now, kalesas are still
retained but they are not used often. The most famous mode of transportation is
the jeepneys.
And so this is my story, this is why I heart Iligan! I know there
are a lot more to love and discover yet in Iligan but this is all I can impart
for now.
MAAYONG ILIGAN KANATONG TANAN!
DISCLAIMER: “An official entry to the Iligan Blogging Contest 2012”