Alcantara: Bisita sa Bislig!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

IN THE olden days before the Spanish rule, legend has it that a royal couple tried to cross the gushing river and was almost swept away by the currents. They were saved by the incredible strength of the thick vine they clung to.

This forest vine, thriving along riverbanks, was called bislig, and in gratitude, the town was named after it consequently.

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Bislig, now a component city of the province of Surigao del Sur in Region 13 or the Caraga Region, is at the southeastern coast of Mindanao facing the Pacific Ocean, 158 kilometers south of Butuan, 152 kilometers south of Tandag (the provincial capital) and 208 kilometers northeast of Davao City.

A lot has changed progressively in the past years. When I first came to this quiet city in 2002 (a rough, bumpy seven-hour ride, no less), I stayed in the only hotel (Paper Country Inn) and visited a bar which closed at 9 p.m.

Today, they have at least 10 accommodations composed of hotels, inns and lodging houses and a less sleepy night life to boost.

Bislig has blossomed into one of potential ecotourism destinations in the Southern Philippines. With the present officials joining forces towards programs for sustainable peace and development, this once economically thriving city is slowly regaining its lost glory (it was once home to Paper Industries Corporation (Picop), the largest paper mill and only integrated forest and paper company in Asia back in the 50s).

Ironically, Bislig wasn't depleted of its natural resources. Hidden in its lush forest are destinations worth the long drive. There are several bird watching locations in the former forest concessions of the city, making it a favorite of bird photographers.

Distinct with formations and characteristics, caves here are good sites of exploration, trekking and research for avid spelunkers and enthusiasts.

High above a hill overlooking Bislig Bay is Ocean View Park owned by the Willimanns, which serves not only a variety of tasty dishes, but a showcase of the Swiss couple's incredible collection of 400 dolls from travels around the world.

The fully air-conditioned dollhouse which preserves toys in colorful costumes are a treat to children and adults as they view the most popular (think international Barbies, including Filipina wear) to the rarest and most expensive (look for the eerily alive looking doll named Anne, their favorite). Entrance is P20 for adults, P10 for teens, P5 for kids.

For a dose of swimming, snorkeling and fun in the sun, the white sand Hagonoy Island and Lawigan Beach provide wonderful backdrops to a tropical stay. The city also has a top hangout, Baywalk, famous for its sunset and ocean view in its promenade.

Bislig, though largely agricultural, is quite blessed with aquatic resources and abundant in fresh seafood. Mud crabs, lobsters, shrimps, sea urchins, giant clams are delivered in supplies around Mindanao.

Tinuy-an Falls

Tinuy-an Falls is a spectacular three-tiered falls (a fourth is hidden from view) about 55 meters high and a breathtaking width of 95 meters, the widest in the country, earning its moniker "Little Niagara Falls of the Philippines."

Centuries-old amazing giant trees, ferns and vines in a thick rainforest envelop as you ride through thick forested hills that enclose the falls. Islets on the swimming ground, a swaying bridge, plus multi-layered stones as pathways complement its spray-misted environment.

Every morning, the area is blessed with a sprinkle of a rainbow between 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cottages and function rooms are available in breathtaking proximity of the falls.

Not far away is Lake 77, a manmade lake with 77 hectares of land which used to be owned by Picop as water supply for its operations. This photogenic lake was then developed into a tourist attraction and source of fishing livelihood for the locals.

While flights from Manila and Cebu to Davao or Butuan ply the routes daily, there is now a new Midsea Express plane which flies an hour direct from Cebu to Bislig twice a week. Bislig City is a good five-hour ride from Davao City by bus or van, and only around three hours if from Butuan City.

Visit www.bislig.gov.ph for more information and contact with its tourism office.

*****

(Jojie Alcantara is a traveling female photojournalist based in Davao City. Her adventures can be viewed in www.pbase.com/jojie_alcantara)