CARAGA:Pure adventure

The latest regional show in Intramuros offers visitors a glimpse of what they can expect in CARAGA region, northeast of Mindanao — an adventure like no other.

Swim in the cool, cascading waterfalls of Surigao del Sur’s Tinuy-an Falls, a baby version of the fabled Niagara Falls of Canada. Ride the waves in Siargao, RP’s Surfing Capital. Embark on a river safari to the largest freshwater wetland in the country, the Agusan Marsh Wildlife and Sanctuary.

Indulge in game fishing while on a leisure cruise at the scenic Lake Mainit, the fourth largest lake in the Philippines. Explore enchanting caves and be among the first to discover the unspoiled white sand beaches of Surigao del Sur. Go treasure hunting at historic Butuan where the Golden Tara of Agusan, Balanghay boat and other collection of Chinese artifacts can be found.

Touted as the "Land of the Brave and Fierce People," the CARAGA Administrative Region proves that this side of Mindanao is an ideal ecotourism destination at par with its counterparts in Asia and the world.

The trade and cultural exhibit at the Clamshell I showcases these natural wonders and attractions as well as the history, culture, and products of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the bustling cities of Butuan and Surigao.

Aside from a virtual tour of the region through creative recreations of its popular attractions, the show which runs until Nov. 22, also features daily world-class cultural performances by student groups and artists representing each province in CARAGA.

The regional show likewise offers visitors a wide range of products which can be found only in participating provinces and cities. Handicrafts include bags, baskets, wallets, "wash and wear" Agsam bracelets and necklaces.

Visitors can also shop for silver jewelry from Bunawan, Agusan del Sur at the trade exhibit. The region produces the largest gold and mineral deposits in the country.

Popular delicacies, on the other hand, include Salvaro (dry Cassava), Caycay (peanut biscuits), Cassava chicharon, Tira-tira and Ampao for the sweet tooth, Patatas (biscuit), Toron (peanut in lumpia wrapper), Empanaditas, Durian products (candies, pastillas, pulvoron), and Binangkal (flour balls with vanilla oil, margarine, and sesame seeds).

The facade of Clamshell I, site of the regional show features a replica of the Tinuy-an Falls of Bislig City. The fourtiered waterfalls is considered as the "Niagara Falls of the Philippines." Located in Surigao del Sur, the falls which is the widest in the country has a total height of 55 meters and a bathing width area of 95 meters. Enclosed by heavily forested hills, the falls also boasts of three islets at the swimming ground, multi-layered riverbed of stones skillfully crafted by nature and a colorful formation of rainbow rays every morning.

Siargao island in Surigao del Norte, on the other hand, is now one of the world’s great frontiers for surf exploration. Every year, internationally-acclaimed surfers gather here for competitions.

The mystical Agusan Marsh in Agusan del Sur, holds up to 15 percent of the country’s freshwater. It is located in the center of the Agusan River Basin, the third largest in the Philippines. It is also home to the indigenous Manobo people who live in clusters of wood and bamboo houses built on rafts of floating logs. The marshland is likewise the wintering ground of migratory water and wetland birds from Southeast Asia.

The jewel of Agusan del Norte is Lake Mainit. Its serene waters are the sanctuary of some endangered species and various marine life as well as exotic fowl. It is 80 feet above sea level and more than 170 feet at its deepest. The lake which runs in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, was recently feted as the cleanest body of water in the country.

[ Lake Mainit Wiki | Agusan River Wiki ]