Monday, August 13, 2012

The Water-Blessed City

Who could possibly know Iligan City much better than an Iliganon himself? 

Of the entire populace of the world, I am very blessed to be one of the lucky Homo Sapiens who are qualified to call themselves Iliganons. Being an Iliganon means so much more than to have been born in this majestic city. A true Iliganon knows his city, defends his city and appreciates his city's wonders. Throughout my whole existence, I have the Iliganon identifier attached to my name, and it should just serve right for the whole world to be aware why, in my most honest opinion, my Iligan City is a water-blessed city.
Located at the northern joint of Mindanao, Iligan City houses plentiful attractions that even I myself is always enthralled to view. These prominent landmarks are of course, by a hint of the city's identifier, has to do with water. Even in the onset of arrival in the city is marked by the breathtaking sea-side view at the highway's right path. One could just stare out to the horizon, especially during sunsets, and breathe the clean air brought about by the winds from the shores of northern Mindanao. The boardwalks were already improved to attract road travelers to park their cars for a while and get a big deep breathe-in. But the water fun doesn't stop here.

Maria Cristina Falls
The Wonderful Ma. Christina Falls
(c) 

It has been mentioned before, and it shall be mentioned over and over again. Iligan City will always be the home of the world-famous 320 feet -highMaria Christina Falls. The falls is a part of the Agus River that empties on the edge where the National Power Corporation is located. The infamous rock at the falls midsection is completely responsible for splitting the falls in half, therefore deriving its other name as the twin falls.  I should warn you though that one should really get a tight grip on the railing while  watching the roller coaster water flow below.  The strong current causes hydroelectric energy to be harnessed from the said falls, which serves as another reason why it gained  popularity in the whole southern Philippines. NPC opens its gates to all who wishes to see the famous falls beauty by installing in its premises, a national park. The corporation has made innovations in the area which allowed the spectators to engage in other activities while still in close distance to the falls. Zip lines and a zoo has been constructed for everyone's enjoyment which comes at affordable prices. 

Tinago Falls
The Cascades of Tinago Falls
(c) 
Hopping to another water spot would lead us to  Tinago falls, which, in Cebuano means hidden. The  location has lived up to that identifier for the falls is located 13.8 kilometers away from the city proper. This does not include the 300-step adventure that ends up to the falls hidden setting. Tinago's beauty shares uniqueness with the Maria Christina. The waters gives an sparkle-like illusion when viewed complementing to the sun's rays. The water's fall is inclined to an angle which webs the flow into further sections. A gacket made of bamboo is provided for anyone that wishes to feel the water fall directly to their bodies. Tinago's waters is also known for its coldness.

Going further to the water side of Iligan brings us to the swimming pools cluster located at Timoga.
You might as well think again if you're in the midst of questioning what special factor these pools hold. All of the three prominent pool establishments namely, Mimars, Delamar, and Holiday share the Iligan waters coldness and cleanliness, and the fact that the flowing waters directly comes from the adjacent mountains of the location. Even travelers from neighboring cities would prefer Iliganon waters to bathe themselves into, for according to them, "lahi ra jud ang tubig sa Iligan". It does not suggest the presence of cleaning agents, in its smell or color .Furthermore, the well-innovated pool environment guarantees enjoyment to all pool-goers.

Our spot hunting does not entirely deal with getting your feet wet anymore, for this time, we roam to one of the surrounding mountains of Iligan, T\the Mt, Agad-agad. The mountain's name suggests that anyone can easily climb the mountain even if you have no trekking experience at all. That is, you caneasily  agad your friends to climb the mountain any day. When you have reached the top, a spectacular view of the whole city would greet your eyes as well as the starry night when the moon starts to shine. Mt. Agad-agad is open to all adventurous types out there, so make sure to add that to your list.
Mt. Agad-Agad; Day and Night
(c)geraldinetoring.blogspot.com/2009/04/mt-agad-agad-adventure.html
Iligan Tartanilla
Following all those swimming and trekking fun,a nice walk around the city would be a great turn-out activity.  Fortunately, tartanilyas or horse carriages still roam the few streets of Iligan. Enough with the fast going cars zooming here and there, and appreciate the slow paced drive of the beautifully decorated rides and horses. The city even conducts a tartanilya-decorating contest during festival periods to acknowledge the horse carriages' characterization of the city.
Iligan Lechon For Everybody
Lechon for Everyone
(c)  http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/slideshow-photo/iligan-lechon-for-everybody-iligan-philippines.html?sid=49268214&fid=fb-7918329374809680794
I'd also add to this line-up the superb Lechon houses scattered around the city. In fact, every fiesta celebration, a lechon baboy contest is held participated by the prominent lechon-makers in the city. The lechon samples were to be enjoyed by anyone who wishes to judge which becomes the winner.


Going around Iligan is never a bore, even to I who's an Iliganon. I may leave the town's premises for a while but I always yearn of going back. There's always that familiar intuition of going around the city knowing that the city is completely water-blessed. I could not completely agree more to most people's comments which is, lahi ra jud ang Iligan. Really, LAHI RA JUD. And the real question to this wouldn't be why you should come to the water-blessed city, but why not.

*An official entry to the Iligan Blogging Contest 2012*
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