Water activities, food, and travel rolled into one:  A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ Itinerary in Iligan City

Drew Arellano enjoys the cold waters of the Maria Christina Falls in Iligan.

Humans, in general, share one common denominator—they love to travel, to eat, and to enjoy.

Good thing, there are places in the country where we can do exactly just that, all at once. Sometimes, it just requires a head turn to discover them.

This week on ‘Biyahe Ni Drew’, we will embark on a trip in a city situated in Northern Mindanao that is rich in culture and heritage, authentic food and breathtaking views -- Iligan.

The house of ex-President Diosdado Macapagal and daughter Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is still erected in Iligan City.

(1) Visit the home of the ex-presidents
Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House

Locals of Iligan take pride of the fact that the house where the two former presidents of the Philippines: Diosdado Macapagal, ninth, and daughter Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, 14th, first lived is erected in their city.

To this date, the house is still in its best form. While its structure and over-all architectural design can be deemed simple, memories of the glorious years of the family as the leader of the country for two generations as told by the photos and memorabilia posted on the walls add color to it.

(2) Experience the heavenly waterfalls
Maria Cristina Falls, Tinago Falls, among others

Iligan City won’t be dubbed “The City of Majestic Falls” for nothing. As one of the largest cities in the country, with a total land area of 813 square meters, Iligan is the home for 24 breathtaking waterfalls that are visited by tourists year in, year out.

Dodiongan Falls

A 15-minute walk is a requirement; you will first have to cross two rivers, walk alongside a mountain and pass through banana fields before you get to experience its beauty and majesty.

This 65-feet falls is the favorite diving spot of young residents in Iligan.
  
Tinago Falls

Can’t get enough of waterfalls? As previously mentioned, Iligan would hardly run out of such. In fact, just 500 steps away from Dodiongan, a hidden falls sits, hence its name.
         
The blue and cold waters of this 240-feet Tinago Falls greet the tourists, enticing them to take a plunge. Tourists are encouraged to wear vests when diving so as to ensure safety. Boats are also available for anyone who wishes to enjoy the place without actually getting wet.

Maria Cristina Falls

Among the 24 waterfalls, however, the most popular is the Maria Cristina Falls which locals have considered as the Mother of All Falls. With the height of 98 meters or 320 feet, this is listed as the second highest in the entire archipelago, which through the years, has propelled not only the tourism sector but also the energy industry of the city through hydroelectric power plant.

This is the technology responsible in converting the kinetic energy from the flowing waters into electrical energy, which in turn, provides electricity to the residents.

Locals believe that Iligan's version of lechon is better than Cebu's.

(3) Try out exotic food and authentic delicacies
Durian fruit shake, Beef randang, lechon

No matter how you hate durian, you will certainly love Iligan’s fruit shake version of it, assure the residents. A restobar in Iligan has found a way to make this fruit appealing to the taste of anybody using what they describe as a ‘secret ingredient.’

This fruit shake, when paired with Malaysian beef rendang, seals the deal with your tongue and tummy. The spiciness of the latter blends well with the sweetness of the former giving you a perfect meal experience you will surely remember.

Your visit to Iligan will never be complete without having tasted its own version of lechon which locals believe is far better than Cebu’s. The spices mixed to the meat increase its remarkable taste which can stand alone even without the sauce.

Drew Arellano joins a local tribe in Iligan in a food feast.

(4) Pig out with the local tribe

Despite the urbanization of Iligan, Maranaos’ culture is still very present to this date.

It is one of the local tribes in Iligan, along with Maguindanaon, Tausug, Iranon, Yakan, Jamamapon, Sama, Kalagan and other indigenous people such as Piduray, Tubanan, Manobo and Bagobo, that is part of a bigger community in Mindanao –the Bangasamoro.

In a feast with this tribe, visitors are often bound to follow the customary rituals of its people such as wearing their traditional clothes before facing the meal. Maranaos are very warm and accommodating. Because of their religion, pork is usually out of their vocabulary. Chicken is the main ingredient of their dishes, instead.

Papar, Kuning, and Dodol

‘Papar’ is one of the trademark dishes of Maranaos. It is usually served during weddings. It is a delicacy in which the main ingredient is a native chicken. Maranaos believe that such, when served, should not be torn as it would mean future separation for the couple. Papar is usually paired with ‘kuning’. Kuning is a Malay word pertaining to yellow-colored rice which symbolizes royalty.

Wedding receptions of Maranaos would not be complete without a dessert, so here comes ‘dodol.’ It is similar to a cake or a brownie which is primarily made of sticky rice, sugar and milk. This symbolizes unity and harmony.

Iligan really has a lot to offer. It never runs our of fun and exciting surprises.

Scenic views, historical places, rich tradition, sumptuous food and warm people, these are what Iligan is known for.  A city that gives any tourist a whole-packaged experience that will surely etch a mark in our hearts. ---Jules Garcia/BMS, GMA Public Affairs