Motoring across the heart of Mindanao from Cagayan de Oro City to Davao City basically involves crossing over one big province – the Province of Bukidnon.

Thanks to modern satellite technology and the internet, the straight line distance between Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City has been computed at about 186 kilometers. The actual road distance, however,  is anywhere between 240 to 320 kilometers. And that takes about 4 hours driving by private car or 5 -6 hours by bus.

Though Bukidnon is oftentimes described as an extensive plateau, the southern and eastern boundaries are mountainous areas. You are driving through areas with an average elevation of 915 meters above sea level.

Halfway through the road trip, about 160 km from Cagayan de Oro (140 km more to go to reach Davao City), is the traveler’s pit stop -  the Ver Overview Nature & Culture Park located at an elevated point at Kipolot, Brgy Palaopao of the Municipality of Quezon, Bukidnon.

The Ver Overview Nature & Culture Park has a viewing deck which provides travelers with an elevated, panoramic view of Bukidnon’s beautiful rolling hills and mountains.

It’s a great stop over for motorists needing to stretch out while taking in the vast and scenic surroundings.

Here are a couple of shots taken one late afternoon…

[source: wikipedia, google earth]

It’s the archdiocese’s dream of restoring grandeur to the landmark of the Catholic faith in the Archdiocese of Palo, Leyte.

The Lord’s Transfiguration Cathedral – better known as the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral – has been undergoing major renovation work since August of 2010.

Last reconstructed in the early 1960’s, the historic structure has badly needed repair of its roof and ceiling, electrical and communication systems, and major renovation of its sanctuary and belfry.

The renovation project  costs over 25 million pesos under the commission of Filipino architect Gervacio Amistoso.

The major facelifting comes in time when the Archdiocese celebrates its Diamond Jubilee (75th anniversary) as a diocese on November 28, 2012.

Photos taken on January 25, 2012:

It was our first night out for the year with the wifey.

And the LSR Band together with their friends – among them our son playing the 2nd lead on guitar. ;)

Nothing like a good dose of good rock music to perk up the cold, rainy nights in Tacloban City.

Here was the scene at Cerebro at 6500…

The LostSemenReunion: (from left) Dandi Grafil (1st lead guitar), Marti Ruiz (2nd lead), Riza Makabenta (vocals), Carleux  Solite (bass) and Howard Cabelin (drums).

Aimee Delgado, Riza Makabenta and Jean Paul Verona

Marti Ruiz

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It’s definitely MORE fun in the Philippines!

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. has been quoted as saying, ”What differentiates the Philippines from every other place in the world… is the Filipino. It’s his special gift for transforming what is already a beautiful place into an unforgettable special place.”

“You take two identical islands, put FILIPINOS in one, and it’s going to be more fun in there where they are!”

High five to that.

Well, here are my initial takes to the new DOT tourism slogan which has triggered an avalanche of memes in the internet…

Communing with nature at Hagimit Falls, Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), Davao del Norte

Taking care of Lola at the airport, Tacloban City, Leyte

Fishing at the rock formations, Biri Islands, Northern Samar

Power napping at San Pedro Island, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

Tacloban Port Area, Tacloban City, Leyte

Tacloban City, Leyte

Kalanggaman Island, Palompon, Leyte

Birdwatching at Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), Paranas, Samar

Zip Southern Leyte – the longest (1km) zipline ride over the tallest bridge in the country today, Agas-Agas Bridge in Sogod, Southern Leyte

Stargazing at Kalanggaman Island, Palompon, Leyte

Calle Mena Crisologo in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur – dubbed as the Heritage Lane

Tubing at Ulot Rapids Torpedo Boat Adventure, Ulot River, Paranas, Samar

Bitukang Manok, Atimonan Natural Forest Park, Atimonan, Quezon

The music scene at 6500, Tacloban City

Calayucay, Sto. Domingo, Albay

 

 

© 2012 gerryruiz photoblog mark II Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha