Mindanao Magazine
Mindanao
Mindanao is the second largest, and the Southernmost island in the Philippines, located just north of Indonesia/Malaysia. Mindanao is a strong agricultural area, supplying a large portion of the food supply for the entire country.
While Mindanao is widely known as a sort of “wild west”, it is actually a quite peaceful place, unless you venture into isolated pockets of the island
where there are active insurgent groups, primarily Muslim. However, for the most part Mindanao is a peaceful place that is still close to nature,
somewhat unexplored, and many parts are sparsely inhabited.
I originally obtained the domain name “Mindanao.com” back in 1996 when the web was still fairly young and domain names were easy to come by. At the time I wasn’t fully certain of what I wanted to do with the domain, but I wanted to somehow promote Mindanao. You see, although I am an American, my wife is Filipino, and from the island of Mindanao, so I had some connection to the place.
At the time, I was running a mailing list on the Internet called Mindanao-L. We had several hundred members from all over the world, and we talked about anything to do with Mindanao. Sometimes the discussions got a little heated, and when that happened, we usually reverted back to talking about fruit, or some kind of recipes from Mindanao. After things calmed down, we usually ventured back to talking politics, specifically Mindanao politics. At that time, the Peace Treaty with the MNLF was a big thing, with Nur Misuari trying to iron out an agreement with the Philippine Government, and it was indeed a hot issue. Of course, a lot of water has passed under the bridge from those days, and events in Mindanao are different today. But, you know what they say, the more things change the more they stay the same. Today’s issues seem to be centered around the MILF instead of the MNLF. The hot topics are about the Abu Sayyaf and the Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist groups and how they use Mindanao as one of their base camps.
When I first obtained the domain, I lived in the States. Today I actually live in Mindanao, and am able to watch the events here occur day in and day out. It is an interesting place to live, no doubt there. If you are planning to visit Mindanao, please e-mail me, I would enjoy getting together for coffee with any of my readers while you are here.
What will happen on the island of Mindanao? None of us know the answer, but if you follow along with my magazine about Mindanao, I promise to keep you up to date as best I can. Please feel free to leave your comments, a two way discussion is always more interesting!
It’s true if the muslim practicing people want’s to dominate Mindanao, there’s a big war on that place because muslim faith people is only a small percentage compared to a christian ,and myself is a christian and ,to be a Republic of Mindanao its good to be,on my belief but not under Muslim dominance.People in Mindanao as same as other people in anyplace want’s to be quit,leave peacefully.But as a human beings instinct are capable of doing negative things and make other peoples life miserable,desperation and those who suffer well turn to rebellion,and that’s what this insurgency and it would make a chain reaction , those problem can be resolve if there’s an equality to be implented,and the other side of the coin this muslim faith pilipino want’s to be in front of the show but they are not the actor.
Mindanao is truly peaceful and an island paradise.
I salute you for owning the domain. We could have done it ourselves. But, as usual, we are always late in knowing what is best for us.
Those who avoid Mindanao simply because of the noise created either by politicians for their own vested interest or otherwise will miss not only half of their lives but beauty itself as well as peace.
G’day Bob and Family,
Well done on publishing those recent candid pictures of colorful Davao! Was
checking the local news and somehow encountered your website. I’m glad I did! I’m an authentic Dabawenya myself, born and bred in the province and in Davao City and lived there for 27 best years of my life. And yet still want to come back to live in the very near future (after 9 years of being away).
As always, nothing beats the charm of Davao and the people,the colors of the
native orchids,the cool and relaxing blue waters of the gulf,the aroma of
“Sinugbang barilis” and the haunting “amoy ng durian” that sorrounds my senses if not most of the time, enticing me to come back home.
Fantastic job and will look forward to see more photos of Everyday Davao.
Cheers,
Sarah Laureano-Castledine
North Fremantle,Western Australia
You’re lucky to get that domain!
Anyway, its a good thing that here is a blog dedicated to Mindanao, an island that is so much misunderstood, feared, but at the same time coveted because of its uniqueness and importance. This island, while I’ve not roamed the full breadth, is very special to me: my Subanon roots are here, I’ve worked in Cagayan de Oro and Davao for a few meaningful years, traveled most parts and where I have actually discovered new species of beetles (some have been named after me), proof to its rich natural resources, diverse people and a fascinating travel destination.
Mabuhay.
estan
http://www.estanli.net
Howdy
I am a Brit. married to a girl from Davao.We are in uk just now but will return soon for good to Davao.
I am very inerested in all the stuff I found on the net and your blog is comprehensive and informative.Yeah, I would like to meet up with you over a San mig when we get back and while the girls are at the mall looking for bargains–should be time for at least 10 cans!!!
Best regards–keep up the good (unpaid work)
Good day!
Hi, im Dr marlon. I’m a plastic surgeon based here in manila. But i was born and raised in general santos city. yes, it is very true that there’s no place like home(especially GenSan). I’ve looking forward to go back again to gensan and davao. I really missed grilled tuna, durian, mangoosteen, beaches, old friends…
Thank you Bob for promoting mindanao. It is really a land of promise.
Best regards!
Can you help us locate/contact a relative who lives in Demapaco, Libungan, North Cotabato. Mrs. Herminia Santos Ysit is the sister of our late mother, Esperanza Santos Kayaban who passed away December 8, 2005. Our email address is jokayaban@yahoo.com or donna_cli@yahoo.com.
Thanks and God bless
I would like to thank you all for your insight on the island of Mindanao. I expect to visit this August and of course I got on the inter-Net to gather information concerning what there is to do. I believe the city I will be visiting will be Zamboanga City if I’m not mistaken. As the Brit mention I am also marryed to a beautiful Philippino women which I met in the states. Again, let me thank you all for sharing a tiny bite of your life with me.
Hello Bob:
I found your site through Chris Johnson’s website on the Opera Blog Community. Thank you for allaying my fears about Mindanao by establishing this website. I was born in the northen part of the Philippines (i.e.,Pampanga) and have lived in Paranaque City (suburb outside of Manila)for 23 years. I grew up believing that Mindanao and its people are dangerous (Thanks to Marcos!). I now live in Canada and would like to visit your wonderful island when I get a chance to go home (my last one was in 1994).
Best Regards,
Agnes
How u doin Bob?Kumusta?yup..thats my name in philipines..before we go deep in to the story let me tell u some introduction about myself and family..actually i was born in Cotabato city but was migrated to Malaysia Sabah in 1977..born on 20th april 1976..it’s a long story why me and my parents ended up here…if i tell you the whole story,you’ll be able to make a movie about my family…my family name on my mother side is SEMA and my father side is KADATUAN..my father is an ex General of MNLF..got shot on his left leg but pray to Allah he’s still able to walk after the incident…came here illegally but after how many years he manage to make contacts here in Sabah to become solid Malaysian citizen..he was admited in Sandakan Hospital and we stayed in 1 of the island (can’t recall the name of the island)but what i remembered is that island was full of heavy firearms…wow..looks fun to me that time..after few years then we moved to Kota Kinabalu (city of SABAH The Land Below The Wind)..this is where my parents started a new living after all the suffering during their war in the jungle…for further story about the war,the best person to tell u the whole story is my father..u should meet him in person..he knows about all the full details about the politics and the politician in that area…you’ll get shock and pist off with the politician and all the dirty games in that rich Island…of course it’s peaceful rite now but the dirty games still rolling Bob..not scared to tell u that my uncle on my mother side is The Mayor of Cotabato city til now…but sadly i didn’t see any Development going on…why?is it because the fund from the government not enough?or maybe its stuck in the pocket?!..so confusing and complicated..no wonder my father never want to join politics…everytime we pay a visit there,he just monitor our own land,how to bring in investor and develope our 2000hectars..kinda hard Bob..that’s why i say you and my father should meet..but no san miguels and girls aight!hahaha..my parents pray 5 times a day..serious..i’m ok wit san miguel..but not infront of them..i’ll get shot in the head i guess…joke..we’ll continue again ok..gotta go to work…i’m in entertainment line for 10yrs…use to be a dj in a club..now taking care of a club..work night time..finish at 5a.m…unhealthy life but for money,gota do it..i’m tired already in this line Bob..actually in a rush writing to u…see ya…i don’t mind giving u and your family a piece of land to stay in cotabato city…mark my word..mindanao need a person like you..see ya!
mindanao is a blessed and peaceful paradise island.its rich cultural diversity and colorful historical heritage makes the mindanawans proud of themselves. such gift also of pride and honour made our ancestors fought the colonizers without fear.
sad to say, sensationalized media and misconception from bias writings of history placed my beloved island in a negative limelight.more than that, midanawan politicians whom we elected to promote and establish the island as a peaceful and exciting place to relax, to do business and to live in did not do their homework. instead, they attended their self vested interest by playing with the traditional dirty politics that is plaguing country today.
as a proud mindawan, i salute you for having such positive venue in promoting mindanao. what a slap on the faces of those who try to taint the name of mindanao?shame on them!
i am looking of more people like you.mabuhay!
patrik of bukidnon
Hi my name is jude im from England, im would please like someone to better informe me about Mindanao.
Mindanao and the Philippines as a whole and Philipine culture,
For this reason i would really like to get in touch with Bob, but his contact from
does seem to be avilible any help would be of great assistance and much appreciated.
Ok Just someone tell me please, im not just some ignorant dude from uk,
but our goverment and some others think mindanao is a dangrerous place,
not that im saying it is but whats the situation in iligan city?
What a wonderful opportunity which you have! I was raised in Iligan and left in 1972 to co
and came to the USA. I was in Iligan in 2001. There is no place in the Philippines
any where as beautiful as Mindanao. The food is the best. The people are wonderful and
and beautiful. Iligan is still what I feel is my home. Good luck.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
what i nice site to visit… very informative… thanks to know that somebody cares mindanao
God bless your family… hope mindanao will rise someday with the help of good men like you Bob.
try to visit iligan city with this site http://www.iligan-city.gov.ph
Aloha – My wife and I are moving to northern Mindanao early next year. I have four questions for you (easy I hope)
1. After six prolonged trips to the Davao area I have yet to locate a source for building materials and tools.
I have only found small hardware stores like the one downstairs at the Illustra Mall. I need a place where the serious carpenters go. Specifcally I need a generator, cement mixer, and perhaps a table saw and other tools.
2. I will be building a local style boat and will need two small diesal engins to run in parallel. Any idea of an engine dealer in Davao?
3. Is there any place in Davao where I can buy a scuba air compressor for filling scuba tanks? Manila?
4. How do I go about registering a web site domain name in the Philippines?
Any information or direction will be geatly appreciated. – Jared
hi Bob & family.
I miss Mindanao specially Davao. I left Davao last November 2004 to work here in Qatar.
I was amazed that somebody, who is not from Mindanao or even from the Philippines, is promoting
the real beauty of Mindanao. We, Mindanaoans, should have done this for ourselves!
Thank you Bob…I hope you will receive a recognition from the national government for this
great job.
hi bob!
im a frequent visitor of ur blog…that’s great of u to feature my place. it makes me miss home s much! anyway should u have time, please do browse my newly-developed personal blog too…perhaps we could have some exchange of views sometime…ill be coming home soon so see u then! God bless-
hi bob,
i came to your site from net. i frequent traveller to asian countries for my business . i belong
from north part of india near new delhi is my city namely chandigarh city .if u have someday
chance please i glad to welcome here heartily with ur Filipino wife . i visited manila 3 times
for my business , basically iam trader & doing business. i reason visit to this site beacuse
from the village sampaguita musuan bukidnon i met my net friend her name is Katrina .
as iam not much familier this place kindly can u enquire about it & do let me know .
i will gald keep intouch with u in mails & someday visit u to go around this province with u .
god bless u & ur family .
Hi Rajesh,
Thank you for visiting the blog. If you make it to Mindanao, just let me know!
Hi there, love iligan and love this website. Im looking for anyone that has attended the Bible Baptist Church (Fundamental) Kindergarten School in Iligan so they can share their memories, stories and maybe a picture or two. They have a lovely little website at http://biblebaptistchurchiligan.spaces.live.com/
Many thanks and keep up the good work here.
John
Hi american Bob,
I am very glad to read that u have a filipano wife. I too in love of a
filipino gal and coming from India to philippines to see her soon.
Hi Bob,
I am looking for a Native Tausug linguist wh is also a US citizen. Do you know anyone?
Thanks
hello bob we are visiting gen san next sept 19th, and will stay at the asia reef hotel. we would love to meet w ith you if at all possible and suggest , at the hotel at 7pm, and we could have a chat.gregs cell no o9176216848 sincerly greg macdougal and russell birchall
Hi,
I absolutely enjoyed your new website..thanks..I browse on it every day..and look at all the pictures you have for the day..how i wish you could feature more on Nabunturan..
thanks,
jgeraghty
Elow..
Good thing you have this website..I enjoyed viewing it..
Anwez..just wanna ask for your help..we’re going to have a debate regarding the separation of Mindanao to be an independent state, and I’m on the negative side. Could you give me write-ups, solid arguments or links opposing to the said separation?? What are the disadvantages if that would be pursued?? Please I really need your help…
thanx..God Bless & more power!!!
hi good day to every one..
wanna just ask for a help for our debate,my group is to defend that mindanao should be an independent state,or in other words I agree with the separation of mindanao as independent state..
I am expecting for an immediate help and response.I am asking po of such solid arguments and proof,and its advantage po!!anyway tomorrow will bw the sched of our debate..
Thnks po….and Godbless you all
MARIE,
I’m on your side. MINDANAO must not be separated, for the people itself in MINDANAO CANT handle it. for their ARE so many ambitiuos man who wants to CONQUER and HOLD MINDANAO in his own way. meaning iilan lang makikinabang. I dont believe that MINDANAO woulb be more interesting to visit or invest business if they will separate MINDANAO in to our own REPUBLIC. SALAM KAY DATU RAJIM SEMA KADATUAN! ANG TINDI MO TENG! SOBRANG YAMAN MO, BATI! AS IN! ANG lupit ng PWERSA MO!
THANKS BOB! YOURE SUCH A NICE PERSON! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
MARIE,
I’m on your side. MINDANAO must not be separated, for the people itself in MINDANAO CANT handle it. for their’s so many ambitiuos man who wants to CONQUER and HOLD MINDANAO in his own way. meaning iilan lang makikinabang. I dont believe that MINDANAO woulb be more interesting to visit or invest business if they will separate MINDANAO in to our own REPUBLIC. SALAM KAY DATU RAJIM SEMA KADATUAN! ANG TINDI MO TENG! SOBRANG YAMAN MO, BATI! AS IN! ANG lupit ng PWERSA MO!
Aloha Bob,
My hubby uses this website to send me gifts. Thanks 2 u. I really appreciate websites like this promoting the land where i grew up. I work for a co. based in Hawaii, we sell cigars and souvenir items. I am now in Davao but will be leaving soon to London. I am an experience search engine optimizer and an ebay seller. I would like to encourage websites like this one to be able to promote the business sector in the city.Keep up the good work. I am open for people who needs my help on how they can sell on online auction websites like ebay, froogle, alibaba etc. I am interested in cultured pearls. Do you have any idea where i can locate there stores?I heard there is one in Samal but i dont know where to locate them. I have an internet connection at home and I would like to be a part of this website as well. If only ill be given a chance. Whatever you can give me, my service is free. Please email me and tell me how can i help.
Mahalo,
Katherine
Bob Hi,
Came across your blog site and like it.
If you or others have time to view http://www.freewebs.com/pdamarellfoundation
which is a mobile medical clinic concept to visit the whole of Mindanao Island treating people for FREE.
I have the plan and organisations completed on the Foundation Website but I need ideas to get business communities to get this kick started, anyone with ideas are welcome to contact me. Regards & Take Care Peter
Hello Bob
Sorry this is not related to this post but the “contact us” Email link does not seem to be working…
Check out this Davao news……. two twin sisters scored 90.2% in their teaching exams…. a great story….
Visit Minda News at http://www.mindanews.com
Cheers
Eric Harris
Adelaide South Australia
Hi Bob,
Do you have any insight as to cell phone coverage in Mindanao (specifically Cagayan de oro and Camiguian)? I’m considering getting a US GSM cell phone but have heard that pre-paid phones purchased in the PI might be more cost effective. If you have any tips, I’d greatly appreciate them as I’d like to be able to keep in touch with family and friends in the States. Also, if you have an idea on how well reception and coverage is in Mindanao, that’d be appreciated as well.
Thanks,
Lodrew
Dear Bob,
In sharing this piece, I hope to re-generate the interest and re-live the memories of those who were born and had the time of their young lives in Zamboanga, just like I did.
http://www.zamboangasurreal.blogspot.com
Thanks for your time, Nikas
Hello Everyone,
In sharing this piece, I hope to re-generate the interest and re-live the memories of those who were born and had the time of their young lives in Zamboanga, just like I did.
http://www.zamboangasurreal.blogspot.com
Thanks for your time, Nikas
Hi Nikas – thank you for sharing your article. I am sure many will enjoy it.
Hi Bob,
I appreciate your articles and coverage on issues about the Mindanao region of the Philippines. Similar to the situation in which I read where an officer in the military was going to consider travel to Gingoog, I also have been in touch with a lady there. (Hope we aren’t both being played by the same one!!!). This lady has to go to the internet cafes to correspond with me. Can you tell me the conditions of those cafes, are there many? Also, is there a call center for international calling anywhere around there? I would like to send her something via UPS. DHL or the like. I haven’t received a physical address yet and I figure that with a last name of dela Cruz, it would likely be similar to finding a Smith here. She has said that things are currently difficult there and I want to believe that is true. I did make the mistake of using a bit of American slang and I hope that I have not offended her. Haven’t heard word from her since Sept. Any ideas on reaching her other than the internet? Thank you again.
SB
Hi Steve, thanks for visiting my blog. As for your friend in Gingoog City, I don’t really know how you can contact her if you don’t have any information on her. Do you have a phone number? If you have only an e-mail address, i guess that sending her an e-mail would be the only way that I know of to contact her. With a name of dela Cruz, like you say that would be like trying to find somebody with a last name of “Smith” in the United States. It is a very common name here, and there are likely to be a lot of people with that name in Gingoog. Good luck to you in your search!
Hello to all.
I have been to Mindanao three years straight as of this year. I live in the USA but my heart is in Mindanao for sure. I fell in love with the island as soon as I walked out of the airport. I got such a kick out of the traffic in Davao (now my favorite city). I went to Surigao Del Sur and stayed up there with my brother and his wife and child. Really loved the area so much that I have decided to make it my retirement destination. One of the best things i liked and had a hard time at first understanding was ” Philipino time”. David
Hi David – yep, I am with you, Mindanao is a great place. Like you, it is a place that I loved immediately the first time I came here. Next time you are coming to Davao let me know and we’ll have to get together for lunch or coffee.
Hi Bob
I am from Australia
I found your web site by search! I think its is very real and informative, I have spent all night going back and forth via all the links.
I interest is in visiting a new female friend I met in Hong Kong. She is from north Mindanao. Can you tell me is it safe in Alegria south of Surigao City , and if it is the safest way to get there ?
She would love me to visit but I am apprehensive with all the negative stuff.
Hope you have time to answer.
Thanks Mick
Hi Mick – you won’t have any problems in the Surigao area, that is safe. You will run into a lot of Aussies there, they all hang out near Surigao for the great surfing!
Hello Bob!
I was browsing through google to find sources of Internet Cafe In Davao- Mindanao. Great Job! You knew more about my own place than I do. I have been away for so long, 13 years in Singapore, tavelling in Asia, but now I am back here Makati City, my first time ever to live here, and to be honest I get lost in Makati lol! I would rather live in Mindanao rather than Manila- SUCKS! Infrastruture were bad, Airports were Horrible! Its just I have no choice as my company had moved me here, representing PeerMe Inc. in the Philippines. I would like to say have a Pleasant stay in Mindanao!
Hi Judith – thanks for visiting my blog! Well, I doubt that I know Davao more than you do, if you are a long term resident before having to migrate abroad and then to Makati. But, I try to be informed about the place where I live. Good luck with your business.
Is Rick still looking for a Tausug linguist (US citizen)?
“mahasiswa”
———-
Rick Says:
September 6th, 2006 at 9:44 am
Hi Bob,
I am looking for a Native Tausug linguist wh is also a US citizen. Do you know anyone?
Thanks
Hi Mahasiswa – I am sorry, but the last few times I have tried to contact Rick I have gotten no response to my e-mails. I wish I could help further, but I can’t seem to contact him.
Thanks, Bob.
Yesterday, I just happened to come upon this blog and I saw Rick’s posting, re: Tausug linguist. I was interesting in letting Rick know that I am US citizen, proficient in Tausug.
Thanks.
Mahasiswa – as I said yesterday, I have no way of contacting Rick. He does not respond to my e-mails. I wish I could help, but I know of no way to do so.
Hey, Bob! I’m from Cagayan de Oro City. Your site and writings are great. Do you know where we got the name “Mindanao”?
More power and blessings to you, your family and businesses…
Hi Glen – thanks for dropping by and leaving your comment! You know… I have never thought about where the name “Mindanao” came from! Can you fill me in? I’m very curious now.
Bob,
All is good. No worries, mate. I was just explaining how I came across this site and that I saw Rick’s post from back a few months.
More power to you. Anything we can do to showcase the richness of Mindanao is worthwhile.
V/r
p.s. “Mindanao” is derived from the Marano/Maguindanao languages – means “inundated”, “under water”. Think of beautiful Lake Lanao …
I meant “Maranao” — sorry for the typo.
i dont believe that mindanao will be a gud republic if the stating of min. will be realize.If that will happen,maraming maiipit na civilian coz of that stupid issue.how come mindanao should turn into a state even if our own leaders cannot solve the political problems,grupt and currartion.And again we have to select our new leaders,and we have now assurance if that new leaders are trust worthy,if they’r not OH NO! and also how about those people working in manila that live here in min.they will be deported if that stupid issue will be realized.
Good day to u Bob!
I was browsing the net to get some information for our debate about Mindanao separated to be an independent state for next week. I was already hopeless because all articles that I’ve red is that they are all in negative side and it led me or shall I say to a huge problem because my group was assigned to affirmative side. Honestly, I don’t have any idea about this topic until luckily I get the chance to open your site. After reading people’s responses about your blog and that there some also asking for your idea about the issue Mindanao separated to be an independent state. If you don’t mind I too would like to ask for your help. Or just maybe just give me a sort of advantages of what will happen if Mindanao will be an independent state. I really hope to get positive response from you.
MORE POWER and GOD BLESS YOU!!!
CANDID of GENSAN
hi bob…good day..
What a pleasure that you able to appreciate the beauty (everything) of Mindanao…ahm..since you were already staying..I think that you are also concerned on some issues here in mindanao, right?
anyways…I’m april april from Gensan a nursing student…our logic class were argueing regarding on the separation of Mindanao from th Republic of the Philippines…
for your opinion…do you agree in such issues they were (some leaders)arising?
Hello Candid and April – when it comes to political issues in the Philippines, I do not get involved. I am a guest here, not a citizen, and my opinions of political issues have no relevance. I will leave it up to you and other Philippine citizens to decide what is best for the country, and why.
guys…anwer niu po 2…DAPAT PO BA TALAGANG IHIWALAY ANG MINDANAO SA PILIPINAS?BAKIT OO AT BAKIT HINDI?
DAPAT PO BANG IHIWALAY ANG MINDANAO SA PILIPINAS????BAKIT OO AT BAKIT HINDI???SAGOT KAYO
lyn – as I have said in many comments on this blog already, I will not get involved in Philippine Politics, it is not my place, because I am not a citizen here. See comment #56 above.
gud day!!! i just want to ask about what are the current issues in Mindanao…
what are the current archeological finds discovered in mindanao and sulu so far?? what are the significance of these finds??
SEEKING FOR JUSTICE
Dear Bob,
I am writing in Seeking for the justice of my 13 years old niece who has been raped takes place at pequeno butuan city but until now the case still uncertain with doubted that the case will be dismiss because the other party is more powerful and hired many illegitimate witness to tackle down our part, in addition to this the opponent take charge against the uncle whom run after the three men who raped my niece.As we have no money to pay in hiring more lawyer…due to poverty. Is it right that poverty has no justice in Butuan City?..the opponent Sister GINA is working at government offices,so she is more powerful than us.Is it means that we are the one stay in prison instead of those guilty personn? Where I could ask and find justice? I ever asked the mayor but no action..Seeking for justice..Thank you Bob if you could publish this throughout Philippines.. as a lesson to any poor people that don’t fight with people with more money/more power. thank you.
ICT Pequeno, Butuan City
Kenneth – well, the current issues here are the same as those throughout the Philippines, with a few more thrown in too. The biggest issue that is holding up the MILF/GRP peace talks at this point are ancestral domain issues. Sorry, I know nothing about archaeological finds around the Island.
Hi Nita – by posting your comment, you just published the information. I wish you and your niece good luck.
thank you bob…actually today id our debate about dat issue…
hi..bob..
im so glad dat u r concern in mindanao…
actually today is our debate…about dat issue..
GOD bless!!!!!
pipol der!!!!!!
in ur part is it good to mke mindanao a state?????
i nid ur answer ryt nw!!!!
plz..help me…!!!!!!!
I’d like to talk to philappino residents about any drug and alcolhol issues in the Phillipines. I am involved in Welfare and am doing researuch.
walking_s__mac@dragnet.com.au
I am a single 50 year old man that lives in California and am thinking of retiring to the Philippines in five years. I have been to Mindanao but only Davao. Are there any cities/towns in the higher/cooler elevations that foreigners have moved to that are safe and has some western restaurants? I don’t eat meat and don’t particularly like hot weather.
Would appreciate any suggestions.
Hi Barry – If I were in your position, I would consider looking at Valencia City, Bukidnon. It is at a high elevation where the temperature is cooler, and a lot of fresh vegetables are grown in that area, so you will have access to the freshest vegetables you can find! It’s a beautiful place too, one of my favorite stops in Bukidnon.
Good Day Bob!
I’m from Mindanao, Agusan del Norte in particular. I’ve studied in Cebu and eventually work there. You know, I’ve been to most parts of the Visayas region, Leyte, Negros, Bohol, etc., but sadly I wasn’t able to tour the whole of Mindanao. Only the northern part, Surigao city, Butuan and Cagayan but the southern part, none. As I’ve seen pictures posted here, I can’t help but envy you. Mindanao is a great place! I know that but never had the chance to really explore it…
Hi Jtogz – You can still do it! Why not plan a trip or two to different parts of Mindanao? You will enjoy it.
Mr. Martin,
I am an American that has been in the Philippines for the past 26 years. I own a company that imports electronics for the fishing industry, GPS,sonar,fishfinders etc. We are a direct importer from the Garmin factory. We are a wholesale oreanted company here on Luzon with a few customers in the southern islands.
I am very interested in finding someone in the Gen.San. area who would represent our line.
Any ideas?
Yours,
Don Ogden
Marnav Marine
Yeah you’re right Bob. In fact, this June I’m planning to visit Davao as soon as I arrive from Riyadh, KSA for my annual vacation. That’s one of my planned destinations…
A little suggestion, try visiting Caraga. I bet you haven’t been able to feature this region thoroughly. There’s the beaches of Siargao, Guyam island, Bucas Grande, Tinuy-an falls in Bislig, 500-year old Bitaug tree in Magallanes(my town), museum in Butuan city and a lot more! I’m sure you’ll find this place interesting…
Hi Jtogz – I have visited Caraga a few times, but I do plan to go back and see more of the area. In particular, I have yet to visit Surigao del Norte, so I will definitely be going there.
Thanks for the tip on Valencia City, Bukidnon. Do you know of any sites on the internet where I could find more info? I am wondering about western restaurants, westerns living there, nightlife, rental costs, etc. If you don’t, no need to reply to this.
I like your websites. I am learning a lot.
Hi Barry – I don’t know other sites to refer you to, but I would be happy to address your questions. Valencia is a small place, not a lot of action going on there! There is only one nice restaurant in town, but it’s one of my favorite places in all of Mindanao, called Roadhouse Cafe. It’s a combo fusion restaurant – East meets West. They have excellent food. You won’t find much in the way of nightlife in town. The sidewalks roll up early up in the mountains. I would guess that you could rent a darn nice place for P5,000 per month. I am sorry, I don’t know how many westerns are living there.
Thanks Bob. I will continue my internet searches and add Valencia City to my list of places to visit. Might as well add Malaybalay City to it also. What do you think of Malaybalay City? Can you answer some of those same questions about it. I’ll be arriving single which may not last long but will need some nightlife while it does. I know what I am asking for may not exist, cooler weather, good western restaurants, other ethnic cuisines, etc. but you don’t know until you search.
Thanks Bob, I like you and your wife’s writings.
Barry – Malaybalay is a lot deader than Valencia City. I would personally not even consider moving to Malaybalay. If I wanted to live in the mountains, I would choose either Valencia City or the Marilog District of Davao, possibly somewhere in Buda, although that is pretty remote, not what you are looking for.
Yeah, I retired and moved here in Feb. 2005. I heard all the stories from friends, even some Filipino friends “that hadn’t been home in 10 years or more” but I find 98% of that to be fears and things that did happen many years ago! but not today. I’ve been in Luzon, Cebu, and now Davao and from everything “I’ve seen!” I wouldn’t live anywhere but Davao and the surounding area witch covers 99% of Mindanao. I’ve lived around L.A,Ca; Orlando, Florida; Macon, Ga; Etc. and I feel safer here. Don’t make a mistake, I love the U.S. where I was born, lived and worked for 55 years, but as retired I love it here!! and a Filipina wife just makes it that much better!!
Hi Steve – thanks for stopping by the blog! I’m glad that you shared your experiences! I am like you, I really love the Davao area, it’s a great place to live!
hi bob. its nice to find a website that has positive info about mindanao. im glad i found your site. im interested in finding some info on the city called misamis oriental gingoog. so far, i have not been able to find much, and any help about the city, people, and surrounding area would be much appreciated. much of what i have found advises people to not visit mindanao at this time because of terrorists, and even volcanic activity there. if you have any info or know any good websites with info, could you please email the sites to me? i would be very greatfull for any help, and after reading much of what has been printed on this website, i think the negative items ive seen are a bit exagerated. thank you for your time, and for this website.
I’m glad you found my site and found it useful.
The place you are looking for is Gingoog, that’s the name of the town (it’s not a city – too small). Misamis Oriental is the Province where it is, not part of the name of the town.
There is no volcanic activity in Mindanao, whoever said that is really off base. There are inactive volcanoes on the island, but no volcanoes have erupted in Mindanao for hundreds of years to my knowledge.
There is indeed terrorist activity in parts of Mindanao, but that is very far from Gingoog. If you go to Gingoog, terrorism is not something you need to be concerned about.
I am sorry, I don’t really have any websites to offer you about the Gingoog area. I think the info you find on my website will be the most comprehensive you will find on the Internet.
Hi Bob,
I came accross your site last night and I was fascinated by it’s positive feedback and information. I plan to retire in Philippines in three years in Davao (bought a little lot in Villa Josefina); and I just wonder if you knew some local builders (to build a house) who are not too expensive?
Please respond if you got some info. Thanks a lot
Jim (from Windsor)
Hi Jim – thanks for dropping by my blog! I’m glad you enjoyed it and found it useful. I don’t exactly know any builders, although I know of many builders. I don’t know of any well enough to make a recommendation, though. When the time gets closer and you are getting ready to build, though, give me a shout. I have enough contacts that I could ask around and get some information for you to check into.
Good luck with your pending move!
hello bob!
im from iligan city, im just curious. why you choose mindanao to live in and not other islands of philippines?
yes, iligan is a peaceful place to live with. our problem there that the media had mis-interpret, that everytime have bad news in mindanao or in lanao they put it in iligan!… but actually not happen there!.. that is our problem in iligan. CAN YOU HELP US TO TELL THE TRUTH…
by the way, have you visited iligan city? or you live tin iligan?
thanks!!! for your domain..
GOD BLESS YOU BOB AND YOUR FAMILY..
Hi Albert – I live in Davao City, but I have been to Iligan many times, and I have good friends in Iligan. It’s a nice place.
The reason I chose to live in Mindanao is because I love it here. I find Mindanao to be clean, pure and fresh compared to other parts of the Philippines. My wife is from Mindanao, and in my travels around the country, I came to love Mindanao, and wanted to live here.
The whole purpose of this website is to spread the true picture of Mindanao, not what the media says. Let people see the truth of what Mindanao is all about.
Hi Bob,
I just ran accross your site and when I opened it, it’s so cool! Specially when I saw the pictures! Im from Maramag Bukidnon, born in New Matina Davao & was raised in Opol Misamis Oriental. Ain’t it funny?Hahaha! I’m happily married to an American & now in WPB Florida.
Anyway, just wanna say that your site is awesome. Thanks for the domain! Keep up the good job. More power to you & your family! Oh! Cute kids you have!
Hi Ariane – I’m glad you found my blog and found it useful! I have been to Maramag many times, it’s a nice little town! Good luck to you and your husband in Florida! Thanks also for the nice words about my family!
Hi! Great Day!
I am a student in Davao city.I really appreciate it. Keep it up!
Hi Gleny – Thanks for dropping by! Good luck in school!
Hello Bob,
Great site.! You have lots of good information about Mindanao that is relevant and current. Keep up the good work.
By the way, where can I obtain/purchase a Tausog/English dictionary/phrase book? Preferrably a book authored by one who speaks and writes it fluently, etc.?
V/r
Dwight
Hi Dwight – thanks for your nice words! I’m glad you enjoy the site.
Sorry, but I have never seen a Tausug/English dictionary before!
where’s the blog of gladys muaña about bedco=bedgo?
Hi cate – Gladys has never posted on this blog, you must be referring to another blog. Gladys used to work for me, but she recently immigrated to the USA.
Weather is very hot rainy and humid in Mindanao . As far as i know, they don’t allow foreigners to purchase property there with foreigner’s name on title . I was there 2 yrs ago . i loved it except to hot. But the day after i left the same bus i rode get attacked . I was going south to Zamboanga from CDO airport. Good luck in your decision .. Be very careful if looking for wife , even though Phili women are the best … Later Gator
Hi! bob
I am so glad to hear about Davao. I was born in Masara my father used to work for Elizalde Mining co.The company closed, then we move to Maragusan and farm. My parents are one of Maragusan pioneer. Have you ever been there? just like going towards baguio… zigzag. They have crystal clear Water falls and so cold, Agwakan falls and more falls nice climate people are beautiful and lovely they have Dole company there too!if you ever plann to vesit Maragusan now compostila let me know, my sister Bebet will cook for you puro sinugba lang.
I’ve leave in U.S. for 28 yrs. Washington state is where I stay, my last vesit was July 2005 that was before my father passed away. Maragusan had changed, name changed to Compostila valley and alot of improvement. Thanks for sharing & promoting Davao.” Mutyang lunsod ng Davao” Josie D.
Hi Bob! Wonder if you could pass on my email addy to Don Ogden of Marnav marine who posted here earlier looking for someone to sell navigation items. Thanks I would appreciate it. I check the site everyday to see yours and Maej’s pics. I really enjoy them.
Hi Joey – Hey, nice to hear from you! I already passed along your e-mail address to Don. I hope you hear back from him!
Hi Josephine – I have visited Maragusan before! It’s a long ways up in the mountain! It’s a nice little town, though. I have heard there is a lot of NPA activity there, but I am not sure. Anyway, if I ever go there again, I’ll try to look up your family there! By the way, I am from Washington State!
Hi Bob,
Thank you for your work , pictures and mostly your love and spirit of a place that holds very dear to my heart. Been living in the states since 1980 and have resided in Sonoma county for almost 20 years. I often brag and tell my friends to visit Mindanao – and especially Basilan as I was born there. Been going back and forth and visited Basilan and Zamboanga off and on this last few years. I named my (almost 3 year old) Daughter – Isabela and I brought her there when she was 1 1/2. I was not scared at all as I always take the attitude to “Live life”. I’m still fluent in Chavacano and hope this language will not die. It’s so very nice to listen people talk in that dialect.
Anyway, I want to thank you for having a place to show the REAL beauty and truly dynamic culture we have in Mindanao. It is in my hope that Muslims and Christians or whoever else who reside in Mindanao respect and educate each other. Wouldn’t it be all nice if we just all have a hug group hug – I mean seriously
I’ll forward you images of when I was In Basilan and how I saw it through the eyes of my camera.
Again, many thanks for your very positive work and I’ll keep in touch and hope that some day I’ll meet you and your family when I visit Mindanao as Davao is on my list of places to visit.
Cheers,
Al
Thank you Al! I enjoyed reading your message. I was in Basilan in February 2007, and I really enjoyed my visit there too!
I’ll look forward to meeting you in Davao.
Its great to read your blog Bob:)
Of all the places I’ve prepared to go to the Philippines excites me the most. I’ve been to some pretty exotic and dangerous places but Zamboanga scares the living @#$# out of me.
I was curious how you felt about the current saftey of the area. The friends I am going to meet, including my fiancee who went back there to graduate say its fairly safe if you stay in the central city and mind your business. Honestly I hope its safer then the Ivory Coast…
I wont go into what went wrong there but people died and I wasn’t one of them.
Hi Jahnri – Thanks for your comment. Very interesting. You can go to Zamboanga without being in danger. I have been there, and find it quite safe. As your friends say, stay in the City, don’t venture out into the countryside. You should not experience any problems at all.
Hi Bob,
enjoyed your pics of Zamboanga. Planning to visit there. Could you inform me of some hotels with contact numbers. Thanks
Hi louis – in Zamboanga, I recommend the Garden Orchid Hotel. Here is their contact information:
Telephone: ++63 (62) 991-0031
FAX: ++63 (62) 991-0035
E-mail: goh@jetlink.com.ph
hello bob,
i come across your site when i was looking for mindanaoan sites that could provide aunthentic information to a fellow blogger that posted an email he received from a fellow filipina telling people to stay away from mindanao for the reason that its not safe here and muslims generally are bad people. am a mindanaoan myself, from the heart of it which is Bukidnon and i cannot allow anybody to say negative things about the area when i know for a fact that the truth is quite distorted. i appreciate foreigners like you who took the time discovering the real potentials and beauty of the place, my kudos…
Hi Good day!
Do you like “Kadayawan” try it. It is really fun.
Hi gleny – Of course I like Kadayawan! How could anybody not like it! Unfortunately, this year I didn’t get to attend many events, because I had other commitments. Next year, though!
hi,i`am harry ,glad to meet you ,i will be go to the tagum city of Mindanao to work,have you been to the tagum city? now i want to know,whether the safe in tagum city, are there active insurgent groups in that city?
Hi Harry, I consider Tagum safe, I’ve been there many times. For a report on safety in Mindanao, you should send an e-mail to: safety@mindanao.com and you will receive our latest Security Assessment for the island. If you want a more detailed assessment of the area, we are happy to give you that for a charge of $24.99.
My wife and i are in our early seventies and financialy secure. Would we be able to take up residence on the island as migrants and are there other europeans who are established there and either retired or in business
Hi Ron – You should be able to apply for a Quota Visa for residence. There are many europeans living around Mindanao! Both retired and in business. I recommend coming here to check it out first. You can also read my other blog, which is about living here, go to: http://www.LiveInThePhilippines.com
To all Christian settlers in Mindanao,I would like to suggest that you have to review the History of Mindanao not the History made by the Americans.For me it is a shamefull that you christian settlers are very proud to say that you the majority of Mindanao!.You have to know first when and where your parents and ancestor came from?You have to know how Christian settlers became majority in Mindanao?How the Christian settlers acquired land in Mindanao?It’s something ironic that the people from visayas and Luzon are claiming of domination over the muslims who are the ligitimate claimant and has the birthright ruler of Mindanao Land?Is it the question or an acceptable reason of majority of population shall be the prevailing ruler?It does not mean that you are the majority you will be the ruler of a certain land.Like for example Saudi Arabia,the total population of expatriates are dominant over the Saudi’s but it is not the expatriates who are the ruler of Saudi arabia.In Singapore,it is the chinese who are majority in terms of population but they are not the ruler of singapore!!It is not a question of who is majority and who is minority!It is a question of who has the birhtright to rule Mindanao and who has the right to claim its sovereignty?You have to study again and gi back to your logic and Philosopy!
I support an amazing passionate Christian Missionary from the Philippines, who is starting up a new project in General Santos Ciy. This is what he has described to me regarding the project: “This project is for the tribal kids called MAMANUA TRIBE and MAGUINDANAWON TRIBE (a poor Muslim tribe). We can gather 30-40 kids to start the program called PRE-SCHOOL. This will serve kids to be educated in their early days before they go to elementary. This will be a two-year (2years) project.I believe that after the two years there will be more kids and more kids and more kids…then it will produced to more facilities to start another project called ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.”
“You know what? Someone gave a place and a center to use for this project! Again, SOMEONE GAVE A A PLACE AND A CENTER TO USE FOR THIS PROJECT!!! To GOD BE THE GLORY!!! What we are praying is transportation for us to use because the location is 12-14 kilometer away from the City. IF we use public transportation, it will take us 45min. drive. If we have our own transportation, only 10-12min.drive.”
So God has blessed him with a facility, but now he is looking for transportation. I was wondering if you had any knowledge of where he might be able find such transportation, either very reasonably priced or perhaps a very generous donation to doing God’s work! Thanks
hi Bob,
your pictures taken are simply amazing and it brings back memories of Mindanao. You really did a very very good job. it should be a wake up call for all mindanao residents who are away to consider returning back.
Hi Dann Gill – Thanks for visiting! I am happy that my site has made you consider returning to Mindanao! I know that I certainly love it here.
Thanks, Thanks, Thanks,
For the pictures, they help us to remember.
For being politically neutral, everyone can trust you.
For caring, everyone can share your love
For being a good man, if one man can, all can
For being a good father, a role model for all.
Thanks and may our Lord bless your family.
When we return we will thank you personally!
Hi Jim and Rose – Thank you for your kind words.
Hi Bob, as i searched through web about mindanao and its beautiful places here, i was amazed to see your photos about mindanao. I am from Butuan City but grew up in manila, and now i finally moved back here for good. I wanted to travel around mindanao since i did not have the chance to visit some places here during my younger age. So far, the far place i visit is in san francisco in agusan del sur, since my bf is from there. I really wanted to visit some other place in mindanao, i was just wondering if it will cost that much… well, i wish i can come with you whenever you’ll plan a trip..hehehe… anyway, goodluck to you and hope to read more some comment about mindanao…
louanne
Hi louanne – Thank you for your kind words. I am glad that you decided to move back to Mindanao, it’s a very special place! Travel around Mindanao is actually quite inexpensive! I hope that you will find a chance to enjoy some trips to other parts of the island.
first things first let me tell you, youve than a good job of what you are doing, its not easy to type…..hehehehehehe….
anyway keep doing at it, by chance have you been to labason in particular or maybe around zamboanga del norte?
maybe if u have a business around the area can u take same picture, is that a lot to ask….do it…..hehehehehehe
anyhow goodluck and warm hello to ur family
Hi gigi – sorry, I have yet to visit Labason.
Hi Bob,
very intersting Blo…I want to ask u if u are living with ur family there (also kids maybe) and how safe are u feeling now after all what happend the last weeks….
Thanks and regards
Karl
BOb
sorry forget the question about ur family, I found the answer already here….sorry I guess I have to use more my eyes….
Hi Karl – Yes, I live in Davao City with my wife and kids. I am not really aware of anything having happened in Davao that would discourage me from living here, or make me feel unsafe. There is some fighting in Basilan and Sulu, but that is hundreds of miles away. I don’t believe that to be a problem.
No problem on having found the info already, it may be a question that others have too, so I don’t mind answering.
BOb
Thanks, my brother in law is living and working in cotabato more than 20 years already (he is actuially from the northern Prov) and he always tell me to got here but till now we didnt go….Neyt time Im there I will send u an email maybe we can have some San Migs together…
Best regards and thanks for the info here
Karl
Hi Karl – That sounds nice! Let me know!
hi Bob
how are you! i hope ask you some questions about the tagum city again.because i will go there on Oct,could you narrate for me that about the local peace was good or bad? and the business environment was ok in there ?
and then i must be want to know! how many the big hospital in that city? because i ill sometimes,i need to hospital.. oh..thank you can tell me anything….i come from china
Hi Harry – Tagum City is a very peaceful area, you should have no problems there. I don’t know how many hospitals they have, but they do have plenty of hospitals to serve you.
thank BOb..
i glad you tell me anything..if i can go to the tagum city,i hope make a friend with you, you are a kindness people,i hope you can introduce many beautiful place for me in the tagum and davao, when i feel free i will be look around any beautiful place,that`s will excited…
Hi Bob,
I am a Brit currently residing in Dubai.
My girlfriend is a native of Zamboanga City. She is returning home in October for a one month holiday and, is keen I join her on the trip!
I have obviously heard a lot about the political situation in this part of Mindanao – some good, some bad.
I would really like to see where she comes from. However, I would like some neutral opinion on the current situation there for western visitors from someone like you is “there on the ground”!
Hope to hear from you soon.
Regards,
Alan
Hi Alan – I don’t think you will experience any problems in Zamboanga City, but I recommend that you remain in the City, don’t venture outside the city. If you follow that advice, there should be no problems, in my opinion!
Hi Bob;my wife is from Gingoog city. We travel there every year,no danger there.Gingoog very nice place. As an American,i can say that the people treat me as one of them. I love the people there.When you need help every one tried there best.I am retired now so my wife and i are looking for place in gingoog or maysaysay.My favorite place . Thank you Bob and keep up the good work
Hi Lester – Great to hear that you have had such wonderful experiences during your visits to Gingoog City. Take care, and keep visiting the blog!
Your website is commendable, it will serve as bridge of communication in the promotion of peace through cultural understanding. The Mindanao State University Buug College based in Buug ZSP, through its Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao would always like to give in put on the work it has done in peace building.Thank you very much.
Hi Sultan Sarip – Thank you for your nice comment. Any input for you or MSU Buug would be most welcome any time.
Hi Bob:
I found your site by pure chance & only because a close friend was trying to warn me AGAINST living in The Philippines per se (speaking about all the active volcanos blah blah); I did the research and sent her the answer which is, there are none as active as she thinks! I then found this site which is everything I have thought of the Mindanao Province. My g/friend is filipina from Cebu & we plan on living in a sub-div of CDO where I have a lot of personal filipino friends. I am visiting for the 7th time in Nov 2007 to view land/property etc for purchase and hope to be back permanently by the end of 2008. Any tips you would like to impart? Thank you.
Hi Nick – I highly recommend that you read my blog about Living in the Philippines. You can find it at:
http://www.LiveInThePhilippines.com
See you there!
we are going to have our debate regarding the separation of mindanao and I am on the positive side, what am I going to do??
Hi Jhunalie – I recommend that you should research about the subject. We have plenty of information on this site about Federalism and Independence for Mindanao, so you can find what you are looking for here. After you are armed with information, you should be able to debate the issue without problem.
Hello bob thanks to your photos its so nice specialy davao oriental.IM VERY HAPPY I FOUND MY BIRTH PLACE.THE MATI CAPITOL IS VERY NICE AND I REMEMBER THE DAY THAT I CAME THERE ALMOST 14 YEARS AGO ALREADY.MY CAPITAL PROVINCE MATI BUT MY PARENTS LIVE IN POBLATION GOVERNOR GENEROSO.YOUR SITE THAT I FOUND IM SO HAPPY.I CAN SEE ALL THE PHOTOS AND I REMEMBER MY LAND OF PROMISE MINDANAO DAVAO CITY DAVAO ORIENTAL.I LOOK AT YOUR SOME PHOTOS SOMETHING THAT IM THERE IN THE PHILIPPENS.I MISS VERY MUCH MY PLACE.THANKS BEST REGARDS TO YOUR FAMILY.GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS AND MORE SUCCESS TO YOUR SITE.
Hi Jennilyn – I’m glad you enjoyed seeing the blog! By the way, I was in Governor Generoso just a few weeks ago!
i believe that mindanao must be separated, muslim people has their own law, and it’s all consider the law inside the Koran. they are the people of the book and must follow what is in the book. they believe that there is no absolute rules than the rules that what is koran said. and if some people will going to break it then it will cause to war.
Hi joey abelarde – So, what you are saying is that muslim people should get the entire island of Mindanao, even though they make up less than 20% of the island? What will you do with the other 80% of the population who do not believe in the Koran?
Just curious, because it sounds like you have a plan, and I want to see how complete it is.
For Joey Abelarde: that is a very strange and if I may say, dangerous way of thinking. How will you make the rest leave? they are all filipinos but according to you, the Muslim population are the best. How odd; where do you get your thinking from? I am neither FOR or AGAINST but was always brought up that we are ALL equal. According to you and I have to presume you are a muslim, you are more superior to the rest of the country. Dangerous way to think or even admit to.
Hi,
I’ve read the many comments on Mindanao with interest. I’m a 12 years visitor to Zamboanga City – I stay about a month every year to check on and supervise several welfare projects I personally sponsor – but I don’t get around much outside of the city. While I agree on most of the ‘good’ comments made, I have to say that I still find it difficult being an American in this city. Although I speak Tagalog sufficiently, I find that folks continuously try to take advantage of me – if I try to get a taxi/tricycle ride it is always more than my wife (Filipino) gets charged. I’ve tried the ‘I live here’ apprach and only offered correct fares, but have often been subject to verbal abuse….etc. etc.
But I keep coming back….!
Hi John M. – I did find that a bit in Zamboanga myself. Fares for tricycles and such were really jacked up for foreigners. Another problem that you might be encountering in Zambo is that you are speaking tagalog. The people there don’t speak much tagalog. They mostly speak Chavaccano or maybe a little bisaya. Maybe if you were speaking Chavaccano to them they would give a little better rate. I am not sure, but it just came to mind.
Hi JOHN M: I too have been to ZC but due to voting etc when I was last in CDO no one would guarantee my safety to going back to see a family I know well. However, cabs all seemm to try to take me on but I won’t give an inch if they do and often just pay “the going rate known” & get out. The tricycles etc have never tried to over-charge me though. I am 99% of the time with personal friends who are naturally filipino or with my filapina girlfriend. I do have some hilarous stories though about over-charging. But I will not give in & use my knowledge of the Law to win the day……………hahahaha!!
hi i just found your website and i am very interested of course,iam engaged to a woman from davao and we will be living there.
Hi Dave – I live in Davao myself. Maybe we can meet each other once you are here.
helo bob, gud morning………
we will be having a debate tomorow as our final grade… pls send me information about the advantages, if mindanao wil become independent…pls we nid your help.. hop u cud help us..tnx.. we’re on YEs as mindanao to beome a state…
Hi Yammy – Since you are the one who is studying, it is your responsibility to do the research. There is plenty of data on this blog site that you can use for your debate, feel free to use it! I am not studying for a degree though, and it would not be right for me to do the work for you.
Hi Bob,
First of all I commend you for establishing this website. It is very informative and it’s a great tool for others to get information regarding the provinces and cities of Mindanao. I was born in Isulan Sultan Kudarat and I left there when I was 8 years old. I moved to New York to study and I have not been back to Isulan for 29 years. It’s been too long. Anyway, I just found it ironic that Filipinos are asking yourself(a foreigner)so much questions regarding their own country. Alot of Kudos for you. God bless you and your family. Stay safe!
Hi Cecilia – Thank you for your kind comments! I hope you make it back for a visit to Isulan sometime soon!
please help to find an answer to the issue that the Mindanao become an independent. I said NO. please help me.
RE MINDANAO: from what I have been told by various filipino businessmen, both in the UK and elsewhere, that “issue” has been going on for literally years and years. S, in a well known phrase, “don’t hold your breath”
hi!
gud day!!!
ive been in april 2007 in general santos city and also part of mindanao.
it is a peaceful place…
visit the place of tuna country..
itsnice to go back the place.
Bob Hi,
I have visited your site many times before so now that I’m looking for a lot of around 600sq m. in Malaybalay to build a house I thought that many of your visitors have information of lots for sale.
I will let you know if a suitable site is offered to me.
Email: collator.peedee@yahoo.co.uk
Hi Peter – Hopefully somebody will come along with information for you on a lot in Malaybalay! Good luck!
Hi Bob,
I have a fairly serious “date” in Mindanao. While I am no stranger to Luzon this is a whole new region for me. More especially the City of Aurora in Zamboanga del Sur. It is remarkably obscure regarding detail and I suspect this may be on account of it being overshadowed in the Tourist stakes by its namesake Coastal Resort in North-east Luzon?
Anyway have you by chance made any photographic expeditions there in recent times as my intentions are to make this a one-way trip I should like to at least see where I am going? Not so much touristy type pictures, but general street scenes would be helpful.
Great Blog. Keep up the good work.
Regards
Hi David – Actually, I have never been to Aurora, Zambo del Sur before. Maybe I’ll hit the place sometime soon and take a few photos.
hello all i hope that some one know me here im form Villa ondayon Bayugan 1 Agusan del sur now im her ein europe
Hi Bob,
Wow! Impressive site. Inspires me to do a similar setup for Bohol. I am an American happily married to a nice lady from Trinidad-Lob Lob area. We have two sons; one at 7 yrs and one that just turned 1… and have built a nice house in Soom – where the family lives and maintains. Right now, I have been working for over 12 years in Sabah, Malaysia on various aquaculture dev. projects…but always trying to see if I could get similar project works in the Philippines. I am on record with the Louis Berger Group for a coral farm business specialist consultant if they win the bid with USAID for the GEM 3 program. But there has been no award for GEM 3 yet for some unknown reason. Aug 15th was the initial announcement award date but that was canceled.
Bohol? Beautiful place indeed. I have been only to Zambo a few times and Bongao too. Looking forward to see more of Mindanao.
Cheers,
Don
Hi Don – Thanks for your nice comment. I’m not sure what is going on with GEM, but like you, I’ve observed the big delay in the decision making process. My father in law was a Boholano, but I have yet to visit. I think I’ll try to get up there next year!
G’day Bob,
At last someone who might be able to help me. I am coming over to Mindanao next year and I will be staying at a province called Mlang Cotabato. How safe is it there and what is the best way to travel there from Davao City International Airport, and are there any good hotels in Davao city as I want to take my lady friend who lives over there somewhere special. Thanks mate I hope you can help me.
Regards,
Kev.
Hi Kev – I just sent you an e-mail regarding my suggestions of staying overnight in Mlang, North Cotabato. Please consider the advice I offered carefully before making a decision. While I am no extremist about travel in Mindanao, you should consider carefully if staying any appreciable amount of time in Mlang is a good idea.
When you say “good hotels” in Davao, the first place that comes to mind is Marco Polo Hotel, which is the only 5 star hotel in Mindanao. It’s a beautiful place. There are a number of other good hotels where you can stay too.
Hi Bob,
Thanks for the info, I have no intentions of staying in Mlang for no more than 2 weeks, with the odd break in Davao City. Sounds like a pretty bad place Mlang. I am staying with nationals, do you think that will help??.
Thanks,
Kev
Hi Kev – My personal advice is to not stay overnight in Mlang. Especially after having “advertised” here that you are coming. Probably nothing will happen, but I don’t feel that I can advise you to stay overnight there, without being quite irresponsible.
Hi Bob,
Thankyou for all the help.
regards,
Kev
G’day Bob,
I will take your advice and would like to say what a great site you have. Keep up the good work and I hope to have coffee with you some time in Davao City.
Regards,
Kev.
Hi Kev – Whenever it’s time for your trip, send me an e-mail and we’ll set up a time for that cup of coffee!
G’day Bob,
I will take you up on that. See you then.
Thanks for all the advice.
Regards,
Kev.
I just wanna know about your reply on the given message about the separation of mindanao and their going to be an independent state.
I just wanna know about your reply on the given message about the separation of mindanao send by Marie Lauranila.
Jessa – I have covered that topic many times on the blog. I can only assume that you are a student and this is part of an assignment. As such, it is your responsibility to do the research and form an opinion. If you search my site you will find what I think, but it is not my job to spoon feed it to you. How can you get educated properly if somebody just gives you the answer so easily! Do a little research and form an answer of your own.
Good luck to you.
hello, bob!just had a peek of your blog and found out lots of questions about the result of csc eligibility exam. they can find the result by logging on to http//www.cscro11.dyndns.org. this is the official website of csc davao
Hi anne – Thanks for the tip!
Can I use a visa debit card over there or do I need to carry cash or traveler’s checks? The last time I was there I could only exchange $100 bills in a town called San Carlos City in Negros Occidental (1992). Regards, Brian.
Hi Brian – You can use your Visa card without problem in most larger stores, malls, restaurants and such. Traveler’s checks are almost unusable in the Philippines, I would not even consider bringing those. In addition, ATM machines are very usable too. Cash is king in the Philippines, so carry cash as much as possible.
Afternoon Bob! I love the blog! I just got back from the Zamboanga City at the end of October:-)
I was curious if you have ever been there during the Festival of the Lady at Fort Pilar. It was a amazing experience and the barter fair was fun to boot! My fiancee and I plan to move back there in a few years now that she can come to America.
Oh and in answer to Brian: Bring cash! Just have a friend if you have one deposit in there bank account and use there debit. You
Hi Leelyn – Thanks for visiting the site! I haven’t been to the Festival of the Lady at Fort Pilar. I have visited Fort Pilar, just not during the festival.
I was curious when was the last time you’ve been back home to america? I couldn’t believe how many people I met on my trip who happened to be going home at the same time to the USA got deeply depressed. Somethings just off about the USA lately..
In anycase my real question was when would you recommend flying to the Philippines Bob? I plan on going back there twice a year. I may be poor hehe, but staying there is by far cheaper then anywhere else Ive ever been! 5 star rooms for 28 bucks a night! Ill never get used to that hehe.
Hi Leelyn – I moved to the Philippines in 2000 and have never gone back to the States. I really have no desire to go back, and see no reason for the trip. I am very happy here.
When to fly here? Anytime you can! I think there is something to be said for coming here when it is winter there, to avoid the cold!
The next trip I take maybe we can have a platter of Sizzling Sisig at the Mano-Mano Greenfields Restaurant? I still drool every time I think of the food there! That is if my fiancee will let me invite you, hehe shes shy.
I can understand why you dont come back. Rather then rail against the USA Ill just say I enjoyed it more there then here. The people, the food, the weather and did I mention the food*wink*, it all makes me feel at home. More worried about family, friends, joy and survival then creidt cards, bills and who said what.
Well in anycase Im taking my mom with me there next time. To meet the Fiancee’s family. So your probably right, december during x-mas mite be great!
Hi Leelyn – Mano Mano Greenfields? Wow, that’s in Zamboanga! I live in Davao, so it’s quite a distance. I’ll make you a deal, though…. if you are in town, and I happen to be in Zambo… I’ll let you buy the Sisig!
You have yourself a deal Bob! The drinks are on you though hehe:D I just love the Creole styles of Zamboanga! Well I better let some other folks post here. Turning into the Bob and Leelyn chat. Maybe we could talk elsewhere sometime. Good fortunes and God bless Bob!
Hi Leelyn – OK, that’s a plan then! Thanks for stopping by!
Bob, I have been reading your site and it is quite informative.I am from Bremerton, I am traviling to Davao in Jan to check it out for a possible move. All the information that I have read and the expat I have chatted all say the Davao is the place to be in the Phillipines.
I am looking for to my exploritory trip.
Ron
Hi Ron – I was born not far from Bremerton, in Port Townsend, WA. Maybe we can get together while you are here, if you want. I’d be happy to show you around Davao a bit.
Enjoy your stay in Davao!
Hi Bob! I stumbled onto your site while doing net research on an article I am writing on Camiguin for a magazine in the Philippines. Strangely enough, I am writing this article from the States (where I’m now taking my graduate degree). Anyway, as a Filipina who was born in Davao but grew up in Cagayan de Oro and is now living in the States, I just wanted to say how nice it is to find this site which strives to provide comprehensive news and information on my beloved Mindanao. If you ever need more information on my hometown, Cagayan de Oro, I’d be happy to share some of my articles or get you in touch with people in the city. Keep up the good work!
Hi Zoe – Thanks for visiting my site, and for the kind words you left. Good luck on your magazine article!
Dearest Bob,
Happy New year to you and your Family!I am just curious if do there is a direct trip from Davao or Gensan going down to Surallah,South Cotabato.And seriously,this is not yet related to this things,i am looking a foreign friend who is willing in meeting me here in my hometown(Surallah,South Cotabato Province)Bob,if you got a foreign friend there just like you,my pleasure from you if you will give my mobile phone number and he could text me,my number is +639263951411.Thank you for that and i am looking forward to see your reply afterwards.
Best Regards,
Carol Angela
Hi there Bob,
I was browsing for some info about Mis. Occ. (Davao, Cotabato & Ozamiz Cities in particular) & accidentally bumped into your very comprehensive site. I love this site as we can get almost everything you wanna know about Mindanao & the goings on in there. I have yet to explore more about my very own Mindanao (although it sounds so funny ‘coz I’m basically from there..hehe) through your site. I find it very helpful though…I promise to drop by whenever I have the chance for some latest updates…
Cheers & belated Happy New Year!
Hi Jeanette – Thanks for stopping by! I’m glad that you found the site useful!
You’re welcome, Bob.
I like what’s in your site. I’m going to park here whenever I can as it’s really nice to hear about your place when you’re away…too far away
what is the rainy season in ozamiz city or in the province of said city?
hi riz,
may-july are usually the months when you get a lot of rain but it occasionally rains in december and some other months, too.
i’m not sure if there’s an effect from global-warming this time..hehe.
…is iligan city hospital getting less attention from its government?
hi everyone!!! i just email bob about my problem but i think it won’t hurt if i’ll post my inquiries here too maybe YOU can help me if you have an idea…
my aunt who’s in US married to a japanese but american citizen now wants me to open an internet business in metro davao.. thing is, i don’t even know how that works… i found a building and contacts of where to get the computers for internet business but wondering what to do next, will i just open it and customer will come in?? so i didn’t buy those yet.. if someone could give me a step-by-step government process and the fees to that, that’s really appreciated… she wants to name the business after me since they’re not coming here just fot this and also they just want to mainly help our family left here in mindanao. please help email me at oasisxxx@yahoo.com and hope i can get your reply very soon. thank you in advace!!
Hi phsyche – Not that I am aware of.
Hi jojet – I have your e-mail, and will be sending you a response as I have the time.
geee… i can’t believe how fast bob responded me
im truly a happy girl today that i have an answer to my aunt next time she calls me and talk to me about this again (since she always tell me to use my BRAIN-less- sometimes!.. heheheh…. thank a lot bob! i got your email!
p.s. i don’t know if it’s true, they said that foriegn investors got a lot of taxes and charges in the government than a business solely owned by us, native pinoys.. is that true bob?
by the way.. salamat kaayo!…
bob, i just got done talking to my aunt, i basically just forwarded your response to me, she’s happy to know how helpful you are but quite depress to know how bad internet business now…
she’s asking if it’s true, foriegn investors got a lot of taxes and charges in the government than a business owned by native pinoys only.. how true is that bob?
also,i was looking at pentium4.. 45,000/unit in computer world aunt is planning about 15units for internet.. am i in a good deal. is there any contact you have selling computer package so i can get lesser price?
honestly, whatever she decides on that business, i’m just her runner but i want her be succesful too in helping us.
again, dako gyod ako pasalamat nimo bob!…
thanks for this site hello to all my classmates in NDL year 1972 please give some information for the coming alumni in north america thank you again
hi!! Good afternoon bob its me again. Bob i know that you can help my problem regarding to our debate. I am assigned to disagree with the question, Are CEO paid to much? bob i need your help kindly share your view regarding this question. Thank you so much bob.
Hi Hanzel – I personally believe that there is only one way to measure the value of a CEO. You must look at the bottom line of the company that the CEO is running. If the company is making a lot of money, the value of the CEO is very high. As long as the CEO is making money for his shareholders, it is impossible to pay him too much.
hi bob,
thank you very much for helping philippines specially in mindanao im so happy to read all the comments.anyway im aileen i grew up in norala south cotabato and now im here in singapore married of singaporean and we are planning to buy a house in gensan or koronadal this year but i dont know how because i dont have any contacts in that place.hopefully you ca help me bob.please please……….thanks a lot
Hi Aileen – Good luck to you on your pending house purchase. I am not sure how I can assist you, just let me know what you would like me to do, and if I can, I will gladly help.
SOMEDAY, I WILL BE THERE AT ZAMBOANGA!!!
Hi Mae – Good luck in your journey!
Hi Bob,
I am glad that you find happiness in my country; I am from Mindanao and currently studying here in Illinois for my graduate studies. As of the moment, I specialized on Mindanao and Sabah issues.
I like your blog, but I wanted to see more of your commits on Sabah Issues, anything from social to political topics, I want to see you perceptions as both insider and outsider in the place.
Your comments will surely help me finished my graduate requirements.
This is my email z153090@gmail.com, we can also communicate thru my email.
Amando Boncales
Hello amando – Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment! To be honest, I don’t know too much about the Sabah issue, it is something I would need to research before commenting further!
i just wonder if Bob can now speak the local language (cebuano/bisaya)!!! he seems to know about mindanao so much. even a lot more than i do.
bob, i just want others specially my own viewers as well to know more about the philippines, or mindanao to be more specific, so, i decided to link myself to you . hope you don’t mind. what do you say?
Hello Ideas Beyond Borders – Akong Bisaya medyo lang. I am taking classes in Bisaya once per week, and studying hard to learn to speak the language. My teacher says that by the end of this year, I will be fluent in the language. I hope so!
Thanks for linking to my site!
you are welcome, bob.
i think by the end of this year, u’ll be more fluent in bisaya than me!!! hehe. and that u’ve even been to so many places there more than me. so sad!
Hi Ideas Beyond Borders – Ha ha.. I don’t think that will happen!
good morning bob advance happy valentines
Hello Hanzel – Happy Valentines to you also! I hope you have a great day!
Bob,
My brother is sick somewhere over there! The name of the hospital is something like:
Capital University Medical Center but when I call them, they don’t have my brother’s name on the admissions sheet. Can you give me a list of hospitals and their phone numbers in the city?
Thanks……Robert Keyes
Hi Robert – In which city?
Hello sir,
Do have any idea for the reasons that Mindanao should not be separated from the Philipines. We will have a debate in our school and my side is anti-Mindanao interdependence.
Please help me Sir.
thanks and God bless.
Malaybalay City is superb
Bob,
thanks for being honest, I hope you can give some insights about the issue, I will wait for it.
your friend from mmidwest,
Amando
hey bob!
how are you?
I’ve read some of the comments about the issue in seperating the mindanao from the philippines.
well, I think it would be good for the whole philippines to let the mindanao have their own sstate. Maybe in that condition, we can be more peaceful and it can also help on how to stop the war between the government and in mindanao.
I hope whatever dicision the governmet does, it will lead all of us to a peaceful and good living.
thanks!
godbless!!
Good morning Bob, I have something to ask about ” Gender and leadership”, Bob for you who is the best leader a male or famale?, if male please give your view on it. I need it bob, please help me.Thank you so much in advance.
Hi Hanzel – Leadership skills have no gender. There are good and bad leaders of each gender.
Hi sir bob, musta? i really like your website. i’d been in your photoblog everyday. in the morning till evening.
i guess i am addicted to it. waiting for you to post a new photo and to read certain comments.hehehe. 
i enjoy the site. makes me home sick too. 
but looking at the photos makes me feel that i’m still home. Hahaha! 
Cheers!
have a good day mr.bob! thanks a lot for your time!!! Bless us all!
Bob, Do yu know of a broker or realestate agent for the Mati area. Steer me in the right direction and I will buy you dinner in Davao. Moving back and we are going to be living near my wifes family in Davao Oriental, Mati. Having a hard time finding one on the internet for that area.
Jimmy
Hi Dempz – Glad to know that you are enjoying my sites! I hope that you will continue enjoying!
Hi James R. Lusk – Sorry to say, I don’t really know anybody to refer you to over in the Mati area. I would be most happy to assist if I could, but I just don’t have any contacts over there at this time.
whats the latest about the murdered british pastor?
Hi Opet – As far as I have heard, there have been no new developments in the case. Whenever I have any new information, I will include it on the site, though.
hi sir bob! i sent you more pics from Bislig, i hope you will like it. it wasn’t old. the pics taken last week. and looks better than the others that i sent before.
have a good day sir!!!
hi sir! just to let you know that i’m feelin so unsure with the information of the photos i sent you earlier. i get confused whats right or wrong.
i’m not even sure if which is which about the place we could ‘dumpingan’ or ‘dampingan’
i guess it was ‘dumpingan’ as i remember long time ago there was a company that dumped their trashed there and people started calling it dumpingan. But then again,it might be dampingan. OMG! im so confused now! i dont know if i’m wrong or right. i hope somebody will correct me.
Hi dempz – Don’t worry about those captions, they are fine!
ok sir. thank you. but still bothers me.. haha
Hey Bob,
Just curious what you know about a {secret name deleted} SOF OPs in Jolo recently. Lotta noise about a surgical strike yet….Did the bad guys get away or was the hype real? Trying to get a picture of scene. I understand one target was blown away but it was described both as a jungle sayyaf camp and a village near MNLF…hence them getting into the fight briefly. Was there perhaps two targets? With a reported 200+ villagers scared away displaced there should be a bunch of witnesses but the news is quite quiet since.
regards
hi bob,
Hope you can also visit Kiamba, Sarangani Prov. soon. You passed by our town when you went to Maitum.
Hi Lea – Actually, I have been to Kiamba many times! I like it very much there!
Hey!! My wife also came from Mindanao – the village of Libungan. We live 60 miles south of St. Louis, Missouri, and we dream of retiring to Davao City. Her cousin is a city police officer there with a long history of bomb-defusing!!
We recently stayed at the Insular and enjoyed our vist. We plan on coming back next year (2009) and visiting some more!! We’ll be in touch!! Keep up the blogging!!
Hi Jim McKay – Thanks for visiting my site! Hey, if you are interested in living here in the Philippines, you may enjoy my other site, which you will find at:
http://www.LiveInThePhilippines.com
It is all about the challenges and rewards of living in the Philippines.
Hi Everyone, just back from one of my regular trip to General Santos (GenSan). Took the whole family down for a few days of R&R. Lunch the first day was at Isla Parilia just a little outside of GenSan in Sarangani. Very nice resort set in the middle of a fish farm, excellent food, great pool and nice rooms. Unfortunately we could not stay overnight as all the rooms were taken. So we ended up at Cambridge Farm hotel owned and run by Chris, a cheerful Brit. Kids really enjoyed the place as it had a large pool and plenty of space to run around. The next day/night we spent at the Dole plantation golf club of Kalsangi. My favorite place in the whole of the Philippines. Its a private club so advance permission is required to get access. Really great course set among mature pine trees, and cool because of its altitude. Large swimming pool and a magnificent club house. The next day we headed out to Saringani Highlands, which had been recommended to us. We were not disappointed, this is another GenSan treasure. Situated on a hillside behind the Tuna port and overlooking the bay. The flower gardens were some of the best I have seen in the Philippines, the service was very good and was the food. Unfortunately no overnight accommodation, but was told it was planned for the future, as was a pool. We then headed back home to Davao, stopping on the way at the Cliff Hanger” on the twisty mountain road for a welcome coffee break. Don’t be put off by the bad publicity regarding GenSan it really is a great place to visit.
Hi Ray – Those places are all my old hangouts! I was just down at Isla Parilla about 2 weeks ago and stayed the weekend there.
Hello Bob: I like the web site. I am looking to travel to the Philippines. I would like to visit Cebu City, Zamboanga City, Kapatagan, Tubod, Aurora and Cagayan De Oro. I would like to locate some people in the area can you lead in a direction where I may be able to locate them. Thanks in advance.
Hi Pamela – I don’t understand your question? You mean that you just want to find anybody in those places to help you when you are in town, or there are specific people you are searching for, or what?
My husband was born in the Philippines. His entire family moved to the US many years ago. I would like to try and find some cousins and old friends of his, so far I have not had much luck. I found your website by looking for his family and friends. He does not really know all of their birth names as I have found they all used a lot of nick names or family names. He recently met up with one friend who is now in the US and I think thats why he wants to go home. Thanks for your help.
Hi Pamela – Thank you for visiting my site. In what way would I be able to assist you?
I am looking for the family of Eligio Encarnacion that use to live in Baroy how would I go about research to find them? I am also looking for family members from Kapatagan. I thought you might be able to send me in a direction. Thank You.
Hi Pamela – Really, I would have no idea on where to send you. I suppose the best thing I could think of would be for you and your husband to take a trip to the area and do a “feet on the ground” search for family members. Aside from that, I can’t think of another way.
Hi Bob,
I hope you can advise me.
I am shipping a boat to Davao in the next few weeks and want to use VHF radios, mainly for safety and emergencies.
Can you tell me if I need a license for this? Or tell me who to ask.
Thanks
Frank
Hi Bob,
Sorry if this is sent twice. I don’t know if it went the first time.
I am shipping a leisure boat to Davao in a couple of weeks and want to use VHF (two way) radio for safety and emergency reasons.
Can you tell me if I need a license? or tell who to ask?
Thanks
Frank
Hi Frank Woolf – Sorry, I don’t know for certain. I would recommend that you check with the NTC on this matter.
Hi there,
I am just curious about Annie Endozo I have a cousin living in Zamboanga with his family and maybe she is related to them. I am originally from Batangas and now residing Australia.
Thank you.
Veronica Endozo Smith
Hi to everyone!
I am Jules, 27. My wife is in Gensan and now working in CEBU in a BPO industry. I just want to know that I am amazed by this site. There are a lot of good things to talk about “Our Mindanao,” hence I’ll be visiting here often. Thanks to Bob for creting this site!!!
Personally, I was hoping that I’d be relocated there soon in Davao or Gensan. I miss my family and I miss living there. It’s so clean (air & water), highly educated people, and high business potentials. On the peace side though, the good thing about these cities is that they still got one of the least number of street crimes for the cities in the Philippines (which is more important). Unlike Manila and Cebu, you hear a lot of bad stuffs everyday. Perhaps it’s because of the high employment rate of these cities; despite of the lower minimum wage. Only if we get equal or better opportunities there, perhaps we don’t have to go somewhere else to find a better living; eventually not leaving our families behind.
Therse cities are really the dream cities that where I would want my future children to grow up, get education, while keeping the Christian virtues in-tacked.
Despite of the job I got here in Cebu right now, “HOME” is still what I would want to call Davao and Gensan someday.
Thanks.
-=JULES=-
There are a lot of good things to talk about “Our Mindanao,” hence I’ll be visiting here often. Thanks to Bob for creting this site!!!
To Pamela and Bob:
I have close relatives in Baroy & Kapatagan and my parents have properties in these areas. I know a lot of people that can give out information about Lanao del Norte (including myself).
Just let me know how I can be of help to you guys; may it be driving directions or how-to-get-there instructions.
-=JULES=-
There are a lot of good things to talk about “Our Mindanao,” hence I’ll be visiting here often. Thanks to Bob for creating this site!!!
Hi Jules – Welcome aboard the Mindanao Blog! I’m glad that you stopped by, and look forward to your future contributions!
Hello Jules
I was looking for family memebers of Eligio Encarnacion. He lived around Baroy. I do not know his son’s name. His son was always called boy. As I look for people I find it difficult because they have many nicknames. I am thinking of a visit to the Philippines lucky for me I have found two old friends to help me out. Thank you for the information offer.
Dear Sir,
After reading your website, I think that you could be interested or maybe give me some advises? I am a product designer and I create a line of design furnitures for fairtrade and from a new ecological composite material from abaca fibers, with a material laboratory in France, after two years of researches.
I would like to know more about abaca fibers productions in Mindanao.
I plan to develop fairtrade production centers of design furnitures from this ecological material. I am also looking for commercial or engineers local partners.
I have already designed forms and production for this products, and I am actually doing market, financing and producers researches. I receive a grant and many encouragements for this project. I have find a first import company (la Compagnie du Commerce équitable) really interested for the distribution.
I would be happy to be in contact with you.
yours sincerely,
Clio Zandvliet
00 33 6 14 73 80 66
Hi Clio – to be honest, I am not much of an expert about abaca. Frankly, I know almost nothing about it. Hopefully, some other reader will reply and try to assist you.
Hi Bob,
Our website tupi.gov.ph is now online. In an effort to increase the readership of our website I decided to ask you about it.
When I search Mindanao forums your site comes up 3rd or 4th in Google so I would like to seek help so our website for starters (government (LGU) initiated) will reach its intended audience. The purpose of this website is to inform the people of Tupi living near and abroad of what’s happening in town. Tourism is also another factor that we would like to input. We would like also to expand like adding classifieds and job opportunities, etc in the future depending on the response we get from internet users. I hope you get the idea.
hi lea worth – oh, yes. I have been through Padada many times. Maybe someday we can meet when you are in the area.
HI BOB THANKS 4 UR REPLY. I, V BEEN IN CONTACT WITH MOMMY IN PADADA 2DAY. WAS WORRIED THAT TOORNADO FRANK FENGSHEN MIGHT HAVE AFFECTED THAT AREA BUT THEY’RE FINE. HOPE EVERYTHING’S FINE WITH U AND UR FAMILY 2. THE FERRY TRADGEDY WAS VERY SAD 2.IVE CHECKED WITH MY FRIENDS AND THEY SEEM TO THINK THEIR FAMILIES R OK.TAKE CARE .LEA
Hi there Bob I am arlene from gensan i just want to ask help from you if u can find some of relatives there in Davao City they live before in Buhangin but dont have any contacts w/ them now i have heard they are now in californis i hope u can help me some of his bro or sis in davao they where lustre family. My uncles name was Joe Lustre he works before in a construction company that builds highways i think the name was LS Sarmiento Construction. Thanks so much i hope u can help me this. god bless u and ur family
Hi Bob,
I’m searching for Bethany Christian Home orphange website and I’m unable to locate it. I stayed at the orphange in 1985 to 1986 I believe. I have so many memories of it. I got adopted at 7 and now I’m here in U.S. ever since. i would love to go back and retrace my footstep but I don’t know how to do it. Looking forward to your email.
mahalrose@hotmail.com
Rosemary Fuentes
Anybody you know was adopted at Bethany Christine Homes Orphange and went to United States?
Former name Rosemarie Bruce P.S. I’m not sure if my biological mother is even alive. Any chance you know Ludena Bruce? Last time I remember she was poor and gave me up.
@Rosemary Fuentes: if you take a look at the blog roll on the sidebar of this blog. There is a link to the website. Jim Cunningham hosts a very good site for Bethany. Good luck to you.
@Rosemary Fuentes: I’m sorry, I don’t know Rosemarie. I do know of a number of former Bethany children who are in the US. Geryn and Perla come to mind.
is there no one else talking about bedgo-bedco now?
Bob,
I am from Kentucky, USA and I inquired with you about travel safety in Zamboanga City prior to my trip there in September 2007. I had a great trip to see my girlfriend there.
What is your opinion of travel safety now and through January? I want to go there but was wondering if it would be better for us to meet in Manila instead of Zamboanga City. I appreciate any advice that you can give me.
thanks in advance, Matt
Hi Matt – Personally, I see no problems in traveling to Zamboanga City at this time. Enjoy your trip!
hello bob
we like to live in davao. we live now in belguim but after 3 years we like to live in davao were is the best place form me to live in davao a safe place.
regards
johan
Hi johan – that is really a personal choice. Honestly, I feel that any place around Davao city is very safe.
Hi Bob! Me and my friends are going there this Aug. and I was wondering if you could help me on how to experience the marilog adventure? is there someone we can contact or a tour guide we can hire? Tnx so much for the time!
Hi Bob,
I’m interested about your article for Korean and Japanese investors of jethropha or tubatuba biodiesel. Can I please access them too? I’m selling 18,600 hectares of land in bicol which may be planted to tubatuba. Can you help me?
Many thanks.
Anna
Dear Bob,
I am coming to the Philippines for a holiday and wondered if you know of any scuba diving facilities?
Kind Regards
Jonathan
Hi Jonathan – Yes, I know some dive facilities. The Philippines has 7,107 island, though, can you give man idea where you will be going so that I can help you better?
Dear Mr. Bob:
I am currently doing research on UFO reports from the PHILIPPINES for a book project, and I came across your very informative webpage.
For the purpose stated, I would like to respectfully request for your kind PERMISSION to cite/quote/copy/a page of your site.
Thank you for your kind consideration and hoping for your favorable response.
Sincerely,
EDWIN V GATIA, (M.Sc.)
Independent Researcher
Fleetwood, PA 19522
U.S.A.
Hi Edwin – You do not have permission to copy anything here. You do have permission to cite, or make a short quote, though.
we are going to have our debate regarding the separation of mindanao and I am on the positive side, what am I going to do??
Hi ramil – It is hard for me to debate the subject, because I am still formulating my opinion. Right now, I am still conflicted about the agreement. Since it has not even been fully presented and debated yet, it is hard to know what to think about it.
Dear Bob, I am very interested in growing Golden Dragon Fruits, where can I buy seeds for planting/sowing? I believe our soil here in Iloilo is suited for growing them. Many thanks!
Hi Randy Hills – I am sorry, I know of no such places to rent bikes. You can buy an inexpensive bike for $30 or so, that might be the way to go.
Thanks Bob! I will look into this,
appreciate your time.
Randy
I am looking for a clean and quiet budget hotel in Davao city. It can be simple, however, I need to have Internet access. I have a laptop. Best if the access is available in the room but OK if its in the lobby only. I paid $900 a night for this in Cebu, any places for $1000 or under in Davao?
Thanks
Michael
Check We R Inn, theyshould fit the bill for you.
$900 (dollars)a night???!!!
Hi Phil – I think he actually meant 1000 Pesos, just wrote $ by mistake.
Bob;
Regarding your latest MILF article, I think that important story is irrelevant to the place of dateline, which is Butuan.
Should it be more fitting if the place or location of dateline is either Iligan or any major place nearer or at the areas of conflict?
If there will be a reader out there unfamiliar of Mindanao geography, putting Butuan as your dateline would seem to impress that the conflict is very near or at the place of dateline.
Butuan is the most distant major city in Mindanao as far as the conflict in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte are concerned.
Just my forty cents worth of suggestion.
Thank you very much.
hi bob,
i am german, i arrived here in philippines january 2008 as balikabayan, i decided to live here in philippines for always. my question: what should i do? i look further for your help.
thanks
Hi Manfred – You mean you are looking for things to keep you busy here? Well, for me, I find that I don’t have enough time to do all the things I want to do! There is so much to do here. Maybe you should take up a hobby?
hello bob,
what i mean is:
when i arrive here in philippines together with my wife and daughter i avail the balikbayan visa,that is the priviledge for a foreigner who had married a filipino and i can stay here in philippines for 1 year. I plan to stay here forever.
what i must to do, what papers i need to stay longer here in philippines?
Hi manfred – If you want to live here, a Balikbayan Visa is not the way to go. Get a 13(a) Visa, which is what you are eligible for since your wife is Filipino. A 13(a) Visa is a resident visa. With that, you can live here forever, and never have to leave the country.
I also recommend that you read my other website, which is all about living here:
http://www.LiveInThePhilippines.com
where i can apply the 13(A) visa, what are the requirements? how much is the fees?
Hi Manfred – Apply at the Philippine Embassy in your country. They can provide you all the information you are looking for.
Can i apply it in immigration in Davao?
Hi Manfred – Yes, you can, but I recommend doing it in your home country. It is faster, easier and cheaper to do that.
We are 4th year AB Communication students from the Ateneo de Manila University. We’re currently working on our undergraduate thesis looking to study spatial representation and discourse of Zamboanga City anchored on online mediation.
Would you be willing to play respondent to one or two interview email exchanges? We would greatly appreciate it.
Hi eviscerare – Feel free to drop me a note. I’d be happy to answer any questions that I can.
hi uncle bob
im planning to plant dragon fruit here in bacolod city. but im troubling finding the seeds. can you help me or maybe i can buy some seeds from you.
regards
Ivalson Forteza
09277271230
Hi Ivalson Forteza – Sorry but I really don’t have any source for the seeds. Maybe you could check with the Bureau of Agriculture.
Hi! Do you function rooms for seminar or conference, for 50-100 people? Are dorm-type cottages for seminar participants also available?Please e mail rates. Thanks.
Hi merlito a. tonog – I am very sorry, but to be honest, I don’t know what you are talking about. I am just a private individual. I don’t own a hotel or anything like that. I don’t have conference rooms, I just have a house that I live in. Am I missing something in your inquiry?
Thank you in advance. Apologies as well. We consulted with faculty advisers and it seems an email questionnaire would not suffice. Simply, we’d be grilled at thesis defense for such an impersonal method of acquiring data, insufficient, even, for a qualitative study.
Can we schedule an instant messenger communication with you instead? If you would accept, please advise us as to which IM service you use. And we could, if you prefer, submit a a questionnaire via email before the interview.
Again, we apologize. Please consider our updated request.
Hi eviscerare – I am sorry, I don’t do IM. It is too time consuming, and I don’t have time for it. I am happy to answer any questions via e-mail, because I can respond at a time when I am not otherwise engaged. I don’t understand why your faculty would not accept e-mail – the top corporations in the world use e-mail as an acceptable form of communications. It works in the business world!
Good luck with your project.
That’s unfortunate. But we thank you in any case. where could we email you the questionnaire? It’ll be a barebones outline of questions which, if you have the time, will be proceeded by follow-up ones drawn from your answers.
The faculty isn’t against the email per se. It’s just that, in the context of a qualitative research paper, it’d be a weak vehicle for gathering data. For one, probing would be very difficult to accomplish due to immediacy concerns. For another, the conversation would lack the key element of dynamism. Stuff like that.
hi
im also an american living here in davao city. im a mestiza. . . my dad was a white boy like you! im currently attending brokenshire college and hoping to get my BSN by 2013.
i was wondering if you had done any research or writing on the presence and activities of the mysterious “Davao Death Squad” or DDS which i have heard is a vaguely government sanctioned band of vigilantes.
in fact one of my first experiences here in davao was witnessing the carnage of a dds hit!
as an american i am absolutely shocked that the government would tolerate the presence of a murderous group operating above the law! the fact that they kill in the streets with complete lack of due process is a scandal and a shame to the whole judicial process of the philippines.
in your time on the island have you come across any other resistance to their activities? from what i have gathered from local relatives is a general sense of gratitude for the death squad.
Hi Pearl – I would prefer not to comment on that particular topic….
Dear Mr. Bob,
I am Charmaine P. Tadlas, Regional Information Officer of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-10 based in Cagayan de Oro City.
I was able to learn of this website through Assistant Secretary Ruel G. Lucentales who directed me and other information officers from other Regional DSWD offices across Mindanao to contribute stories for your website. It seemed that the Assistant Secretary has a good impression about your website.
With this, I would like to ask how we could do so. Can we have some special arrangements regarding our story contributions? Please do contact me at our office at 088-858-8134.
For your information, our Regional Office is headed by Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo, Regional Director.
Thank you and more power to your website.
Charmaine P. Tadlas
Do you know where I can rent a car in Davao for about 2 weeks in January?
@Howard: At Apo View Hotel there is an Avis Car Rental, you can do it there.
Do you have any pictures of Calinan? I havent been home there in 22 years.
Hi Maria – Check here:
http://mindanao.com/photoblog/?s=calinan&submit=search
The blog site is refusing to update my profile with the following bit, so I thought I’d send it to you and see if there is a work around. In the meantime, have a great day and continue to enjoy my future hometown.
I will be moving to Davao this coming spring (April – 09) I stayed there last year and fell in love with the place. I have close friends in a Filipino family there and will be renting a small apartment from them out on the outskirts of town. I will be spending my time there writing that book that’s been crawling around in my brain for a very long time now (it‘s full of hot babes and pirates and will address all of those high-minded questions about life the universe and everything (to paraphrase Douglas Adams) that we‘ve all been asking)). I am a writer/starving artist and have written a lot of op-ed pieces for the local daily here in Canada, and a few feature articles as well, so it’s not much of a stretch for me to burn up the keyboard.
Anyway, to all the expats already living there, if you could please show me where I can find a properly poured pint of Guinness after I get there I will be your friend forever. I’ll see you all in the spring.
Downtown Al
@Downtown Al: I am not sure I understand what you are talking about regarding the blog “refusing to update your profile”??
Hi Bob,
Just wanted to learn more about which part of Mindanao is safe to travel.
I’m Fil/Am but my family root is from Manila. I’m very interested in traveling to Mindanao, perhaps Davao City or Zamboanga.
Where are you located?
Thanks.
Hi Cecilio Lorenzo – Right now is probably not a good time to travel many parts of Mindanao. During more “normal” times, you can safely travel almost all of the island, though.
how r u bob? i just found ur website today and i am very interested to know about a trip to cagayan de ore . i have that special someone in pikit that i am meeting in manila and then i will travel to cagayan de oro for a 3 day 2 night stay there. i read it is safe in that city!!! is that correct?? also i will be getting a apt. in dangcagan bukidnon and from there will maybe travel to davao city. plzz be honest with ur thoughts to me concerning this trip. i am a first time traveler to the philippines. any tips or advice u can give me is welcomed
@John M. Brown: You are not too specific regarding why you chose to meet in CdO. if it is safety that you are after, I think you should consider Davao City, as it is now becoming recognized as the safest City in the Philippines. Just my opinion.
Generally the area that you intend to visit should be safe, though.
Hello Bob,
One of the main reasons for my trip to cdo is that i have been told very much how beautiful and safe it is there . The family that i am meeting there also has a brother who is a police officer there who will provide security for me and my future wife as we tour the city. Davao City has been brought many times as a place to visit, as with many cities in the philippines i get conflicting reports as to which is safest. Bob i will be keeping in contact with u as ur the only blogger that i have found in that area. Maybe we will have that cup of coffee together. Take care now my friend and thnx again. Anything u can inform me about would be welcomed!!!!!
John M.Brown
Hi, Bob! I just found your site and was reading through it. I like it. Good job! My name is Vin, from New York. I’ve been to the Philippines twice, Luzon, Cebu, Bohol. I retired last November and have been traveling around the world searching for a good place to live. I will be in Davao sometime in December or early January. How do you pass your time during the days there? Do you miss being in the States after being in Mindanao so long? I was a district sales manager for a pharmaceutical company here in NY and retired early at the age of 58. Hope to talk with you soon. By- Vin
@Vin: I am very happy here in the Philippines and have no desire to go back to the States, even for a visit. I’ve been here for over 8 years now without going back, and I doubt that I’ll ever go back.
If you want to follow along with my day to day doings, and learn what it is like to live here, I suggest you follow my other site:
http://www.LiveInThePhilippines.com
Bob, In the early 50’s I spent two summers on Lun Masla with a medical mission from Silliman University hospital to Bilaan hills-people. I spent an interesting night and day in Dadjangis
(now General Santos) with a young Bilaan man who had ruptured his appendix while stripping abaca on a hand made press…we were trying to get him by interisland ship to Davao City for surgery, but in the meantime we had to burn incense to mask the putrid odor. He made it, returned to marry. and the next time I saw him and his wife there was a newborn son he’d named “cam”!
@Cam Pfeiffer: That is a cool story! Thanks for sharing it.
hello bob,
could u find out for me a phone # for ardent hot springs resort in camiquin island. i have searched web sites and found nothing. thanks so much!!!!!
@John M. Brown: I’m sorry, I don’t have their phone number. I live about seven or 8 Hours Drive from there, and there’s really no such thing as directory service here. As such, my ability to find it is not much different than yours. However, I know somebody who lives in Camiguin, I have sent him a text message, and if he responds with the phone number I will post it here for you.
hello bob,
thnx for the reply concerning ardent hot springs resort i still nave not found the # for them yet but all is good. now another question for u my friend. when traveling to the phils. is it best to have travelers cheques in U.S. dollars, small amounts of cash or just use the atm? need some advice on this plzz. i am being told paying in cash gets me better discounts!!
@John M. Brown: negotiating travelers checks in the Philippines can really be a problem. Because of that, it’s best to avoid travel checks completely. I would recommend that you bring cash, and also use the ATM. However, I don’t know your complete itinerary, so it can be hard to answer your question. You mentioned before that you would be in Camiguin, and you’re not going to find ATM machines there, so that means you need cash, if you’re going to spend all of your time there. Also, in areas like that that are not overly developed. It can be hard use credit cards, so make sure you have cash. Enjoy your trip!
bob,
thnx for the info about the travelers checks i will be there later this month in davao city, do u know of the vincent heights subdivision lanang davao city?? is it in the city proper?? do u have any info on that subdivision?? i took ur advice on 1 city i was planning to go to but what about camiquin island how are the safety issues there? only days now before i arrive!!!
@j. brown: I am not familiar with Vincent Heights, but I know Lanang well. Lanang is still part of the City Proper, but it is far from most places where you will probably want to go. No problems on safety in Camiguin.
hello bob,
could u give me some info plzz about safety issues concerning waig crystal springs resort in bukidnon. is there anything i should know concerning this area i want to visit this resort. i have heard it is lovely
@j. brown: As far as I know, that area is generally safe. If you wish me to do a detailed security report for the place, I can do that, just e-mail me through my contact form.
Bob, You have a great site. I to am an American and I just proposed to my fiance Nanette; a Fillapina from Bunawan, and like you I am planning on moving to Mindanao. We have many great friends\family who are supportive and protective and I cannot wait to start our lives together there.
We are looking at starting a Driving Range and Mini Golf park in Butuan City area and was wondering if you had any advice. I would like to have it complete with in the next year and 3 months.
Richard
Ardent hot springs resort in Camiguin island…
From our last trip there I recommend Paras Beach Resort…but not their food. However, the Ardent Hot springs are a nice few hours of playing around but almost everything of interest is far from it. The place was a little shabby and not really what most people want for lodging. We talked to some Koreans who left after 1 night and ended up at Paras. Also you have to check out the sunken cemetary at sunset! And check out the white beach island too. You can catch a boat at Paras. very fun times there and very inexpensive. There is also a nice Italian Restraunt and a little Canadian Bar that has Labbat beer. Another place…A lady named Barbie?..(Filippina)has mastered making thin crusted NY style Pizzas.
Hi Rich – I recommend you check my other site, http://www.LiveInThePhilippines.com. On that site, I have a writer, Martin Bazylewich, who lives in Butuan (he’s a Canadian), and he is really a promoter of doing business in the Philippines. I am sure that he would have plenty of advice about setting up that driving range/mini golf in Butuan. Good luck.
Hello. I'm currently working on a study on the nagative portrayal of Mindanao in the Philippine news print and this will certainly helo me defend the place. Keep it up!!
wonderful day everyone,
absolutely true that mindanao is one of the most beautiful island.A true gift of nature you will experience.Ive been in bislig city,one of the most amazing cities,where you ca find the magnifecent tinuy-an falls.The falls is the jungled area of borbuanan.it was a 3 stairs of splashings falls.And i beleive the falls was the widest in the philippines.It was named as niagara falls of mindanao…