A day and month in the year 2016, I had a wonderful and rare experience of nature’s wonder treasures. It was a family outing that we decided to go on a long trip and get to see and witness the sight of enormous rocks and splashing big waves of nature.

Before we reach the said lagoon, we had to go down and step 100 rock stairs. That was a tiring and yet a fun experience.

At that time, they were a lot of people enjoying and swimming. But unfortunately, we didn’t get to witness any big splashes because the weather was too good and calm. A local person says that the waves can go wild if there’s a typhoon warning within the area.      

We then instead explore the other parts of the lagoon. My father together with my two little brothers had been walking around to the edges of the place. We stop by and climb to a big rock (I don’t know what is called) but at the top of it, you can see the whole view of the lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. It was so terrifying and beautiful at the same time.

This time, we reach the right edge of the place and discovered such wonders that can only be seen in this area. While walking on the rocky seashore, there were a lot of sea urchins and little lagoon like waters that is filled with unfamiliar ocean creatures and corals that were beautiful to see. The water was so clean and clear that you can swim and see through all the beautiful and colorful fishes that isn’t common. After that little swim and sight-seeing, we had spotted a cliff and sat close to the edge where the ocean waves could reach us. Due to the strong wave that has struck on our way, we almost lost grip with the rocks that were holding on for dear life because of the heavy wave current. I could literally feel my life flash through my eyes because of the shock that has happened. It’s all good we just laugh it off and got out of the area immediately to avoid any horrible things that might happen.

All was well at the end of the day, quite a tiring bond but an adventure experience. I could consider that day would be my unforgettable and fun experience of southeast Asia natural nature.

          Last December 11-12 2021, is my first visit in panaraga beach together with my family, relatives and friends to unwind. It was the most memorable for me since my dream came true. It was very exhausting during the ride going there since the road is not cemented, there are big rocks everywhere but I was more than happy when we arrived at the beach, and so they are. The beach is beyond my expectation, it was very beautiful with clear blue water. 

          I love Panaraga because the sand is refined and as white as a snow, also the view is breathtakingly amazing that you would think of buying a space to build your own beach house. And as I walk along the never ending shore, I can feel the soft smooth sand beneath my feet, giving them a massage. The soothing atmosphere takes me into a world of peace. This beach is a cure to all my stressful days. All my worries fades away when I was still there. I am bathed in sunlight as I let my body absorb the rays of the sun on this luminous Christmas day. The sounds of the majestic oceans waves have calmed me. I sat down in the sand recalling the happy memories I have for the past weeks. My cousins and sisters are building sand castles and some are taking pictures for remembrance and souvenir. Looking at this wonderful nature in disbelief, I realize how small we are on the great canvas of nature. Everyone is having a great time, enjoying their selves to this amazing view as I am enjoying my stay there. 

          We all enjoyed during our short vacation there, taking pictures on ourselves while the boys, our fathers to be exact, are preparing for our dinner. We stayed there for two days, we rent a small cottage enough for us so that we have a room to rest in the cold night. We also planned to have a bone-fire on night but we didn’t had a chance to do it since it’s not allowed for some reasons. So what we did in the night is randomly playing in the shore.   

A nature’s beauty is God’s gift and need to be thankful for. In order to preserve this kind of beauty we should teach ourselves how protect and promote awareness of the happenings in our environment. As we exist in this modernize world we should appreciate those irreplaceable aesthetic creature. We are more than lucky that we are given this kind of places.

     Britania Islands is one of the places you would want to explore if you are looking for a beach to relax. The place offers an island-hopping adventure where you can visit four (4) islands namely Hagonoy Island, Naked Island, Boslon Island, and Hiyor-Hiyoran Island. Each island has unique attractions and activities to enjoy together with your families and friends.

 You must go there with your family and friends. You must see the true beauty of Britania Islands with your loved ones. 

 

This municipality in the province of Agusan del Sur has a plethora of undiscovered tourist attractions. The most well-known is Tugpan Falls. Tugpan Falls is located in Barangay Sayon, Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur, where the rushing water is really spectacular and the green leaves are very quiet and peaceful.

 

Sta. Josefa isn't the most well-known of Agusan del Sur's 14 municipalities, but it's rich in water, trees, and all things natural. I grew up in Sta. Josefa, where I was first introduced to the wonders of nature. I am a really adventurous person, and among the places I've been, Sta. Josefa is the one with whom I am the most pleased. Sta. Josefa is like swinging in  hammock, both refreshing and relaxing, far from pollution since all you can see are trees, waterfalls, and hills with the sound of birds chirping.

 

Growing up there was very different from what I have right now. It was my mom’s birthday when I first went there, and I was really amazed by the view. All I can say is that Tugpan Falls is what I highly recommend if you are visiting Sta. Josefa. Tugpan Falls were surrounded by huge stones and trees. This waterfall was divided into two sections, one of which has a depth of over 6 feet and the other of which has a depth of 5 feet.

 

A lot of people there said that you should be aware for the reason that it has a lot of diwata living there who take care of and protect it. In fact, according to those who live nearby, even if typhoons hit, the powerful Tugpan Falls will not be destroyed easily. I honestly say that getting there wasn't easy due to the extremely narrow path, but once you were there, all you can say is that everything was worth it.

Boracay's attraction isn't limited to just a few things. It's the combination of many things that makes this island unique...

On November 2018, my family and I decided to travel for the first time, it was our first time flying together to boracay. Boracay caught my attention. There's no denying the lovely white sand and exciting nights. The island is densely packed with visitors, stores, clubs, and hotels. Swimming and bumming are the best activities at boracay.

As a greeting to our first day at the resort, we were promptly offered a delicious meal. The meals was served near the shore, where you could feel the warm but invigorating breeze and smell the salty sea air. Oh, the pleasures of island life. The buffet featured predominantly seafood delicacies such as lobsters, baked scallops, and prawns, all of which were delicious. Not so much adventure yet as it was only the first day. And as what most of the people do, we dedicated this day to rest because of the long and exhausting travel going to the resort.

 We spent the next day simply beaching and seeing more of Boracay's tourist attractions and activities. We participated in water sports such as banana boating, water inflatables, and water paddling. We ate supper at 5 p.m. and were delighted by the island's fire dancers until 8 p.m. The highlight was witnessing a breathtaking sunset on the beach, which I will cherish for the rest of my life. 

On our last day, we went swimming and chilling at Puka Shell Beach. Because there were just a few people on the island, it seems like we own it. Then we collected our belongings and prepared to return home. Overall, this vacation exceeded my expectations; the beach was as white as advertised, the water was clear, and I was able to participate in a variety of activities for the first time, making Boracay really unforgettable. 

There is no denying that each trip alters us slightly. It is impossible to travel to a new location, try new things, and have incredible adventures only to return to your normal routine as if nothing had happened.

But there's no denying that some trips are more memorable than others, that certain moments make you rethink your life and take a few deep breaths.

I remember all of these experiences, some in greater detail than others... But I will never forget how I felt at those times, the way my heart beat and the mix of emotions that ran through my veins.

Throughout a person's life, they will visit numerous locations with their family, friends, and other relatives. I've taken a few vacations that have left an indelible mark on my life. However, one of the most memorable vacations I've had was with my cousins. We visited Maragusan, a first-class municipality in the Davao de Oro province. Most of you are probably unaware of this location, but it is famous for its breathtaking views, including the Sea of Clouds, Haven's Peak, and a few hot and cold springs. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The environment of the location was enlightening. I wouldn't have wanted to go on this trip with anyone but my cousins. Every day, we had a great time at each location in this municipality, making this vacation unforgettable.

A well-known attraction that sits atop the landlocked regions of Maragusan is regarded by visitors as the Philippines' Bali, Indonesia. Brgy's Calamba Farm Sea of Clouds is a popular tourist destination. Mapawa with beautiful views of Maragusan City. Surprisingly, visitors are drawn to the city's verdant backdrops rather than something much more exciting – the appearance of a "Sea of Clouds." The much-anticipated sea of clouds is an occurrence that only appears to early morning risers because the magic only occurs in the morning. At around 5 – 6 a.m., the clouds are most defined, with a magical view of pure, white clouds coating everything around the mountain. After those hours, the clouds begin to dissipate into thin mists or strips. Calamba Farm Sea of Clouds is difficult to reach even with private cars because the roads to the mountain can only be traversed by motorcycles, so traveling early in the morning is not recommended. Camping on the site is the best way to arrive on time for the clouds.

The second attraction is the Haven's Peak Highland Resort, which is also one of the most memorable places I've visited. It is nestled among the majestic valleys of Davao Region and is home to enticing mountains teeming with waterfalls and springs. Aside from its natural attractions, Maragusan has a number of man-made tourist attractions that are popular not only with locals but also with tourists drawn by the beauty of this quiet town. Among these is the Haven's Peak Highland Resort, a mountain resort. Haven's Peak Highland Resort, located atop Tarago Hills and overlooking the entire town of Maragusan, enjoys naturally cold weather, making it an ideal getaway, especially on hot summer days. 

The Aguacan Resort was the third. Because it is a cold spring, a short dip is all that is required to enjoy the refreshing coolness of the water. Unless you enjoy being submerged in ice cold water for a brief period of time. To get here, one must be aware of the distance and the uphill climb. However, once you arrive in Maragusan, you will find a plethora of natural attractions. You are welcome to bring your own food for a meal.

Maragusan is a municipality in the province of Compostela Valley. A mountainous region with spectacular mountain ranges, rivers, waterfalls, and cliffs. The enticing sight of early morning mist and lush green valleys make this lovely town yet another tourist destination in southeastern Mindanao. Davao Region never runs out of places to visit and explore. Indeed, Maragusan is one of those towns worth visiting, whether for the cool weather or to explore the town's rich natural attractions.

 

     ^{Caballero, Joy}

So excited to have a glimpse of this “Little Boracay of the CARAGA”, I was flabbergasted by its own distinct attributes which poles apart from that of the famous 4 km white beach of Boracay Island. I proved the travelers and travel bloggers wrong tagging Cagwait White Beach as the “Little Boracay of the CARAGA” where in factual statement, the grains of its own white sand is exactly not the same with that of the sugar-liked fine sand of Boracay. As a result, it made me a little cheerless.

Even so, the clamshell-like white beach of Cagwait most likely resembles of the famous Waikiki beach in Hawaii where a wide stretch of the long stretched white sand beach shoreline fronting the great Pacific with all the pristine elements of a tropical palms and lush vegetations, blended by shallow and clear tortoise water.

In minutes of accepting the factuality of the spot, my cousins cheerfully greeted me with anticipation as they showed me the quaint piece of the beauty of this newly explored destination of ours. ;-)

I can say that the Dahilayan Forest Park in Bukidnon is one of the best sites in the Philippines to engage in enjoyable and family-friendly activities. Our family even got to ride their zip-line, which is Asia’s longest dual zipline with a size of 840 meters. Even if the rides seem scary, they are guaranteed safe and fun for all ages. The place is the perfect spot to commune with nature, enjoying the cool, scenic ambience and taking beautiful pictures. 

I'd gladly return to Dahilayan Forest Park if given the chance, especially now that everything feels overwhelming. I want to take in the fresh air and relish the gorgeous pine trees. A walk in the woods made me appreciate nature as it is surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views.

I remember reading a quote by Cecilia Ahern that says, "Home isn't a place, it's a feeling." This made me think about the land that enchanted me the moment that the eyes of my infant self took notice of the surroundings she was in. Vivid images of my hometown entered my mind, allowing the feeling of nostalgia to rush through my entire being, hitting me with a strong wave of longing. I recall the warm air that once encircled the visible inches of my skin; the soothing smell of the ocean breeze mixed with the scent of the nearby forest; the distant laughter of children; and the carefree aura that the people of my hometown exude. All these memories that constantly flood my mind fill me with... love. And that is how I knew that Paracale was my home.

Ladies and gentlemen, you might be wondering where I got the title of this narrative. Well, just so you know, Paracale is indeed the Town of Gold--both literally and figuratively. The Paracalenos were endowed with wealth because the Paracale territories held a plethora of gold and other minerals, which means that mining is the main financial source of the town. Contrary to popular beliefs on the mining part, the locals still manage to maintain the beauty of nature and are actively participating in activities that involve taking care of the environment. In addition, they remind the miners to abide by the rules that the LGU set out to preserve the gift that the creator graciously gave them.

Among the material riches of the town, the treasure of the land isn't the only thing that I proudly showcase, but also the kindness of the people that live there. These people have the biggest hearts. In their everyday lives, they never hesitate to seek out people in need of help. They exhibit kindness and courage in every form in the things they do. The spirit of camaraderie lives inside of them, and I think that is their strongest suit. Some might think that the facts that I have mentioned were mere products of exaggeration, but no. I saw them firsthand because I spent 13 years of my life there until it became only a travel destination or a vacation area for us because we had to move to another region. 

Travelling back to Paracale is like coming back home. The first time I went there after two years of moving out, I cried so hard. I was overwhelmed with recollections I was fond of. And seeing the circle of friends who shaped my character brought out the unwanted tears in my eyes. I was an emotional mess, and I could hardly contain myself. Coming back served as a vital piece in the puzzle of my life. I felt whole once more. My feet led me to the specific places where I made my core memories. I found myself sitting on the beach's white sand, the smell of sea water tickling my nose. I remember going to my friend's house, where I spent an entire evening gushing about the things I had experienced and the people I had met. When I went to the place where I used to strengthen my bond with God, I noticed the church had changed immensely, and it somehow reminded me of how change is inevitable. And, of course, I went to my favorite spot in Paracale: the mountain. I often went there to unwind and find myself in times of uncertainty. Coming there is like my therapy when the world seems to be losing its sanity and when I seem to have almost lost mine. I never really remember how I found those areas in the first place. I must have been so young when I first discovered them. However, most of the memories of my time in the places I have mentioned were spent with the people who I loved dearly, and the feeling was euphoric. I keep telling my friends here in Mindanao about Paracale, and they definitely want to go with me when I go there again. And since social media is one of the highlights of our lives, I see it as an opportunity to flex the town in order to attract more tourists and more attention to Paracale

I know that all of us have a place where we find comfort. As for me, it will always be Paracale. It is where my soul roams freely. It is where I feel light. It is where I feel exposed but safe. It is where my whole being is connected. It is where I created golden memories. And no matter where I go, no matter how far I get, there will always be a place in my heart for my hometown, and it will stay that way. Always.

          After we (The Baclaan’s in San Fancisco, Agusan del Sur) came home in our ancestral house in Butuan city, we already head to the place we’re going; My cousins, my aunt and my uncles decided to go to the “Vinapor Blue Water Resort” or also known as “Jurassic Park Resort”. Vinapor Blue Water Beach Resort is located at barangay Vinapor, Carmen, Agusan del Norte. 

           It’s the most beautiful Beach I’ve ever been and the most unforgettable one. I and my cousins rarely see each other because we live in San Francisco Agusan del Sur and they live in Butuan city. That day was one of the happiest days of my life. After that trip, I was really motivated to study hard and make more of those happy days. 

-Clint Van B. España Grade 11 - Siddhartha