The Raging Waters of Panas

What I like about unplanned adventures is that it offers spontaneity and extraordinary thrill. You’ll never know what’s in store for you as you traverse the path to your destination. This is exactly what I experienced during my recent weekend getaway in the bizarre town of New Corella in Davao del Norte, some 18 kilometers from my hometown Tagum.

This quaint town, as I was previously told, offers a diverse option for eco-tourism adventures. This includes natural water terraces and wading pools, exotic caves and nature trails.

The fact that it’s just near ignites my wanderlust radar. Since two friends decided to drop a planned hiatus in Davao Oriental, I found myself waking up on a Saturday morning thinking where to go. Out of nowhere, New Corella came to mind.

Panas Waterfalls in Barangay Carcor, New Corella, Davao del Norte

A big commuter jeepney took me from Tagum Overland and Transport Terminal to this town, with weary-looking people facing each other from the parallel seats where we are seated. The 30-minute ride is mostly punctuated with commuters moving in and out of the jeep. The provincial government should be credited for the nicely-paved concrete roads which make the travel bearable.

Feeling Good in Hijo Estate Resorts

At the heart of Davao Gulf is a place where coconut trees tower in rows, a sprawling forest remains untouched, and banana trees flourish. Vast lands lay between the quiet waters of Madaum and Tagum rivers, where local tribes share the riverbanks with white-collared kingfishers, each nourishing their home. A place where every morning is a view of the sun from the ocean's horizon, where nature and man commune, where everything is offered to your delight. ~ Hijo Estate resort brochure

The view from Lanikai, the heritage house of the Tuason Family.

Mention "Banana Beach" and good memories will surely play in my mind. My work in the Tagum City Information Office regularly brings me to this wonderful place and each time I set foot on its productive soil, new discoveries, adventures and memories are definitely made. The beach surely lets you go on a reflective break, providing you calm and serenity. Going through it means communing with nature in mere footsteps.


I've been here many times and the place have surely danced through the ballad of our time, and had continuously reinvented itself to make it more attractive to tourists clamoring for a perfect getaway from the noise of the metro. This has been hyped up through the launching of the Hijo Estate Resorts which includes the Banana Beach, which is undeniably the world's only beach resort inside a banana plantation.

The Lanikai Heritage House adds flare to the resort which is nestled in the 760-hectare, mixed-use tourist development along Davao Gulf in Barangay Madaum, Tagum City. In its press release, the resort prides that both Banana Beach and Lanikai offer resort accommodations and world-class swimming pools designed to cater to individuals who wish to indulge in seaside luxury. Indeed, Lanikai stands up to its Hawaiian meaning of "heaven by the sea."

The Hijo Estate Resorts also boasts of The Spot, which is a perfect for family or group of friends who wish to enjoy the peace and quiet of fishing. The Spot offers wide varieties of fishes in its pond: talakitok, bangus and if you're lucky, a barracuda.

The exciting part of the resort, for me, is the ecotourism tour where you will have a chance of a close encounter with monkeys and occasional sighting of wild boars, and most importantly, the 200-meter canopy walk where you will have a good view of the 60-hectare second-growth forest abundant with dao and anahaw, the country's national leaf. It is also where we released the pythons rescued by DENR last year. This what makes this part of the tour exciting. I was told that probably, these pythons are now gone in the wild since they are favorite "pulutans" of the wild boars or baboy ramo that are roaming free in this forest.

Just recently, the resort offered its river cruise where guests will surely have a great time traversing the Madaum River made beautiful by the towering century-old mangroves on each side, with only the sound of your jetty and the singing birds accompanying you.

True indeed, the wonders of Hijo Estate Resorts can be described as such: a vibrant plantation, rich foliage, a long stretch of pristine beach and a heritage home. It's a roll-in one with its own beach, its own forest, its own private fishing spot, twin rivers within  the estate that opens to the Davao Gulf, and accommodations that range from casual, open-air huts along the beach to private, exclusive rooms in a heritage house.

It also resonates with rich history. Erstwhile known as Hijo Plantation, the resort rise within its soil a historic and still-functioning banana plantation within its property. It is famous for being the first banana plantation to start exporting Cavendish bananas to Japan, with its first shipment made on May 21, 1969. It's the sole company in Davao that offers banana plantation tours that show the public how bananas are propagated, raised, harvested, and packed for export to markets all over the world.

Whenever time permits, I would surely go back to Hijo. It's the best place to indulge in calm and serenity in Tagum City.

The Spot, perfect for fishing. 

The Casitas (cottages) in the Banana Beach

Lanikai, meaning "Heaven by the Sea" is the heritage home of the Tuason Family.

Madaum River

Bungi, the tribe leader of one of the barrels of monkey roaming freely in the forest inside Hijo Estate Resort

Lanikai

Infinity Pool in Banana Beach...

...which features a mini-bar in the middle.

Wild Boars roaming in the forest of Hijo Estate Resorts.

Tagum City River Cruise

 For so many years, the cool and calm waters of Tancuan in Bincungan, Tagum City seems like to be so elusive from the public. Not until recently when the Local Government of Tagum had embarked on a noble project of establishing a wetland reserve in this progressive southern city known for its best governance practices, palms and grand festivals. The once elusive Tancuan as well as the gentle waters of Nabintad River is now Tagum City's newest attraction, serving like a magnet for people who are looking forward to have a date with nature and rediscover its allure.

The Tagum City River Cruise was formally launched July 30, 2011 with high hopes of revitalizing the people's interest in safeguarding the mangroves as well as showcasing the wonders of nature inside the wetlands of the city. Start your journey at Punong Restaurant which is the official jump-off point for the 8.8-kilometer river cruise that will run for almost two hours. Along the way, be amazed with the wide varieties of mangrove trees as well of its unique roots. As you go along and feel the breeze of the relaxing air, a local guide can tell stories about tales of the mangroves. The sight of fisherfolks and children swimming along the way is also a sight to behold.  Stop by at the Kagan Village, a Muslim community in Barangay Liboganon that is brimming with culture and history. There, you can buy Muslim Handicrafts and taste its yummy delicacies. In Maningo Farm,  one of the stopovers of the 8-kilometer cruise, your group can savor sumptuous lunch with its famous soft-shelled crabs. A floating tiange is the place to look forward to by souvenir-hunters. There, one can buy packed goodies which include tropical fruits in season, tasty delicacies and handicrafts. The River Cruise experience would not be complete without preserving the memory in your digital cameras or in mobile phones which are important so that you can upload it right away in facebook or perhaps print a postcard and encourage your friends to experience the river cruise, Tagumeño style. Under the shades of the century-old mangroves, a boardwalk was constructed for people to have a closer look at those trees and be relaxed by the warmth it gives. This is a perfect spot for picture-taking and if you are very lucky enough, gentle wildlife inhabitants shall join you in your clicking moments.

In the next years, a channel will be constructed to connect the waters of Tancuan and Nabintad River which is located in Barangay Madaum. The proposed 600-meters channel will house the protected area perfect for kayaking and other boating activities.


The Tagum City River Cruise experience depends on whoever tells it. As for me, who have been like cruised the river for three times already, it feels like it's always my first time. Personally, I'd like to remember it as the river once so elusive and now ready to capture the heart of nature-lovers wherever they may be here on Earth. You have to be there and experience the River Cruise that is uniquely Tagumeño.

To try the Tagum City River Cruise, contact the City Information Office of Tagum or the City Tourism Office or visit www.tagumcity.gov.ph for more information. A fee of P 320.00 is charged per head with a minimum of 10 pax. Reserve your group two days ahead of your schedule at the Council of Women Satellite Office at Punong Restaurant.

One Day Adventure in Tagum City

There’s something in the City of Tagum that had remained so foreign to me. Not until recently when I woke up on a sun-kissed morning. I was smiling because I know that day will be a day full of adventure and adrenaline rush. When Sir Edwin Lasquite informed us that the great Jojie Alcantara is coming to town for a shoot, I dropped all scheduled plans just to rub elbows with the famed travel photojournalist and of course, to conquer and see for myself Tagum City’s hidden gems.

 

Turned out it’s a day full of adventure and we’re indeed living the adventurous life. We kicked off our day with a visit to the Barangay New Balamban where the series of home makeovers are being held courtesy of Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy’s Lingap Pinuy-anan Shelter Assistance Program. It’s my first time to set foot in the said barangay and I must say that the rural feel is so alive in the said area. 

Next stop is the Eco Park which is located in the sprawling 50-hectare site in Barangay San Agustin. From the so-called summit, one could be one with nature by seeing the wide array of green trees. From atop, savor the sweet zephyr and experience the wonders of nature. The once rebel-infested site will be considered home to at least 2000 different species of trees coming from different parts of the world thereby projecting a city breathing in vibrant air. The park will be fully-developed come year 2020.

12 kilometers south of San Agustin’s Eco Park awaits our next adventure. For the second time, I was able to traverse in the mighty Tancuan Creek where many picturesque scenes thrive. For one hour and 30 minutes, my eyes were treated to a new world: century-old and newly-planted mangrove trees, kids swimming in its riverside, fish cages sprouting aplenty and fishing folks enjoying the bounty of the creek. One can say that the place is indeed bleeding with so much allure one would always want to go back. This is one side of the city needs to be seen by each adventurous Tagumeño who always want to be one with nature.

Along the coastal area of Barangay Madaum, just inside Banana Beach, awaits a very breathtaking experience. For people with adventure-loving personalities, the amenities offered by the world’s only beach resort inside a banana plantation should be experienced. One could truly be amazed by the towering old trees, the roaming monkeys, monitor lizards, different species of birds and wild boars. Walk your way through the forest through the resort’s 2-kilometer canopy walk which is 15 meters from the ground.

I wish everybody could experience the kind of experience I had on that Saturday and wake up on a sun-kissed morning getting jitters and excitement of experiencing an adventure that is Tagumeño style. Truly, one needs not to go to other places beyond our borders because adventures, just like anywhere in the world, is best enjoyed at home.