The Circus comes to town

First there were the men in shirtsleeves with their fresh poultry meats, stitching ropes to several tents on a big bare field of wet grass. All of it mushroomed in the city’s Energy Park and there it was, the big top, a great round tent over a sawdust stage. Welcome to the most spectacular show in town, where entrance is for free and anyone can be a star. 

Dissecting the Pedicab Drivers of Tagum

They dominate the streets of this city like no other. They treat it as their own kingdom. From sun up until sun down, they are there to save our day. For the commuting public of Tagum City, we cannot imagine how our life would be like without our pedicab drivers. Their green-painted tricycle units add weight to the statement that we are a city bleeding in green. The city mayor even noticed that all of the drivers/operators are really serious in making their units look good. Otherwise, no one will really care to ride because of it is karag-karag, to put it in our dialect. It can be recalled that it was through the directive of the local chief executive mandating that all tricycle units in this bustling city be painted green. I would understand if you feel awkward if you see one painted in red or blue in Tagum. I’ve been riding motorcycle units since elementary years and I have encountered many attitudes (and sometimes mood swings) portrayed by our beloved pedicab drivers. For the sake of entertainment, I am listing below some of the amusing and irritating attitudes of our drivers --- the king of the roads. To put it into the language of the internet craze last year, Dili ka Taga-Tagum kung wala ka ka-experience ani.

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.