The Philippines’ 13th region, the CARAGA Administrative Region is home to Siargao, the country’s surfing capital; the Agusan Marsh, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the picturesque Lake Mainit where over 33 various kinds of species thrive; and the historic city of Butuan which claims to be first discovered by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
All these and more of CARAGA’s unspoiled natural beauty, world-class tourist attractions, rich history and distinct people are being unveiled to the public in a rare cultural-cum trade show at the "Philippines’ Best" in Intramuros, Manila.
Themed "Lakas Bisig Pinoy" or sports tourism, the show features (until Nov. 13) the adventure destinations ideal for sports enthusiasts in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur; and the cities of Butuan and Surigao.
Department of Tourism (DoT) Regional Director Leticia Dela Cruz-Tan, MPA said her team of tourism officers and leaders from the local governments of CARAGA are working hard to promote their region and further boost the tourism industry in these areas despite the negative publicity that continue to affect their mission.
"Our region has all the components of an ideal tourist destination — eco-tourism, nature, history, adventure, and culture but because of constant, generalized negative publicity on Mindanao as an unsafe place for tourists, we are affected and our promotions ignored," Tan lamented.
However, their aggressive marketing still pays off to sophisticated and mature foreign travelers who do not believe in travel advisories and negative news; and who are simply lured to the region’s sheer beauty, particularly to Siargao, CARAGA’s top attraction.
In 2004, Tan said arrivals to CARAGA totalled 315,000. Of this, 2,000 to 3,000 were foreigners.
She explained that despite their world-class attractions such as the "Cloud Nine" waves of Siargao, they have not been dependent on foreign tourists because it has always been the locals (including from nearby regions) that sustain its tourism industry until now.
So in an attempt to gain global awareness and recognition, and increase visitors, Tan and her partners will hold the 1st International Human Body Boarding Competition in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.
"Body Boarding is a new sport in the country but not internationally. So, we hope that it somehow attracts more locals as much as they were to surfing," she said.
The regional director clarified, though that body boarding in Lanuza which boasts of rolling waves will not compete with Siargao but instead complement each other.
Inside Clamshell I, the venue of CARAGA’s show, visitors are treated to cultural presentations and are given the chance to avail of products, food and native delicacies sourced directly from the region.
Bestsellers are wooden furnitures, handicrafts, fashion accessories and delicacies.
Among the handicrafts available are baskets, houseware and bags made from Nito, Rattan, Pandan and Agsam vines. These top-of-the-line products are being supplied to major department stores in Manila and exported to Japan.
For ornaments, must-haves are trendy coconut bracelets (wash and wear) and belts, designer Agsam necklaces with precious stones and beads and other items like Agsam bags, wallets, pen holders, chandeliers, bags, pillowcases, candle holders and curtains.
Manobo clothes which were once only a part of the famous tribe’s heritage and customs are now transformed into modern fashion clothes for anyone interested to add some touch of Manobo culture in his wardrobe. Rossana Cezar who runs a souvenir shop in Butuan, pioneered this concept. She sells a variety of items specially Manobo clothes and novelties. These include expensive original Manobo hand-woven costumes, souvenir shirts and blouses with printed Manobo designs. Headdresses, necklaces, bracelets and even earrings are also available to match with the clothes for those who want to sport an exotic Manobo look.
For coffee lovers, CARAGA offers a caffeine and cholesterol-free alternative to the regular coffee. Roasted corn coffee is cheap, available in various sizes and most of all, healthy.
Fresh prawns and crabs from Butuan, together with Bislig dishes can also be savored at the Casa Tagala booth infront of the clamshell.
Meanwhile, for best-tasting delicacies, troop to the booth of the CARAGA Regional Association of Traders and Entrepreneurs in Food (CREATE FOOD). There you will find various food items like Durian ice cream, pure Kalamansi concentrate, crunchy coconut biscuits Salvaro and Patatas, and the tastiest noodles. Locally called Udong, these noodles, have recently been exported to Japan because the Japanese reportedly prefer this over their own noodles.
