Visit Number 7 PART TWO

So many interesting things from Visit Number 7 that I have had to make this into a multi part Blog.  So here is the second part of my 2013 Visit to Iligan where, for me, it is always MORE FUN !

At the half way point between visit 6 and 7 there was a lot of excitement and multi media press coverage of the all new " Jollibee Tropical " that opened in Tubod, Iligan. This all new design and imaged Jollibee is the first of its kind for all of Mindanao.  After viewing all of the information about its opening via internet this was a must see for me.  I went early in the morning to get some good pics before it became crowded.

                              Jollibee, Tubod Branch, Iligan CIty

                            As always, Jollibee welcomes me


There is always some kind of festive occasion happening in Iligan. When I am there it is National Correctional Consciousness Week, a celebration of Jails in The Philippines. As in past visits I had made many donations and contributions to Iligan City Jail, when I came to visit the jail this time I had tears of joy in my eyes to be greeted by a banner informing me that once again Iligan was awarded Best Jail  in Region 10 plus the Best Jail Warden in Region 10.  I was informed that my continuing contributions played a good part in making this a reality.In between  last visit and this one I donated a 43 inch tv and satellite receiver to the jail to be installed in the new Visitor area that was constructed in 2012.  This will enable inmates and visitors to watch all of the major sporting events not shown on regular tv as well as world news and educational programming.  This is the only jail in Region 10 that has Satellite TV.  Thanks to Imperial Applaince Plaza. Iligan Branch. one phone call from my home in New York did it all. This may even encourage more visitors to the jail for those that do not usually get visitors.

                             This banner brought tears of joy to
                              my eyes when I first viewed it.

It seems the closer it gets to the time of the year for me to visit the faster the time goes. In the few weeks before I get there  it seems like a time avalanch with the clock going faster and faster. As much as I tried, I did not practice  the " Iligan March " at home in front of my internet screen as I had planned on doing.  When it came time for a performance during the many Jail festivities I kind of declined the first request for me to join in. When the Filipina inmates said  " Kuya Bob please come and dance with us "  how could I refuse them. Of course I joined them, had a great time and did rather well despite the lack of practice.

                             Participating in the " Iligan March "

It is standard policy of Philippine Jails that they do not provide personal care items for the inmates. These are to be supplied by family and friends that come to visit them. It is unfortunate that some inmates do not get any visitors at all and have to go without. As I did last year, I had a " meeting with the Minors " where I presented them with personal care items I had brought for them. During my meeting with them I found that at least half of them did not have any visitors. In comparison to the many other contributions I have made to this " Award Winning " facility, my gifts for the Minors is the most emotionally significant one to me. Anyone can make donations  and as you can see, even just a bar of soap for an inmate that has none is very well appreciated.

                             My " Meeting With The Minors " 2013

                             Minor Inmates express their gratitude
                             for the gifts I brought for them.

A most unique celebration at the jail is a Mass Wedding, which is something I had never heard of before.  This was the second of these celebrations I have participated in while visiting Iligan City.  Newly elected Mayor Regencia officiated the ceremony and officials of Region 10 BJMP also participated.  In a meeting with Mayor Regencia, Warden Jalagat and officials from Region 10 BJMP, we discussed additional major construction and improvements for the jail.  I can assure you of some major projects that are now in the works and I hope will see completion for my visit Number 8 of 2014.

Much to my surprise, a few days later I was being driven to Region 10 BJMP Headquarters in Cagayan De Oro to receive an award for my continuing interest and contributions to the " Multi Award Winning " Iligan City Jail. Not many would consider spending their vacation time visiting a city jail and participating in some of the activity there but for me part of this is my way of expressing my appreciation to the City of Iligan for the best vacations I have ever experienced.

                             BJMP Region 10 express their thanks
                             for my continuing contributions to the
                             " Award Winning " Iligan City Jail.

Back in the " always something new in Iligan " department, something else I had looked forward to was visiting the Fabulous Iligan City Hotel-Casino !  The first two floors of the Plaza Alemania Hotel in Iligan are occupied by a PAGCOR Casino.  Prior to entering the casino I asked if I could have a look at this recent ground up restoration and refurbishment of the hotel.  A hotel employee was assigned to be my guide and I was very impressed with this hotel which includes a beautiful rooftop restaurant. The Casino opened at 6 PM and I spent several very enjoyable hours in it. The staff was very welcoming and answered any question I had about it.  The Casino offers a limited food and beverage menu so I enjoyed my evening meal there with some of my Iliganon friends who were also visiting the Casino for the first time. As with all Casinos, photos inside are not allowed so I got one at the entrance with a very nice Filipina Security officer. The casino itself was very clean, attractive, great air con, excellent Comfort Rooms ( rest rooms ).

                                    Plaza Alemania Casino Hotel
                                    Iligan CIty



Several years ago an area known as " The Strip " began to develop in Barangay Pala-O. This has been transforming into an outdoor food court over the past several years with different restaurants, and ice cream desert shop and now a bakery and fish fry place. I visited it during the day as I wanted to get some updated pics for my reviews on the travel websites. Those websites require the reviewer to use only their original pics and not those " borrowed " from elsewhere. Yes, I brought my appetite with me.

Another all new from the ground up was a new branch of the original Zoey Cafe.  This purpose built building has a dining room and coffee shop on the first floor ( handicapped accessible ) .  The second floor is a catering hall which can accommodate up to about 120 people. I was fortunate to be able to attend the Culmination Night dinner of Iligan Business Month to once again meet some familiar faces  from prior visits and those who I had not had the pleasure of meeting before. I enjoyed several meals during my visit in the main dining room with some of my Iligan friends. The all new Zoey Cafe is owned and operated by the same family of the original Zoey Cafe in Iligan and of course it was wonderful to be greeted by familiar faces when I entered this restaurant for the first time.

                             New from the ground up, Zoey Cafe
                             Umbaldo Laya Branch.

In visit Number 6 I experienced Tita Fannies restaurant at  the Gaisano Mall. This visit I wanted to experience the original Tita Fannise, the one that started them all. I was also looking forward to another one of those famous Tita Fannies Bila Overload Combo Platters that I waited another year for. I had a very enjoyable meal topped off with a Halo Halo Buko.

All good things seem to come to a conclusion so fast and it seemed as if in the blink of an eye it was time to go back home to New York. I will miss you Iligan City until Visit Number 8 later this year if all goes well.

                             Ready for Departure at Languidingan

Visit Number 7 PART ONE

As I always like to comment there is always something new and things to look forward to on my visits to Iligan City and Visit Number 7 brought something new on the way to Iligan.  This would be my first time experiencing the all new Languidingan Airport, one third closer to Iligan than Lumbia Airport was.  Little information was available about door to door transportation ( taxi or car service ) from the airport to Iligan.  I was quite surprised stepping out of the arrivals exit to find a similar situation to how Lumbia was. The Hawkers, Squakers, sign wavers were all out there. In the original plans for this new airport this was not supposed to be there but I guess the new airport gave in.  Taxis would not offer a metered ride to Iligan. A number of private vehicles were offering transport to Iligan.  One of my original Iligan friends was there to meet me who spotted a private vehicle and driver from Iligan that was familiar to him so we took it. The cost was appropriate at 1000 PHP.

                             Arrival for Visit Number  7

                             AN Unexpected Welcome

Arriving safely in Iligan City about an hour later and after checking into the hotel, I stopped in at the new Chamber of Commerece office and was welcomed by members of  the Iligan Bloggers Society who just happened to be there. Next of course was my favorite place in Iligan, Jollibee Tibanga for some of my favorite Jolli-Food.  I don't think I had even removed my jacket that I had on in New York some 22 hours earlier because it is cold in New York at this time of the year.  My first bite of a Jolli Hot Dog tole me it was good to be in Iligan again !  I waited a whole year for this.

                         I flew half way around the world for this


On visit Number 6, my favorite place to stay in Iligan, the Elena Tower Inn was in the process of refurbishment. The exterior was being painted and decorated for the first time and now it was completed giving this fine lodging facility a new look.  One of the things I like most at Elena Tower Inn is that the same employees are there year after year.  This indicates to me how loyal they are to their employer and to their guests.  I have always felt I am treated more like family here and not as a foreigner or a stranger.

                             Elena Tower Inn on Tibanga Highway

One of many things I like about staying here is the ever increasing amount of restaurants and eateries of all kinds that continue to open up within a few steps of this hotel.  On visit Number 6 a brand new McDonalds was under construction right across the street.  It was now in full 24 hour operation and I found it very nice when I wanted fresh brewed coffee around 2 AM while I was catching up with things on the internet from my hotel room. Of course I sampled some burgers and fries but when I am in The Philippines Jollibee will always be my first choice.

                              McDonalds,  Tibanga Branch

My favorite place for Pizza in Iligan, The Iliganon in Pala-O  opened a branch on Chelina Arcade right next to the hotel. It seems so many of my favorite things are moving closer to where I like to stay when I am in Iligan.  I enjoyed this new restaurant many times during Visit Number 7 and had a pizza of one size or another with just about every meal I ate there. The sizzling steak meal  quickly became a favorite along with a Mango Shake.

                                      Iliganon, Tibanga Branch


On my previous visit in 2012, unfortunately I caught a case of pneumonia and was in Mindanao Sanitarium Hospital  ( renamed Adventist Medical Center )  for 5 days. The treatment and care I received there was excellent and I feel the staff at times went out of their way to make my stay as comfortable as possible. A part of this health care facility includes the MSH Cares Foundation which conducts free Medical Missions to areas of Iligan and elsewhere in Mindanao. They have also conducted medical missions in Tacloban after the Yolanda Typhoon Disaster.  As an expression of my appreciation and gratitude this year I brought donations of stethoscopes and Bp Cuffs for the MSH Cares group.  Additionally I donated a good quality stethoscope and Bp Cuff to two school selected students of the Mindanao Sanitarium Hospital College which also shares the grounds of MSH. My donations were well received and although no one knew it at the time, my donations went along with the MSH Cares members to be used in their medical mission in Tacloban.

            One of Two boxes of donations to MSH Cares Foundation

Two, college selected students receiving stethoscopes and aneroid Sphygmomanometer from me as a form of a scholarship award. These are required items for nursing students and I am sure my donation to these " working students " will be a big help to them.  After the presentation ceremony I had each of the students check my blood pressure with their new items. At 130 / 70  I would say the result was favorable.





(  TO  BE  CONTINUED )

VISIT NUMBER 6

As has been the case since my first visit, I looked forward to visit number 6  not soon after returning home from visit number 5.  In between visits I continue to gather information of whats happening in Iligan and come up with new things to see and do from the many things that appear on the internet.

On visit 5, I enjoyed having dinner at Jacko's with members of the Iligan Bloggers Society Inc.  After reading and viewing the aftermath of Sendong I felt I would never have that opportunity again as Jacko's Restaurant had a near complete washout and destruction. By the time visit 6 came along I was delighted to know that Jacko's had been completely rebuilt from the ground up with many new features and pleasantries incorporated into the new building. You can read more about it in my travel review here:

A wonderful dinner with Iligan Bloggers Society  at the completely  rebuilt ( after Sendong )  Jacko's


http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Philippines/Iligan_City/Restaurants-Iligan_City-MISC-BR-1.html#tip=2275292


New for me on this visit was going to Tita Fannies  ( Mall Location ) for the first time.  On visit 5, I had my first taste of food from Tita Fannies in the form of a take out platter featuring a combination of different menu selections.  Talk about an aftertaste, this one lasted me for a year until my next visit to try more.

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Philippines/Iligan_City/Restaurants-Iligan_City-MISC-BR-1.html#tip=2272519


After reading blogs by members of the Iligan Bloggers Society on their visit to Iligan Paradise Resort, it gave me the desire to see and experience some of it in person.  I got a group of my Iligan friends together and we went there for part of a day.  I went on the cable car ride but passed  (  ok, chickened out if you will ) on their 2 section Zipline although I enjoyed watching my friends enjoy it.  I think my  " experience " on the NPC Zipline on visit 4 will last me for a long time LOL.  As I was only at Iligan Paradise Park  for a few hours I did not see or experience all of what this attraction has to offer and I may visit it again to see more.

My visits to MSU-IIT this time was hosted by the School of Computer Studies.  Earlier this year they had posted a very entertaining video as their entry to a faculty and alumni video contest.  By the time of my visit they were well aware of my enthusiasm of their video and arranged to do a re-shoot of it, this time with me as one of the participants !  This came as an unexpected surprise to me and was one of the highlights of visit 6 as can be seen here :


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUKvWvNJBPg


On previous visits I had made donations to the Iligan City  " Award Winning " Jail.  Obviously this is not a tourist attraction but after viewing videos of it on Youtube and learning some of its recent history, to me it certainly is.  My visits also just happen to be during the time of National Correctional Consciousness Week where week long events take place at the Jail.

This celebration begins with a motorcade through the city and I was able to view it from riding in one of the lead vehicles.  WoW, what a way to have a tour of Iligan City !

The funding for tables in the visitors area from prior visits became a big help, especially on Visitors Day and also for the many organizations that sponsor health and welfare events for the inmates.  Unfortunately the aging visitor / multi-purpose area was in dire need of an upgrade or outright replacement.  While discussing this with Warden Jalagat and Mayor Cruz on visit 5, an estimate was drawn up.  Out of the three of us, none of us could supply the funding for this. We came up with a plan that if the three of us pooled our available recourses we just might be able to make it happen and maybe even a bit more.  You can read about it here:


 http://liveinthephilippines.com/content/hey-joe-got-soap/


With all of the fun and activity taking place during visit 6, I guess I kind of over extended myself with the excitement I have visiting Iligan City.  During the second week I was not feeling too well and rested for a few days not getting any better.  I always wanted to have a comprehensive tour inside Mindanao Sanitarium Hospital although I never expected to do it this way !

 http://liveinthephilippines.com/content/hospitalized-in-the-philippines/


I was quite impressed with my 5 day stay at MSH and included a review of it along with my travel reviews on the travel websites. MSH was impressed with a review from a foreigner and re posted it on their website,  and yes, I would without a doubt suggest MSH  to any visitor requiring any of the services and care offered there.

 http://www.amciligan.org/bob-newyork


There are always many things of Iligan posted in many places on the Internet that keep me informed here on the other side of the world. One of those sources, as I have mentioned many times, is Youtube. From year to year, there is always one video that to me, stands out from all of the rest that I had viewed between my visits.  I have a formula for determining what my  " Iligan video of The Year " is.  If at first I find myself watching it over and over again for about an hour, picking out every possible detail I can, I know it is a good video. Secondly, if it gives me a warm feeling inside and makes me want to laugh and cry with happiness and joy each time I watch it, I know it is a good video.  If it is something I can share with many many others to illustrate why I want to make another return to Iligan City, thats the clincher in making it my own personal choice choice as  the " Iligan Video of The Year ".   This one was made by a group of students as some kind of school  assignment.  I do not know who they are or from what school they are from.  This video comes together beautifully.  The sound quality is excellent ( play it back through a club sound system and it could easily shake the walls ) , The video quality is very good and for those that can read and understand them, the words appear on the screen.  I believe the language is in Tagalog but better still, no matter what language you are fluent in the message comes through loud and clear.  I have recently received an English translation to the words so I can know for sure what the performers are singing.  I am often asked to sing something on my visits to Iligan and I have surprised many when I sing  " The Jollibee Song " which is a combination of English and tagalog.  Hey, you never know, maybe on a future visits I will surprise people with this one >>

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZlN0Qo5niA


Toward the end of Visit Number 6, I attended the Monday Morning Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall and got another chance in performing Iligan March.  To me, this weekly event really qualifies as a tourist attraction and it is a highlight of my visit to participate in it.

                                   Doing the Iligan March  2012

An award of recognition from  BJMP, ILIGAN for my donations and assistance to the Iligan City  " Award Winning " Jail.

Out of the many places that I have been to in the world, I have never been to a place that has extended the warmth and hospitality to me that I have found in Iligan City.  Thank you Iliganons for making my visits the best vacations I have ever had.



Always something new

Things to look forward to

Iligan City

Simply Amazing  !

Visit Number Five

This year marked my 5th visit to Iligan City, something I had looked forward to since my last visit about a year ago. One of the highlights of this years visit was to attend part of the Mindanao Bloggers Summit which just happened to coincide with the dates I had planned on visiting.  As I am from the other side of the world, I did not think I would have anything to say or comment on at this affair which had the theme of a " Green Mindanao " in which  " Green " is a popular and trendy topic in many parts of the world these days. Not usually being short of something to say, I did give a brief  talk about the importance of keeping the filters in air conditioners clean.  In some of the hotels I have statyed at it looks like this is something that is frequently overlooked and could greatly add to electrical power demands that are not necessary.

I only attended the Mindanao Bloggers Summit, hosted by Iligan Bloggers Society Inc., for a few hours mid-day on Saturday, it was great to meet the members of this group as well as a few bloggers I had known in other parts of Mindanao for the past few years. I have also been awarded an honorary membership in this prestegious group which really enhanced my visit to Iligan City this year.

As I regularly monitor many things in Iligan via internet between my visits, this gives me ideas on new things that are happening and gives me the ideas and interest of things I would like to see and do on future visits.  Some times prior arrangements have to be made for certain things but I have never been denied anything within reason of course, that I have wanted to see or attend in Iligan. 

Amoung this years places and events that I had not had the chance to do on prior visits included:

A guided tour of the Iligan Seaport
Attending Culmination Day of  Project Angel tree
Participating in " Hataw " early Saturday morning at City Plaza
Iligans Night Market on Saturday evening
Dinner with some of the IBS members
Monday Morning Flag raising Ceremony at the Anahaw Amphetheater
Timoga Spring Fed Swimming Pools where for the first time I actually went swimming there.  I had been reluctant to do this on prior visits but this time I just couldn't hold back any more.  It was really great.
A visit to the Iligan City  " Award Winning Jail " in celebration of National Correctional Consciousness week

Another visit to DXMA 95.9 FM  " The Edge " to say hello to those that I listen to regularly on their worldwide webstream.

I had recieved an invitation to attend the culmination dinner event of Iligan Business Month where I saw some familiar faces from past visits and met some in attendance that I had not had the pleasure of meeting on privious visits.

I had a chance to try a few places left over from previous visits where I just ran out of time, including  Madelicious Native Foods ( restaurant ) and Gazpacho's Restaurant. I had seen many pictures of these Restaurants  and now I have had the opportunity of dining in them.

I enjoy hearing the advertisements on DXMA 95.9 FM's webstream which are primarily in English Language. I often hear of new places that are opening in addition to existing places.  This is what lead me to getting a haircut at Reyes haircutters and visiting Bodega Site electronics store where I purchased my first ever Cell Phone.  I don't have one here in the USA as I don't need another monthly bill comming in.  The Cell Phone I bought at Bodega Site and with the help of Iligan Friends teaching me how to use it really helped out in coordinating plans with others.  That Cell Phone will not work for me here in the USA so it is back in its box waiting for my next visit to Iligan.

Some of the places and events I have mentioned here may not seem like typical tourist attractions but to me they are.  I look forward to visit number 6 some time in the comming months.  I had a great time.

Intro

This Blog is being created as a result of following blogs originating from or being written about Iligan City, Philippines, A place in northern  Mindanao Philippines I found quite by accident in 2006 while websurfing.  After spending about 2 years learning about Iligan City from many sources on the internet I decided to go there on vacation to see it in person. As I found this city of about 330,000 in population to be such an interesting place I still follow it  on the internet regularly.

There are blogs originating from Iligan by those that live there  and  being written about Iligan from other parts of the world by former residents  and  individuals in an effort to create an awareness of this city as a place that may be of interest to tourists.  There are many natural and man made attractions for visitors and tourists in this city and its immediate surrounding area. I have visited this city 4 times and continue to find things of interest that I would like to see on future visits.

Earlier this year ( 2011 )  a group of individual bloggers got together to form an organized blogger group which became official in August 2011 to become known as the  "  Iligan Bloggers Society ".  For me to interact with many of these blogs some kind of Blog account makes it easier for me.  This is my reasoning behind creating this blog.

I have many entries I have made to the blogs of others based in The Philippines and articles I have independently posted on websites with some of the details of my visits to Iligan City.  Eventually I may put some of them here.