Last December I was in Tangub City Misamis Occidental to judge the 20th Tangub City Christmas Symbols Festival. And one of the places I really wanted to visited during that time was the Hoyohoy Highland Park.

Merry Christmas everyone! What’s your Noche Buena Feast last night?
We, Filipinos have always been known for the lavish preparations we do in time for the celebration of Christmas Day. We go out of our way and do the extra mile to make ordinary things, extraordinary. We are also known for the rich and diverse Christmas traditions that not many nations observe. And despite all the commercialism all over us, we still tend not to forget the real essence of Christmas. It’s not really about the snow man, and Christmas Trees or Santa Claus. Christmas i all about Jesus Christ who was born on this day.

Nativity set, Tangub City
It was an unexpected trip of sorts. Originally, planned to go to Tangub City December 21st to watch the 20th anniversary show of Sinanduloy cultural Troupe. But due to certains limitations, plans did not push through.

Then December 13th, I got a message from Mr. Jojin Pacual, the choreographer of Sinanduloy if I can go to Tangub and judge the city’s Chritmas Symbols Festival on the 16th. Without any hesitation, I said yes.

It’s a trip I couldn’t easily forget. One of the best trips of the year! Imagine for seven days, I roam around the island of Mindanao setting foot in eight provinces + the Cities of Davao, General Santos Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro. Best of all, I backpack for a week alone! Exciting, isn’t it?

Grand Mosque