Happy New Year from The Next Big Thing - Bukidnon

It has been a back breaking trip, driving through the roads of Mindanao. One time you are surrounded with paved roads and bustling vehicles the next you are stuck in long stretches of coconut plantations or rice fields as far as your eyes can see. It's amazing now when I think about it how many mountains we traversed during this travel from Zamboanga City to Davao City. There are roads that curve around mountains and there are those that cut through the mountains. The coast line is breath taking much more if seen on top of the mountains. It's like an ancient road trip where you see the view of a city emerging like an oasis from tops of mountains, from a blind curve over the hill, from rolling plains and winding roads of a plateau.

Of course, the best place in Mindanao, hands down is Bukidnon. If I am to be given a choice, I would not think twice. It has the almost perfect weather like Baguio. It has the rich fertile soil. It is quiet. It can be busy if it wants to. Without even trying, it is a piece of paradise cut off by its steep roads from the menacing clutches of modernization. Alas the roads are already built and slowly development and commercialization are threatening to spoil this last peice of paradise.

I suggest a visit as soon as possible and enjoy. Recommendations include:

1. For good coffee and pastries if you are longing for home after a long trip, go to Mint Leaf. Tucked away on the end of a side street in Malaybalay. They serve coffee and lemon squares and a ambiance to match.

2. The best place to stay is the Pines Hotel on the Malaybalay main road. The walls are filled with works of modern Fiilipino artists. The interiors are a blast from the eigthies but a good place to stay with running hot water. Try their restaurant which serves good pork ribs and steaks.

3. The Catholic Church on Malaybalay, built like a huge barn. Dedicated to San Isidro Labrador. Across is the city park.

4. The Monastery of the Transfiguration. Perched on top of a hill. Designed by the National Artist Leandro Locsin, the Church stands as a pyramid amidst the background of green lush fields and mountains. Home to the famous designer turned Benedictine monk, Noli Hans. You will be thankful going there and start believing again. The monks sell organically grown strawberry, coffee and peanuts.

5. The famous Sumilao farms. Home to farmers who walked from Bukidnon to Manila to ask for their rightful ownership of the land they till.

6. Del Monte Clubhouse in Cawayanon. They have a reputation for serving the best steaks. You will forget you are in Mindanao and think you are in Camp John Hay.

7. The roads are the best for a pleasant road trip. Except for the slow moving huge trucks the ride over roads that dip and rise and over tall bridges with fantastic views of gorges, waterfalls and mountains is worth it.

8. The road from Bukidnon to Davao. Not as zigzaggy like Baguio but almost like it. With clouds drifting by the car window as you pass by children lined along the road with one hand outstreched asking for money.

In the next few years, as the politicos are snaring investors into the area, these places will drastically changed. As with Boracay and Bohol, I bet progress will go unchecked and what this beautiful area has now may change forever. So go now and enjoy while it lasts.