On This Side of the World: Things To Do In Iligan City

Oh hey you! Welcome to my happy place. And welcome to my backlogs. :) This Iligan trip happened in May of last year. Recall: We had 3 cities in a four-day getaway. We went to Malaybalay, then Cagayan de Oro, then Iligan.

It was my first time in Iligan City while some of my friends were very familiar with the place because they'd studied in MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology. Thus, there was no asking for directions. We had instant tour guides!

I only wished to visit the famous Maria Cristina Falls because I had this thing for visiting the places in my grade school history books. :) I did not know there were still other interesting places to visit and things to do in Iligan City. Here's a list:

1. Maria Cristina Falls

My grade school teachers exalted this falls so much I could still remember my enormous desire to see it one day. They said that it was called a twin falls and that it provided electricity for cities in Mindanao. So it must be extraordinarily grand. Unfortunately, it was not in full blast when we came. It wasn't close to being a twin falls either but it was still amazing.

2. Macapagal-Macaraeg Ancestral House

I do not mean to promote any political people here. I am more for historical appreciation. It is so interesting to know a little about where the leaders (or once leaders) of our country come from... especially if it is for free :)

3. MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology

Because I am an MSUan. Because it is one of the top schools of the country. And because it is my friends' alma mater. :) Thank you to the kind guards who allowed us to enter although we were inappropriately dressed. :) Shorts, sandos, and slippers are not allowed on regular school days.

MSU-IIT Computer Center

4. Pusô and Barbecue

I am surprised that pusô's English translation is "hanging rice". I have never seen it hanging! Others call it "packed rice", which I think is more appropriate. Toe to Toe is highly recommended by my friends who have eaten there maybe more than a hundred times in a year. Multiply that to the number of years of their stay in Iligan. Whoa! ~~I can't help the math application in real life. My students always ask me for that. :)~~

5. Videoke

What is life without music? I know... so dull huh? But what is life with music? Hmmm... That depends on the singer. Haha! We seldom go out for a night life during trips. This is the first time, I guess. And this is our kind of night life. Hihi. This is something that I am thankful for - friends of good influence. They don't risk my life with alcohol or drugs. They just make me jump off a boat, go against wild waters of a river, fly with the wind with just two-inch strap around my waist, and some other adventures which I know are not so safe but not as life-threatening as drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes. I love my friends! They are so concerned with my life!

6. Kalesa ride

This is the third time I have ridden a kalesa. Yup, it's that special to me. I am counting the number of times. :) The third time still feels like the first plane ride. Sooo exciting! I did not feel the same during my third time on the plane. This is what makes travels special - the little surprises, the unusual chances, the unplanned things.

7. Tinago Falls

This, I must say, is the highlight of my Iligan trip. Amazing is an understatement for Tinago Falls! It is astonishing! Ok, they are synonyms. I am trying to find another word for amazing. Then Google suggested astonishing. Haha! When I see things I do not usually see, that makes me amazed. Falls are usual things in the Philippines and I have seen several already but I am still amazed by Tinago Falls. It is so loud and strong in the most pleasing way.