The Other Side Of Southern Philippines: Mindanao

The Philippines is one of Asia's Shopping Capitals. Two of the country's biggest chains of Malls are the SM and Gaisano. The above photo is the Gaisano Mall in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. Every major city has at least one shopping mall. But do you know that the SM Mall of Asia in Roxas Blvd., in Manila at present is the third of the world's biggest shopping malls?

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This is a captured monkey. Are monkeys a good pet?

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This is a street scene in Butuan City, the capital city of Agusan Del Norte and Caraga region which comprises Surigao Norte and Sur, Agusan Norte and Sur.

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A colorful jeepney transporting commuters from the MSU Campus. This is the ambience as you get inside MSU-Marawi.

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Back again at Mindanao State University in Marawi City, I never missed visiting the Main Library where I used to study during my undergraduate education. Why Library as the best in the campus? The picture will tell you then...no noises of vehicles and all you hear and see are birds chirping, the trees sway as moved by the wind and the Lake Lanao down far beside the Islamic City as the Library is atop.

The Island of Mindanao is home of many tribes. The tribe known as "sea gypsies" are the 'Badjaos' whose life and livelihood are the seas. Badjao population concentrates at the Sulu archipelago and they build their stilt houses at the sea coasts.
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I could not resist taking pictures of Mt. Mayapay, simply maybe because I am greatly fascinated by this huge mountain. Who else would not be tempted to do so upon looking at this very magnificient scenery? This view was taken as I drew nearer closed to this foot of the lovely Mt. Mayapay.
I Am Filipino

I crossed the hill from above down to the river one morning last week. Its nice to hear birds chirping and the voice of water flowing!

Instead of passing by a well-paved road to Tacub Falls which would take for 1 hour, I climb up to this hill tops instead.....no regrets of walking for two hours going to Tacub Falls. many things can be seen......

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Colonized by the Catholic Spain for 300 years and the US for 50 years, Filipino traditions became more colorful and very diverse. Beauty tilts are very popular in all localities in the country. During Fiestas, such is a major event. That photo was taken on the other day in Lunao, Misamis Oriental when I went back to Cagayan de Oro. Who knows one of those in the picture may represent the country for international pageants someday! The parade caused traffic and I was able to take a shoot. Upon inquiry, I learned they celebrated their fiesta on that day. Months of April and May in the Philippines are days of Fiestas.