Davao City, the Prime City of Mindanao

By: Gen Caracena

On the south eastern corner of Mindanao lies the Davao Region of Southern Mindanao, which is designated as Region XI consisting of four provinces enclosing the Davao Gulf, namely Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur.

The regional center of the Davao Region is Davao City, which is part of Davao del Sur, but is governed independently from the province. It is the prime city of Mindanao with a land area of over 2,440 square kilometers, and with an estimated population of over 1.5 million as of 2011, making it the country’s largest city outside Metro Manila.

Introduction to Visayas

By: Gen Caracena

A paradise at the heart of the Philippines, the Visayas group of islands is one of Asia’s most interesting travel destinations. Visayas is the archipelago’s  smallest island group, yet it has plenty to boast about – a progressive economy, natural wonders and resources, islands with beautiful beaches and natural landscapes, luxury resorts, rich culture, interesting cultural festivities, historical remnants, and friendly, hospitable and peace loving people.

Seated between the islands of Mindanao and Luzon, the islands of Visayas are the most visited destination in the country. It is composed of the islands Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, and Samar and is divided into three administrative regions: Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas.

Introduction to Luzon

By: Gen Caracena

Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao – these are the three primary island groups of the Philippines, of which Luzon is the largest. Luzon is also the country’s chief economic center and seat of political power since it is the location of Manila and Quezon City, Philippines’s official capital and most populated city respectively.

Economy in Manila is diverse and the majority of the country’s industries and services are found here. Manila hosts the international airport and it is the Chief Seaport of the Country. It is also the center of education being the home of the oldest and leading colleges and universities in the country.

The Wonders & Beauty of Mindanao, the Philippines

By: Gen V. Caracena

The Philippines is an archipelago consisting of three large island groups. The biggest island group is Luzon, the smallest is Visayas and the second largest is Mindanao located at the eastern most part of the country with an area of 94,630 square kilometers. In terms of world population Mindanao ranks eighth. The colorful people, rich culture and splendid nature make Mindanao an attractive and interesting place to explore.

Mindanao: Flora, Fauna and Mountain Resorts

The tropical rainforests are blessed with a diverse flora and fauna and the region’s mountainous terrains are ideal for jungle tracking.  For nature lovers who like an adrenalin rush, Mount Apo is a great attraction. Located between Davao City and Davao del Sur province in Region XI and Cotabato province in Region XII of the island, Mount Apo is the country’s highest mountain measuring 3,144 meters above sea level. On average, the summit can be reached in two days. The mountain is volcanic in nature, but history has no verified record of eruption.