AROUND BISLIG CITY ~ MOUNTAINS&BEYOND

It was nearly 6:00 am when we went out to meet our driver, Kuya Peter... The sun was up already but the cold breeze made me longed for my jacket. Kuya Peter is a Manileño as well who married a Bislig native, hence the relocation. He has full of stories about Bislig, from trees to PICOP to airport to tourists to chocolate beach and more... but most of all, he prides its beauty. For hubby, having a Tagalog-speaking local was a relief from his 3-days nose-bleeding agony.

First on our agenda was Tinuy-an Falls. I’ve read several articles that it’s best to visit it early morning for a lesser crowd and the view of the rainbow. Yes, a rainbow by the waterfalls around 7am to 9am.

On our way to Tinuy-an we passed by the 77 hectare manmade lake named Lake 77. It’s like a mirror lake as everything above is reflected due to the stillness of the water. It used to serve as a reservoir for PICOP, the largest paper mill in our country prior to its closure in 2008.

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We told our driver that we preferred a slow ride for better appreciation of the sceneries that flashed before us. But inside I whispered, I’m trembling Kuya, please slow down... So, after 1-1/2 hours we finally reached Tinuy-an falls. << full story here>>

I was speechless and petrified for several seconds and “WOW” was all I managed to say.... as it was really a WOWWW.

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After Tinuy-an falls, Kuya Peter offered to stroll us around. He mentioned the doll house with the view deck of Bislig Bay, the baywalk with chocolate sand, the city hall and some others. But our tummies are crumbling already and hubby was up to savoring another local dish... With that we agreed to visit just the baywalk and the city hall.

The baywalk is located beside the main highway and best to visit at night time. It is the common chillax place of locals and tourists alike.

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At the baywalk, the Hagonoy Island is visible from afar. I originally planned to spend our night at the island then visit the falls the next day before heading to Davao. But since we arrived late already at Bislig, the Hagonoy visit was crossed-out from our list.

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Kuya Peter toyed that Manila Bay is better than Bislig Bay... According to him, even if Manila waters are filthy, at least it is swimmable. Whereas the Bislig water, they called chocolate water, is enveloped by brown thick mud. Though enjoyed by Bislig wake boarders, with their wakeboarding sports at chocolate mud, the youngs were like disowned by the bay.

After the baywalk, we had a short visit of the City Hall.

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Then it was finally time to eat... As usual hubby requested for sea foods and Kuya Peter was kind enough to offer his home for our meal. He suggested that we buy raw then cook it at his house. This was Filipino hospitality at its best... But since time was against us plus we’re kinda shy to spoil too much of his kindness, we opted for a quick carinderia meal. It was also our treat for all his kind-heartedness and for making us feel safe and at home.

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He brought us to Halang-halang Carenderia and I understand that “halang” means spicy. The display seems to have chili in all the viands... LOL... The tinolang malasugi is a reminiscent of my childhood as my father loves a fresh fish soup for breakfast.

As a vege-lover myself, I also ordered pinakbet. I so love tasting different versions of pinakbet and the chilli addition was intriguing.

Lechon was another food among hubby’s faves and was already a habit to try the local/provincial version whenever available. So to complete Bislig experience, we added lechon cooked the Bislig way.

Our Halang-halang simple meal (minus the seafoods) was still a great way to end our Bislig adventure... And we highly commend Kuya Peter as a driver and tour guide (Kuya Peter +639298130659). It was another adventure worth another try.... until next time...