What is That Green Plant at the Asik-Asik Falls

The beauty of Asik-Asik Falls is incomplete without. that species of water-loving plant which blends with the cascading fresh water on the cliff at Sitio Dulao, Dado, Alamada, Cotabato, Philippines.  It adds grandeur to the scenery but since the falls was introduce to public in 2012, that particular species of the plant remains unidentified.

Pampag Eco Park in Alamada - Tam Coc of Vietnam Feels

 Pampag Eco Park is dubbed as the located at Sitio Kitub, Barangay Bao, Alamada North Cotabato, and it is named after the owner of the land where the site is located. Some tourists say that site is like Tam Coc of Vietnam.

The unique wall of rocks which are adorned with tiny falls, creeping roots and lush vegetation along the Kitub-Bao river is what mesmerizer the visitors while having a boat ride for only Php100.00 per person. The entrance fee is free.

The Amazing Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada, Cotabato

Asik-asik Falls is approximately 20-meter (60ft) high and 140-meter wide, but the source of water remains a mystery since the water simply burst from cracks; there has no river that ran on the hill. It facing East and situated beside a stream, which is a tributary of the Libungan River.

The falls has a unique harmony of lush green plant and fresh water cascading on a cliff of black rough black rocks. Above it is a thick vegetation.

2020 Top Summer Destinations in Alamada

Going to beach is an out rated fad this summer because Alamada has more to offer.

An abundant agriculture land with happy community and unique fusion of diverse cultures, the Municipality of Alamada has become known to other people outside the province because of the Asik-Asik Falls that was introduced to public in March 2012, and that was eight years ago.

How to Get in Alamada

If you are coming from Luzon or Visayas, your first goal when you arrive in Mindanao to travel to North Cotabato or simply Cotabato.

From the airports, sea ports and other places in Mindanao, you can reach Alamada through Libungan or Banisilan entry points using the Libungan-Alamada-Banisian road, which is fully paved and connected all the way to Bukidnon.

The distance from Libungan to Kitacubong, Alamada is about 23km while Banisilan to Kitacubong Alamada is about 45km. Kitacubong is considered as the poblacion where most of the government facilities including the municipal hall is located.

The nearest airport to Alamada is the Awang Airport also known as Cotabato Airport in Maguindao. Hopefully, the international airport at Tamontaka, Cotabato City will be completed and open before 2022.

Using public transportation, you can choose among jeepneys, vans, tricycles and single motorcycles that are available in the area to get around Alamada.

Asik-asik Falls, the number one tourist destination in the municipality, is accessible by both private and public vehicles and the road is now fully paved.

The Splendor of Daday Falls, Alamada, Cotabato, Philippines

Daday Falls is one of the three huge waterfalls in Dado, Alamada which is located at Sitio Mimbaliwag. I wrote about this gigantic falls way back in April 2013 when it was newly introduced to the public and my ‘kababayan’ from Alamada posted its photo on Facebook.

Palepaz Falls, Alamada, Cotabato

It is located at the lower part of the stream whichn is passing by Asik-ASik Falls in Dado, Alamada, Cotabato, Philippines. The falls was formerly known as Pidatan Falls and later on changed to Palepaz Falls becuase it was later identified that the site is not a part of Sito Pidatan.

Palepaz is the  combinations of the name the three sitios around the falls which are Palepayen, New Leon, and New Tapaz  and it was introduce to the public in February 2019.

Though the access to this site is not easy by now, local tourist are flocking to the site to witness itsx beaty and experience the adventure it offers.

The Best Holiday in Brunei is Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the Eid al-Fitr in Brunei, Singapore and Malaysia. It is a Muslim Festival that is celebrated at the end of Ramadan or what they called the Month of Holy Fasting. They do the "open-house" and most of them go back to their respective homestead to celebrate the Season - Malay people call it "balik kampung" which is literally translated as "back to the village."

Istana Nurul Iman Open-House During Hari Raya

Hari Raya Aidilfitri  holiday in Brunei is the best season to have a tour because in the first place, this is the time when the Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence and of course the palace of the Sultan of Brunei, is open for public.

The open-house in the palace often lasts for three days, and it only happens once a year.

During this time, the foods and drinks are free and you are also free take pictures in some areas inside the palace (some areas are restricted) plus a chance to shake hands with the Sultan of Brunei, His Majesty himself, along with the other members of the Royal family.

In addition to that, there are also gifts that are given to the visitors, but usually, inside the gifts pack for normal people like us are snacks.

When you visit Brunei in other months, you cannot enter even in the garden of the Istana Nurul Iman unless of course if you are invited guest, a diplomat or a VIP. On regular days, you are free to have a sight-seeing outside the gate and have a chance to talk with the security guard and have a photograph with them – if you’re lucky enough.

Nationwide Hari Raya Sale

For the people of Negara Brunei Darussalam, Hari Aifilfitri is the most awaited time of the year not only because this is the time when the their Holy Fasting ends but because there are lots of exciting activities happens during this holiday.

One of these exciting activities is the Hari Raya Sale which they can shop for less. Last time, the Brunei Grand Sale was done during the season, but later on, the Hari Raya Sale became known during the season.

Aside from, having a time to visit the palace of the Sultan, Brunei-wide sale or popularly known as Hari Raya Sale is also one of the highlight of the season. This sale often runs for one month and lots of new products imported from different countries are available in cheaper prices.

According to the stories I have heard, few years ago, Bruneians loves to have something new in their respective homes like new appliances, new set couch, furniture and other home furnishing items, but lately, they become wiser on spending their money.

Beautiful Hari Raya Display

How people celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitriri holiday in Brunei is like  how people in US celebrate Christmas. Hari Raya is an extravagant celebration in Brunei Darusslalam. The originally known Christmas lights are also used during this very popular Muslim festival.

You will see large ketupats and different Hari Raya decorations being display in different places of Brunei. Most large business in Brunei spends enough budget to set up large beautiful display to attract both foreign and local tourist to visit their place.

Two of the known businesses in Brunei that do that are the Hua Ho Department Store and the Toyota (NBT) Brunei. Hua Ho sets up its displays indoor while NBT showcases its display outdoor.

Though electricity is not expensive in the country, the different types of colored lights, ranging from small LED light to large flood lights which add glamour to the display, are being turned off after 12:00 midnight to save energy.

More Things to Do

Aside from those things above which you can only experience during Hari Raya, you also do other exciting acting activities in Brunei which can be done on regular days like the following:

·         Tour around the Kampung Ayer (Water Village) while riding on a public utility boat which they call "water taxi";

·         Visit the Billionth Barrel Monument and the nodding donkey in Seria;

·         Experience the canopy walk Temburong National Park;

·         View the glow-in-the-dark Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque; and

·         More if you in the country.

I look hope you like this post. Stay tune for more.

¹Bonggatious is a Filipino slang language which comes from the the Tagalog word “bongga” which means extravagant. It is a word being used by some Filipinoes who are trying hard to speak English yet do not know the real English equivalent of the word, so instead of using the English equevalent, they use the tagalog word then add it with English prefix or suffix to make the word sounds like English.

10+ Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Alamada

Being a part of the province that is known as the Food Basket of Mindanao, Alamada is dwelt by hard-working people who are toiling the hillsides and plains to grow various crops and raise livestock to feed their family and other people in the community.

However, despite of being an agricultural land, the municipality is also blessed with attractive spots and activities that are less known to adventurers and travel freaks.

On this post, I collected some of the interesting places and things you can explore and enjoy in Alamada, North Cotabato, Philippines.

Asik-asik Falls

It is located at Sitio Dulao, Upper Dado. The water that comes from the rocks, instead of a stream is cold and potable–you can drink it and nothing to worry about poisoning and disease.
The harmonic beauty of cascading fine drops of water and living green plant on the wall of rocks which make it looks amazing and considered as one of the unique water falls in the world will really mesmerize you.

Kitub-Bao Cave and Mt. Opao

These two spots are both located at Kitub-Bao, Alamada. The cave has one entrance but 3 exit points, underground water, swallow birds, bats and other unknown insects could be found inside the cave.  Mt. Opao on the other hand is located between the boundaries of Alamada and Banisilan. It is abundant with natural grown trees and source of cold spring water.

Siya-siya Peak

The Shrine of the Holy Cross of Siya-siya is also in  this place because it was built in this peak, but before even the cross was raised in the top of the hill, the Siya-siya Peak is already know for its beautiful scenery.

Let's just say that it is similar to the Mine's View Park of Baguio City where you can have a glimpse of the beautiful view of the valley from the edge of the cliff.

This spot has most number of visitors during Holy Week, and many people believe that the place has a super natural healing benefits for its visitors.

Ligo sa Suba

This is a Visayan phrase which literally means "taking a bath in the river". This an alternative of going to beaches since Alamada is a municipality that is quite far from the seashores.
Families enjoy going to the nearest river, usually in Raradangan River, for swimming and other fun activities like riding a banana pseudostem raft, katsiranay (it is like a catch-me-if-you-can game), and ball games especially during weekends.

Water Tubing

This another activity in the river for adventurous individuals and trill-lovers where the participants rides on the top of the inner tube (or tire interior of big vehicles like jeppney and truck) while it is dragged by a strong water current.
For the safe of the participants, life vest, helmet and other protection against rafting and water tubing hazard re also necessary.

Mambaliwag Falls

This also located in Sitio Mambaliwag , Dado and not so far from Asik-asik Falls. The access to this place it not yet well developed but the view is fascinating and this falls has huge rocks covered with grass and moss. (Photos by  Ardin Dizon)

Jeepney Top-load Ride

Another one-of-kind experience when having a trip to Alamada is the top-load ride. You will be siting on the roof-top of a jeeney together with sacks of rice, fertilizers, animal feeds, and other goods.

You will be enjoying the breeze and roadside scenery like fields of rice, mountain ranges, farm animal, luxuriant fruits during their seasons, and happy student playing along the road while going home from school in the late afternoon.

Just make sure to secure you gadgets and personal belongings because they might fall or may be damp if there will be a sudden rain.

Other Attractions and Activities

You can also visit the Sacdalan Farm, which has as view deck overlooking the valleys of Alamada, stroll around Rangayen and feel the cool breeze in the place, climb to the top of Mt. Akir-akir, plunge into the kawa-kawa nature pool (above photos by Ian Ron Abaja and company) and ride a horse, carabao or karusa, experience the pangagang  and  panalog (cathcing fresh water crab and fish by bare hands), taste the aromatic Denurado rice and  hot and spicy native chicken nilagpang, mamayabas (to climb and pick wild guava fruits) with the kids, and much more.

Do you have anything else to add? Feel free to comment.

Here Are Some Snapshots of the Pineapple Plantation in Rangayen, Alamada

Few years ago, many people in Cotabato were surprised and became excited to visit the small strawberry farm in Alamada because it was likely unusual to hear that a strawberry, winch is popularly known to be growing only in Baguio and other cold places in the country, can be possibly grown in one of the municipalities of Cotabato.

Things To Do in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Staying in Kingdom of Unexpected treasures for three to five days is not enough to visit all the popular tourist spots in the country because some of the places are more than two hours from the capital city of Brunei.


Therefore, it is better to spend first your time in Bandar Seri Begawan before going to other districts of Negara Brunei Darussalam if you enough remaining time to do so. This is a good idea if you have DIY short-time visit in Negara Brunei Darussalam.

1. BSB City Walk

I personally consider the place where the Royal Regalia Museum  and the Haji Omar Saifudin Mosque are located to be the  heart of Bandar Seri Begawan because these are the two must-visit spots when you travel to Brunei.

You can start your city walk by exploring the Haji Omar Saifudin Mosque then proceed to Yayaysan SHHB Complex, where Hua Ho Department Store is also located. The complex and mosque are just adjacent to each other.

Mercu Dirgahayu 60 (Monument)

After shopping at Yayasan Complex, you can continue your walk to Mercu Dirgahayu 60, BSB Waterfront and Art Gallery, then proceed to the Royal Regalia Museum. Across the street from the museum is the Royal Ceremonial Hall or Lapau but you cannot come inside this building with special permission so all you can do is sight-seeing from the outside.

From Lapau, you may proceed to the Tamu Kiangeh where you can find fruits and vegetables, local traditional handicrafts such as hand-made parang (machete) or tudung dulang (decorative food cover), "siraung" or extra-large circular hats, hand-woven baskets and trays, pots and vases for sale.
Near the Tamu Kiangeh is the bus station where you can find different colors of public utility busses. Every color signifies the route that the bus takes.

If you will be tired of walking around the city, the Burger King and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf are just  a stone's throw away from the bus station.

2. Water Taxi Ride

Water taxi is the leading means of transportation in the water village or kampong ayer. You can take a ride from Yayasan (BSB) to Kiulap for only B$1.00 (per person) or  you can pay for B$5.00 and take a tour around water village.

Employees of Hua Ho Department Store riding a water taxi.

The ride will allow you to see the back portion of Sultan's palace, mosque in kampong ayer, and other building built in the water, and have a closer look of the houses above the water.

3. Shopping for Souvenir

One of my favourite stores to visit when looking for cheap stuff like souvenirs is the Happy Star. You can identify the store by the smiling star logo.

There are also souvenir shops in Yayasan complex, Hua Ho Department Store and other shopping canters but they are little bit expensive.

You can also buy souvenirs inside the Royal Regalia Museum. So make sure to check the small souvenir counter in the lobby when you visit the museum.

4. Tastes Local Delicacy

There are many restaurants in the BSB that serve local delicacy but if you want to taste the authentic Bruneian dish, it is better if you have a friend in the country who can invite you to his or her home to try the homemade local food but if you are not lucky enough, you can find some local stuff to eat at Tamu Selera.

Some of the popular local foods are Ambuyat, Nasi Katok and Rendang, which for my opinion has an exotic taste. The ambuyat has quite bland taste but for the sake of experience and record, you should try it.

5. Visit Other Beautiful Spots

Some of the spots in Bandar Seri Begawan alone may take 15 to 30 minutes travel from any hotel in the country; so it is up to you which place you will visit depending on your priority. Here are some of the popular spots in BSB:

• Agro Technology Park
• Empire Hotel and Country Club
• Jerudong Park
• Jerudong Polo Club
• Walk at Persiaran Damuan
• Visit Istan Nurul Iman (Gate Only)
• Tasek Lama
• Malay Technology Museum
• Brunei Museum
• Jame'asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
• Bukit Subok Recreation Park (close at the moment)
• Pasar Gadong
• Brunei River (Mangrove Tour)
• Chinese Temple

If you have long vacation in the country, you can also visit other tourist destinations in the other district of Brunei.

The ASEAN Square Scultpure Ke 4 at Persiaran Damuan

Persiaran Damuan is one of the recreational parks in Bandar Seri Begawan. It is located in the riverside near the Istana Nurul Imman.

There is also a playground for kids and a restaurant in the area but on this post, I will give more emphasis about the ASEAN Square Sculpture Ke 4 which was officially opened on December 12, 1987.



The place is open to public for free every day except Fridays at 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. (during the prayer). Persiaran Damuan is a nice place for physical exercise like jogging and walking.

Movement By Saravudth Duangjumpa

The Sculpture has been created in order to reflect the concept of “Harmony in Diversity” by means of using he different feeling of geometric and organic lives to compose the space and form of harmonization of movement which express and reflect or symbolize the ASEAN activities and also the feeling of encouragement. The composition into two masses of the sculpture reflects the nature of mankind that should not stay isolated.

The Goals Of ASEAN By Husna

Art is part of human life. The aesthetics value in it is universal.  Thus, anyone can enjoy the beauty of art regardless of race and nation. The sculpture contains not only the beauty of the universe but also to depict the unity of ASEAN. The idea is a tree with six fruits which stands on a square base, symbolizing the future growth of co-operation between ASEAN countries, in building the future of peace and mutual understanding,  towards the mutual goal of welfare and harmony.

The Emerging Kubah (Domes) By Latiff Mohiddin

To achieve a harmonious relationship between two symmetrical halves of nature by continual repetition to balance its descending and ascending energies. In plants, it is represented by the blade of a leaf. In Malay arts and crafts, it is represented by the “corakpucukrebung”. In Islamic geometrical design, it is represented by the “arch” In human society, it is represented by the growth of a new nation and the healthy quality of life.

Brunei Entelechy By Eduardo Castrillo

In the artist-sculptor’s characteristics style of abstract expressionism, this free-standing environmental (public art) sculpture faces the sunrise and the Royal Place as in a gesture of tribute. The motif of the Muslim crescent moon is adapted to signify the value of tradition, and then this motif is structurally extended into a continuum of swirling forms that assumes the symbolism of atomic energy which is in turn evocative of the impetus of modern development. Finally, the overall composition into a unified whole bespeaks the harmony of a nation among nations. Thus, the sculpture is a symbolic interpretation of Brunei entelechy (or “the realized state of potentialities” that is Brunei’s in the ASEAN context).

United Profile By Michael Ong Chu Kheng

A free standing sculpture is like a tree growing vertically upright. There are six forms representing the six ASEAN nation’s growth and unity. Brunei Darussalam being the host and the latest country to join the ASEAN takes up the position at the top form. It is shaped like a crown and indicating  royalty with its background overlooking the royal palace – NURUL  IMAN.

The World Of ASEAN By Marsidi Hj. Akip

The idea was built around the formation of ASEAN. There was a country as represented by the square shape and the idea to form an organization by regional grouping of neighboring countries. The organization gradually spreads in the region and developed into ASEAN. The different direction (inward and outward) of every unit in the structure shows the internal diversity of political, cultural, social, economic and various aspects of life of each member countries in ASEAN. The whole arrangement of the units were designed in such a ways so that maximum aesthetic values can be attained. The structure has been arranged to sequence in a semi circle shape to show various stages of growth of ASEAN.

Have you been in this place? Which of these sculpture do you like most?

Introducing the Mimbalawag Falls in Alamada, North Cotabato (aka Daday Falls)

A year after we have introduce the splendid beauty of Asik-asik Falls, another falls was discovered at Alamada, North Cotabato, Philippines  – the Mimbalawag Falls a.k.a. Daday Falls.

Daday Falls is located at Sition Mimbalawag, a place that not far from Sitio Dulao, where Asisk-asik Falls is located. Neither Daday nor Mimbalawag is an official name of the falls. They are only taken from the name of the land owner and name of the Sitio where the falls is exactly located.


While Asik-asik Falls is glamoured with leafy plants growing on the rocks, Daday Falls is adorned with rocks that are covered with moss and fine grasses.

According to Ardin Dizon, one of the group members who have visited the spot, Daday Fall is about 10-15 minute away from Asik-asik Falls using a motorcycle.

Here are some shots from Ardin Dizon.

This new waterrfall is not very from Asik-asik. While Asik-asik Falls located at Sito Dulao, the Daday Falls is located at Mambaliwag, Dado, Alamada, Cotabato, Philippines.