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.

How to get there? 

Cotabato City to Libungan: 1 hour ride (Bus/Van) 

Davao to Libungan: 3-4 hours ride (Bus/Van)

Libungan to Nicaan: 20 mins (Motorcycle)

Nicaan to Kitub: 20 mins (Motorcycle)

Sitio Kitub to Pampag Eco Park

Stop Over: Phoenix Gasoline Station

From there, 2-3 minutes ride (Motorcycle) or 3-5 minutes walk to actual site.

Services Offered:

• Boat Ride with Tour Guide
• Picnic Area
• Orientation
• Signing of Waivers

ENTRANCE FEE: FREE

BOAT RIDE: P100/head (Inclusive of the use of Safety Gears - Helmet/Life Vest)

Photos by Nico Q. Rimo.

For more information, visit Pampag Eco Park Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PampagEcoPark/

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.

Today, this place which was formerly called Genio Edcor in honor of the late M/SGT Regino Genio who was ambushed in 1953 at Perido EDCOR Farm in Angadunan, Isabela by the Hukbong Magpapalaya ng Bayan has more tourist attractions aside from the majestic Asik-Asik Falls that are very suitable destinations to escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life and the hostile temperature of summer.

Let’s start the list rolling.

1. Rangayen

This is dubbed as the “Little Baguio of Alamada” because of low temperature in the area even during sunny days. It is located on the top of a mountain along the road going to the Municiaplity of Banisilan. 

The Sacdalan Farm, Camp Heaven’s View, Ostique RNR, Nitibu Café, The Tent City and Sky Park are the popular stops in the area.

At few kilometers away from Kampo Dyes is the Guo View Deck, which showcases the beautiful landscape of Bgry. Guiling.

2. Raradangan River

This is part of the Libungan River which passes through Brgy. Raradangan, and the popular area for swimming is that beside the Raradangan bridge. There are cottages for rent by private individuals in the area but no entrance fees.

You can enjoy several activities in the river and riverbank such as picnic with family and friends, swiming, fishing, DIY water tubing and stone balancing. Of course, Filipinos love singing hugot songs like Halaga by Parokya ni Edgar, Ikaw at Ako by Moira and Jason or even the old but gold Green Green Grass of Home with videoke, and yes, there videokes in the site.

3. Pobre Hidden Spring

The non-stops flow of cold and clean spring water is the best asset of this resort which is located at Lower Dado. The pools are in the middle of the farm with lots of fruit crops and overlooking the rice field.

Adjacent the spring is the century old Bay-ang tree or commonly known as Binuang or Erima with as scientific name Octomeles sumatrana which is estimated to be 60 meters high.

The entrance fee is Php 25.00 at daytime and Php 50.00 at night; the cottage and table rental is Php300.00. They also have room for an overnight stay for only Php500.00 per room per night and a dormitory type room with double deck beds and a maximum capacity of 40 individuals for only Php200.00 per person per night.

4. The Dado 3Falls

These are the tree most popular falls in Alamada which are all located at Barangay Dado, the majestic Asik-Asik Falls, the gigantic Daday Falls and the raging Palepaz Falls. All of them are link by a stream which is connected to the Libungan River.

While Daday Falls and Palepaz Falls have waterfalls coming from the upstream just like other common falls in the world, Asik-Asik Falls has a mysterious source of water which gushes out from the rocks like hundreds of fountain sprouting on a cliff.

Daday Falls is categorized as plunged waterfall, Palepaz Falls is categorized as horsetail waterfall, and Asik-Asik Falls is categorized as…. Oh! It’s hard to categorize Asik-Asik Falls because it is the ONLY ONE of its kind in the world so far. It is not even comparable to Burney Falls of California because it has no body of water directly above it – the Burney Falls has obvious source of water which the river in flowing the middle of it.

Anyway, Alamada has lots of bodies of water and let us talk another newly discovered falls.

5. Pundog Falls

It was introduce to public in October 2019 but until now I have not been in the site. However, there are already several set of photos on social media and my friends have visited the site. It is a tiered type of waterfall with deep pool in every tier where visitors can plunge into its cool water.

Pundog Falls is located at Cararaan, Macabasa and you need to walk quite long distance since the site is newly discovered hence only trail off-road trail is the path. Don’t forget to bring drinking water and food because there are no stores in the site.

How to get there?

It would be easier if you Waze or Goolge Map because apps will easily guide to the Municipality of Alamada, which is located in the 1st District of North Cotabato, Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN), Mindanao, Philippines.

The municiaplity is accessible via Libungan-Banisilan road. Here is How to Get in Alamada.

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.

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.

This year, I personally experience the splendor of Daday Falls and I discovered that the greenery around the foot of the falls are not moss but a kind of grass small round leaves. However, moss can be found at the base of big rocks and trunks of tall trees in the area.

Daday Falls has about five kilometers distance from the majestic Asik-Asik Falls and according to the locals, it has gotten its from from the family name of the owner of the land where the stream of the falls crosses.

I has an estimated height of 400 meters and considered as the biggest and highest falls in the Munifiaplity of Alamada that drop in 90 degrees angle. There are also small waterfalls flowing on the cliffs in the surrounding.

During wet season when water in the stream has bigger volume, the whole area all over the base of the falls is wet because of the mist especially when the wind blows around.  if it is not waterproof, you cannot even bring your camera closer to the body of water because it will be damp by the tiny droplets of water coming from the falls.

The trek down to the spot is also trilling because the trail is very stiff and it take ample of minutes before the destination can be finally reached. You would also enjoy the beautiful scenery down to the falls including the giant ferns, layers of rocks and different plant species along the way.

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.

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.

Inyam Fruit (Antidesma ghaesembilla)

Inyam (Antidesma ghaesembilla) is native to the Philippines. It looks like bignay (Antidesma bunius) but the fruit is smaller and its leaves are oval-shaped of 10 cm long and 4 cm wide.

Its flowers emerge at the axils or on the tip of branches, and the size of its fruit is as small as whole black pepper which is color green when still young and dark red when ripe. The uneven color of the fruits in one cluster make them pleasing to the eyes.

The fruit has a sour taste similar to that of the cranberry when immature, and a tart but sweet taste when ripe.



This plant grows as a small tree of 3–8 m high.

Children in rural areas especially in the farm, usually enjoy eating this fruit with little amount of salt and vinegar. That it one of the fun activities I miss from my childhood.

CLICK THE PHOTOS to view them larger.

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.

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.