Beauty of Surigao: "My Place , My Home ,My Destination : Surigao del Norte"

Surigao del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. Its capital is Surigao City. The province consists of three major islands—Dinagat Island, Siargao Island, and Bucas Grande Island—in the Philippine Sea, and a small region at the northernmost tip of the island of Mindanao. This mainland portion borders Agusan del Norte, and Surigao del Sur to the south.

Surigao del Norte is the northernmost of the Mindanao provinces and is an important transportation route between Visayas and Mindanao. Numerous ferries cross the Surigao Strait between Surigao and the island of Leyte carrying vehicles and passengers between Liloan in Southern Leyte and Surigao City.

The People and the Culture

Surigao is home to the Mamanwa ethnic tribe. Their dances are showcased in a local festival called "Bonok-Bonok", held at the feast of San Nicolas de Toletino which is held annually on September 10. The Bonok-Bonok depicts the native folks' merry-making to show gratitude to God for bountiful harvest and good health.

The Mamanwas, the ethnic tribe of Surigao, have been converted to Christianism long ago, during the early times of the Spanish conquerors.

A collection of ancient archaeological diggings like burial coffins jars and antique Chinese kitchen wares unearthed in Panhutungan, Placer is on public display at the Surigaonon Heritage Mini-Museum located at the Boulevard in Surigao City.

The population of Surigaonon is mostly Austronesian stock, with some people of Chinese, Japanese and Arab heritage. European and American influences are also evident in the culture. With a population of almost 450,000 the lines between the different groups can not be accurately distinguished.

Some 95 percent speaks Surigaonon as a major dialect. Influences of the Cebuano and Boholano dialects with a Tausug accent can be traced. A few speak Waray and Tagalog. A majority of the people are able to speak English.

The dominant religion is Roman Catholic. Other religions include Aglipayan and Protestant.

surigao is very beautiful city around the world. it is known as the city of island adventures because of many beautiful views..

Mainit,Surigao Del Norte

Province of Dinagat Island

A once lushy forested mountain in Dinagat Island , Surigao del norte

Poniente Elementary School in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte

Gigaquit,Suriago Del Norte

Bonok-Bonok Festival

Maradjao - Karadjao

Thus, Bonok-Bonok is a ritual dance which originated from these early settlers. The rhythm usually starts with a slow beat and slowly gets faster, causing the dancers to work at pace with the music. Adding to the attraction of the dance is the colorful costumes, which includes beaded headdresses or tubaw, and anklets of the The ceremonial dress of the men and women are likewise elaborate in design, and of various colors.
The dance ritual has been brought down through the generations and still being practiced today. In respect to the Patron Saint San Nicolas de Tolentino, the people have already adopted the “Bonok – bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw” Festival which is a reflection of Surigao’s rich cultural heritage.
Held in honour of the city’s patron, San Nicolas de Tolentino, this famous Mardi Gras celebration features street parties and traditional ethnic dance rituals. The day-long festivities take place in the area around the Provincial Sports Complex which is a great place to see the many different dancers perform. This deeply traditional event is a way of asking the gods for excellent health and abundant harvests

Abundance of Nature

At the tip of northeastern mindanao there is a beautiful haven that lay in tranquility. This place is crowned with so much beauty that every guests who pay a visit cannot resist to appreciate the amazing craft produced by the great architect of the universe. Love and admiration will surely pamper your body as your eyes, heart, and mind is acquainting with never ending attractions. This place is called by the name Province of Surigao del Norte, CARAGA 13, Mindanao, Philippines.

The province of Surigao del Norte has two (2) congressional districts, namely: District 1 which comprises the 9 island municipalities of Siargao Island and Bucas Grande, represented by Congressman Francisco T. Matugas, while District 2 which comprises the 11 mainland municipalities and one (1) city of Surigao is represented by Congressman Guillermo Abitona Romarate Jr. The province is administered by Governor Sol Forcadilla Matugas and the City by Mayor Ernesto Tinio Matugas.

Sunrise Cagdianao, Surigao del Norte ...

Marcos Chymera’s Photostream

Siargao ,Island

Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Magpupungko, Siargao, Surigao del Norte

Beach Art

Siargao Island is one of the gems of the burgeoning surfing scene in the Philippines. It is located in the far northeastern side of Mindanao and is insulated from the chaos gripping Zamboanga and Sulu.

The yearly Siargao Surfing Cup is held from late September until October and attracts international surf stars. Surfing season in the island is from April to October, which coincides with the monsoon season. Several shacks offer surfing lessons and can rent surfboards for a fee.

Aside from the waves and the sand, Siargao island offers natural rock pools, mangrove forests and waterfalls. The diverse animal life in this island include tarsiers (similar to the Bohol kind), monitor lizards and flying lemurs.