Welcome and thank you for taking the time to visit my personal Webpage. First, please allow me to briefly introduce myself. My name is Maethel Paler Tudtud and my friends usually call me "Mimi." I was born in Iligan City on January 8, 1978 and have been a resident of the city since my birth. I live with parents and also my brothers and sisters at our home in Isabel Village which is in Pala-o, Iligan City. The Tudtud family originally came from Cebu and somehow my father came to Iligan and decided to remain here permanently. I guess he must have found Iligan City a much better place to live in, find work, and also raise his own family.
I completed my elementary and high school studies here in our city and it was only in March of 1998 when I obtained my bachelor of science degree in psychology from the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) here in Iligan City. Currently, I am employed as a guidance counselor at the La Salle Academy-Iligan City - a job which has kept me quite busy and occupied most of the time. I do like the work that I do since I am able to make good use of what I studied in college. I guess I'm one of the lucky few who didn't have to go elsewhere just to find employment after graduating from college.
Badminton, volleyball, basketball, softball and tennis are some of the games and sports I enjoy playing. I'm not really that good in any of these, but somehow I just enjoy myself when playing with my friends. I'm quite an avid reader and go especially for the books of Og Mandino, Richard Bach, Anthony de Melo, Catherine Doherty, J. Krishnamurti, Scott Peck and many more. I also find time to collect stamps and coins - a hobby which I started when I was still much younger.
The latest thing I got myself involved in is the Internet. I learned a lot of things by "surfing" the World Wide Web and communicated with new and old friends in different parts of the world by way of electronic mail. Somehow, I realized that through the Internet there are a lot of things accessible to me now by just a click of a mouse button. I also got myself involved with a really great group of friends in cyberspace when I joined the Baguio Web Mailing List. It was for me like being a part of a big wonderful caring family.
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The City of Iligan is found in the northern and coastal region of the province of Lanao del Norte. The province is bounded on the north by Iligan Bay and Misamis Oriental, on the east by Bukidnon, on the west by Panguil Bay and Zamboanga del Sur, and on the south by Lanao del Sur and Illana Bay. Lanao del Norte has sloping terrain from the shoreline of Panguil Bay in the west rising to the mountains adjoining Lanao del Sur in the southeast. Several rivers traverse the province, the most important of which is the Agus River which feeds the Maria Cristina Falls.
Agriculture, fishing, and forestry are the dominant sources of livelihood in the province. Lanao del Norte is a major producer of fruit and commerical crops like bananas, coconut, corn, and rice. The harnessing of the Maria Cristina Falls as a source of power has spurred the industrial growth of Iligan. The hydro-electric plants of the National Power Corporation which has a total generating capacity of 467 MW of electric power that is able to serve the electric needs of the entire island of Mindanao (which has been known as "The Promised Land").
Today, there are different large industrial establishments in Iligan that manufacture steel, bricks, cement, wheat, flour, and coconut oil, among others. The city, however, remains largely agricultural in terms of land area. Aside from being the home to major industries, it is also the home of nationally-acclaimed artists, poets, cultural workers and writers and geographically the cross road of the cultural mix of the Maranaos of Lanao Sur, Higaonons of Bukidnon and dominantly Christian settlers and migrants from the Visayas and other places of Mindanano.
Iligan, which is known as the "City of Majestic Waterfalls," is a highly urbanized city which has 44 barangays and a total land area of 730 square kilometers. When Lanao del Norte was made into a separate province, Iligan City became its capital. On June 24, 1982, under Batas Pambansa Blg. 181, the seat of the provincial government was transferred to the municipality of Tubod which is southwest of Iligan City and closer to the boundary of Misamis Occidental province.
As of the last census taken, there are about 325,000 Iliganons, with annual growth rate of 3.8% and approximately 42% live in the city. Cebuano, the major dialect in the city, is reported as the mother tongue of 94% of the population. The remaining 6% of the population speaks Tagalog, Maranao, Ilonggo, Ilocano and Waray-Waray. Iligan City falls in the C-type climate (short, low, sun dry season one to three months with less than 74 mm of rainfall). Our average annual temperature is 90 deg F.
There are a number of tourist attractions in Iligan which every visitor or tourist should try to see. A number of these attractions are quite unique and could only be found in this city. There are numerous waterfalls, springs, caves, and beach resorts. The following are worth mentioning:
Maria Cristina Falls - this landmark of Iligan City, located about 9-1/2 kilometers southwest of the city proper, are the most splendid among Iligan City's numerous waterfalls. The falls measures 320 feet high and is said to be Iligan's greatest heritage and the main source of electric power not only for the city but also for the entire island of Mindanao. To see the falls, arrangements should be made with the local officials of the National Power Corporation (NPC) in Ditucalan.
Limunsudan Falls - located in Rogongon, 55 kilometers from the city proper, is said to be the country's highest waterfall at 317 meters. It is a two-tiered fall, with the lower part cascading alone higher than the Maria Cristina Falls. It has a total height of 870 feet. Its location is close to the eastern boundaries of Iligan, Bukidnon and Lanao Sur. Also in Rogongon is Sadyaan Cave in the deep forest.
Dodiongan Falls - located in Bonbonon, 14.5 kms away from the city, it is a 65-foot high falls which cascades down a concrete-like boulder. Its tranquil, cool water and lush vegetation is a real haven for nature lovers. The pool at the foot of the falls is very well suited for swimming.
Tinago Falls - hidden in a deep ravine and cascades beautifully into a cold basin-like pool which is about 55 feet deep. The falls, located in Buru-un, has an elevation of approximately 420 feet and is 13.8 kilometers away from city proper. From its main entrance it can only be reached by going down a steep stairway which has 365 steps. Visitors going to Tinago Falls are required to pay an admission fee to see the falls and use its facilities.
Other Falls - There are numerous other falls in Iligan which may not be so familiar or well known to most residents and these include: Mimbalut Falls, which is 11 kilometers away from the city, has a drop of approximately 90 feet high and is 18 feet wide and very alluring with its naturally hew pool of limpid water. It is a site to behold and provides an enjoyable swimming spot. Cathedral Falls, with a natural swimming pool at the base, is in Kapatagan, Tubod. The other falls and their respective distances from the city proper include: Bridal Veil Falls, 14.5 km; Malinao Falls, 18 km; Pindarangonan Falls, 27.5 km; Gata Falls, 28.5 km; Kamadahan Falls, 26.5 km; Abaga Falls, 26.5 km; Langilanon Falls, 2.5 km; Linanot Falls, 11 km; Hindang Falls, 14 km; Malaigang Falls, 14 km; Malapacan Falls, 15 km; Kalisaon Falls, 16.5 km; Guimbalolan Falls, 29 km; and Kibalaug Falls, 31.5 km.
Iligan City Hall - the seat of the city government, is on top of Buhanginan Hill, some 47 meters above sea level. It was built way back in 1957 and is a popular place for watching the sunset or viewing the city lights at night. On the hill's southeastern side is Anahaw Ampitheater, probably the biggest amphitheater in Mindanao, which is a venue for theater, sports tournaments, celebrations, and other activities. The road going to the top of the hill is a quick and convenient challenge and favorite destination for early-morning joggers. At the top is a playground where children can romp around. The amphitheater and the city hall is only less than 3 kilometers away from the city proper.
Iligan Museum - an old residential house of the Ubaldo Laya family built in 1935. Several VIP's stayed in this house like Pres. Manuel L. Quezon, Pres. Manuel Roxas, Pres. Sergio Osme�a, Pres. Elpidio Quirino and US Ambassador Paul McNatt. During the Japanese occupation, this house was used as a hospital.
Golf & Country Club of Iligan - a 9-hole golf course laid out on gently rolling low green hills which is a favorite among local golfers and others who come to Iligan. It is located in Barangay Tipanoy which is about 6.0 kilometers away from the city proper.
Timoga Cold Springs - only 9 kilometers away from the city proper, the cold springs at Timoga has crystal-clear water freely flowing downstream into several swimming pools. There are cottages, sheds, snack bars and lechon (roasted pig) stalls in the area which cater to tourists and local visitors.
Other Springs - There are various other springs that could be found in Iligan. The Abaga Spring is located between Barangay Suarez and Balo-i and is 18 kilometers away from the city proper. The Ditucalan Spring I and II are located in Barangay Ditucalan which is 12 kilometers away. The Panaghoyan Spring is located in Barangay Kiwalan and is 10.2 kilometers away. The Quarry Spring which is 12 kilometers away from the city is located in Barangay Kiwalan. The other springs include: Jargin Spring in Barangay Kiwalan, Anahawon Spring in Barangay Dalipuga, and Bagong Silang Spring which is located in Barangay Buru-un and about 9 kilometers away from the city proper.
Mt. Agad-Agad - for trekkers and mountain climbers, this mountain awaits you. Approximately 1,600 ft above sea level, it is the highest terrain feature in Iligan. At the summit, the overwhelming panoramic view of Iligan gives you a total relief of your quite exhilarating hike.
Beach Resorts - there are several beach resorts which are located close to the city. The Maze Park Resort is a perfect place for nature lovers. It is about 11 kilometers away from the city proper and has a olympic-size swimming pools, cottages, a function hall, restaurant and botanical park with birds and animals. The Regs Resort have cottages, function hall for conferences, meetings and other gatherings as well as lodging for those intending brief or extended stays. The Chelina Beach Resort have two swimming pools - one is designed for children and another one for adults. It has umbrella type cottages and a restaurant ideal for parties and conferences. The Lacida Beach Resort is at Linamon town and located south of the city.
Caves - There are numerous caves that can be found in Iligan. The Sadyaan Caves are located in the deepest forest of Rogongon which is the remotest of the 44 barangays of Iligan. It is a three-chamber cavern with stalactites and stalagmites that appear luminous to strangers. There are some natives who even believe that the cave is inhabited by creatures from another world, which makes it sacred to them. The Hindang Caves is a cluster of eight caves with big entrances and beautifully formed stalactites and stalagmites inside the chamber. It is about 36 kms away from the city proper. The Bulalang Cave has a big entrance with long tunnel-type chamber which is infested by bats and is about 17 kilometers away. The Kabacsanan Cave which is 28 kilometers away from the city has a narrow entrance that leads to a wide chamber of the cave. The Tabunan Cave is a cluster of eight caves, with narrow entrances and is 32 kilometers away. The Matoog Cave has an underground spring that supplies water to a group of families and is about 15 kilometers from the city. Some of the other caves include: Lirop Cave, Bunawan Cave, Lacub Cave, Linanot Cave, Mabuhay Cave, Bacuetana Cave, Pahina Cave, Pugaan Cave, Paiton Cave, and the Ladi Cave.
The Iligan City Fiesta is the most colorful annual event in Iligan every September 29, which is the feast of St. Michael the Archangel. The fiesta has always been a rich experience for the local residents and visitors alike. In promoting Iligan's fiesta, the Iliganons hope to make other people aware of the rich cultural heritage in this southern city, a heritage which many might assume as lost or too anachronistic and dry to be a living experience. By seeing or experiencing the exuberance with which Iliganons celebrate the feast of their patron saint, perhaps others will realize the necessity of preserving their own heritage in their own localities as well.
A past of confrontation and uncertainties have produced for the Iliganon a warrior symbol around which a gamut of legends, beliefs and a lifestyle revolves. St. Michael the Archangel, the selected defender of the Iligan, stands as an imposing symbol of wars and conflicts that have befell the Iliganons. Iligan sits amidst the Moro and Lumad territories, once a frontier town that has lured adventurers and Christian migrants to this promising land. In those last uncertain times, the Iliganon community sought protection and security from the supernatural. In its surroundings of strife, a constant war, Iligan naturally chose a warrior-saint, St. Michael the Archangel to become its protector.
The celebration of Iligan's town fiesta is highlighted by three traditional events:PAGPAKANAUG - The ritual involves the transfer of the old black San Miguel figure from the main altar to a side altar. It is attended by numerous devotees whose number seem to grow in size yearly.
SINULOG - a kind of frenzied dance mime simulating a heated battle against unseen adversaries and ending with participants half-kneeling and crying out triumphantly "Viva Se�or San Miguel!" It is usually performed in front of the image of the St. Michael the Archangel. The procession and street celebration is attended by throngs of devotees in all assortment of costumes and maskara. Women in grotesque mask, painted faces and improvised patchwork costumes dance before the carrosa bearing the saint. Higa-onon, angels, Diyandis, Devils and Anchangels dance, prance and shout in mock battle celebrating the confrontation of Se�or San Miguel and Luzbel (Lucifer). Every now then, during the procession, devotees shout fiercely and forcefully "Viva Se�or!" and "Viva Se�or San Miguel". This is the most visible and most attended activity during the town fiesta.
YAWA-YAWA - This is the Iliganon name for the San Miguel Comedia, first staged circa 1890. It is a crude and morality play in Cebuano and its theme is the triumph of San Miguel over Lucifer. The miracle play depicts Lucifer's revolt against God, culminating in the battle between good and bad angels (with the good led by St. Michael). Yawa-Yawa is the Iliganon name for comedia. It is an all-male play and also often referred to as the "Drama ni San Miguel."
Other activities during the week-long celebration are the Tartanilya and Bike Caravan, Agro-Industrial Trade Fair, Search for Miss Iligan, Cultural Shows, Sports activities and the "Kasadya" street dancing festival participated in by the different groups using creative costumes. The Kasadya is a tribal pageantry featuring Iligan's Higaonon dances and showcases the best of Mindanao tribal street dancing groups from neighboring places. This event is held every 27th of September.
Another activity known as the "Diyandi," features a group of young girls dressed in Bukidnon and Maranao costumes going from house to house to sing and dance for its occupants. The verses of the song are in Bukidnon and Marano dialects and expresses that though they live far away they have come to pay homage to St. Michael and bring their respective offerings. There is also the "Pana-ad" which is a dance ritual which refers to a promise made to St. Michael for favors granted. Another specialized form of the "Pana-ad" is the joining of archangels (with participants who are dressed up in warrior-angel costume usually associated with St. Michael). However, they do not dance during the procession but only march solemnly like warriors.
The different photographs portrayed in this Webpage were mostly taken at three of the most
popular and visited places in Iligan - the Maria Cristina Falls, Tinago Falls, and Timoga
Springs. Some pictures were also taken at the home of the Magdalena family where a dinner was
hosted by Fred & Daylin Magdalena, at the MSU-IIT campus during the arrival of the Hawaiian
WebMaster and his wife, Casa Hermoso Hotel where the La Putts invited us for a buffet dinner,
Cheding's Store in downtown Iligan where we bought some packs of tasty peanuts, and inside
a cabin of M/V Our Lady of Guadalupe just prior to the departure for Cebu of Mr & Mrs La Putt.
All these photographs were taken in September, 2000 during the visit to Iligan City of Juny
and Nena La Putt of Honolulu, Hawaii.
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Note: The different photographs portrayed below are "thumbnail images." Click on any of these photographs to see a much larger image. Use the BACK button of your browser to return to the small images.
Since Oct 21, 2000