Lanao Del Norte: Beyond Motocross

Lanao Del Norte: Beyond Motocross

By ROBBIE PANGILINAN

Maria Cristina Falls (www.conchparadise.com)

MANILA, Philippines — There is much more to Lanao del Norte than just being the Motocross Capital of the Philippines.

True, it prides itself in being the prime location for the extreme sport, with its world-class and expansive dirt track at the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC). Viewers are able to watch every twist, turn and crash of the racers from the comfortable vantage point of the spacious grandstand in front of the dirt track.

Lanao del Norte hosted the first-ever international motocross event in the country in December 2010. Being a rider himself, Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo (a third generation governor from the traditional political leaders of the province, the Quibranza and Dimaporo families) included motocross as one of the highlights in the Araw ng Lanao del Norte celebrations. SEL-J Sports, the prime advocate for the rehabilitation of motocross in the Philippines, conducts its motocross races here.

But, that is not all there is to Lanao del Norte. A website description reads: “From its many majestic waterfalls, relaxing coastlines to rugged plateaus and verdant mountains rich in flora and fauna, the province of Lanao del Norte pulsates with electrifying cultural diversity of gentle and proud people – one of the many windows into the soul of the often misunderstood Mindanao.”

The famous Maria Cristina falls is located in Iligan City. Nicknamed the City of Majestic Waterfalls, Iligan has over 20 waterfalls. Maria Cristina is 320 feet high and spills 130 cubic meters per second of water which provides electricity. Near the majestic falls is the Macapagal-Macaraeg Ancestral House where former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo spent part of her childhood. Another popular falls is the Tinago Falls with its curtain-cascade falling into a basin of cold water. It is accessible only through a 300-step staircase, hence its name tinago or hidden.

Many kilometers away from the city proper are Hindang Falls with its cave clusters, and Limunsudan Falls which is the second tallest falls in the Philippines at 870 feet. A two-day trek is required to reach the waterfalls. Other beautiful waterfalls in Lanao del Norte are the Mimbalut Falls, Abaga Falls, Dodiongan Falls, Pasayanon Falls, Munai Falls and the Fairy Falls.

Besides its famous waterfalls, the province also has springs with crystal-clear waters that flow into resort swimming pools like the Timoga Springs. Cold and pure spring waters flow from Kalilangan to the Pili Hot and Cold Springs, Cabongbongan and Inasagan Spring, Kawa-kawa Spring and the Pioray and Babuyan Lake. Lanao del Norte also has the Lidpa Subterranean River in Munai and simple beaches in Linamon.

Those who are not water-lovers can climb Lanao del Norte’s 1,600-feet Mount Agad-Agad, which is the highest peak in Iligan City and is safe for mountain climbing, camping and trekking. Mount Inayawan, on the other hand, has a rainforest with rich biodiversity.

Filipinos love festivals, and in Lanao del Norte, festivals abound.  Visitors and locals alike take part in the Araw ng Lanao del Norte Celebration (Lanao del Norte Day) which coincides with the Sagayan Festival, Hudyaka Festival which is a thanksgiving celebration, the Saguingan Festival, the Guini-akan Festival, Niyogan Festival, Alimango Festival and the Coconut Festival.

Lanao del Norte enjoys great weather the whole year so any time is a good time to visit. Don’t forget to try their delectable dishes like durian shake and fresh crabs and shrimps from Panguil Bay. Lechon and barbecue stands are everywhere. Cheding’s peanuts are a trademark Iligan pasalubong.

Amidst its simplicity, Lanao del Norte also has night spots where the younger ones can enjoy clubbing, dining or just chilling out with peers.

The province is a major contributor to the progress of Mindanao. It is home to three of the seven Agus Hydropower Plants that generate 80 percent of Mindanao’s power. Lanao del Norte is the second largest producer of copra in the region with its more than 70,000 hectares of coconut land.

So, when in Lanao del Norte, take an extreme ride, then fall in love with its beautiful spots and rich culture
.