The Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hits Philippines

 

            TYPHOON YOLANDA  (HAIYAN)         

                               

As Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) continues to make its way across central Philippines, it has already gained infamy as the strongest storm ever known to make landfall and the fourth strongest storm ever recorded in the world. Citing figures from the US-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), Masters said that Yolanda's average strength of 195 mph (314 kph) at landfall beat the previous record set in 1969 by Hurricane Camille, which carried 190 mph (306 kph) winds when it landed in Mississippi in the US. 
However, not all storms are at their peak strength when they hit land. Although Yolanda has set the all-time record for landfall strength, it is not the overall strongest typhoon ever known—but even so, it isn't far behind. In terms of overall strength, Yolanda is officially the fourth strongest tropical cyclone in world history, according to Masters. He said that the all-time record is still held by Super Typhoon Nancy in 1961 at 215 mph (346 kph), followed by Super Typhoon Violet in the same year at 205 mph (323 kph), and Super Typhoon Ida in 1958 with 200 mph (322 kph).
"(Yolanda) is one of the most intense tropical cyclones in world history," Masters said in a separate entry. He noted that, in the hours before it made landfall, Yolanda posted maximum sustained winds of 195 mph (314 kph), Meanwhile, meteorologist and weather journalist Eric Holthaus noted that Yolanda went off the charts as it approached the Philippines.

 More than 10,000 feared dead in typhoon-ravaged Philippines
TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — The death toll from a supertyphoon that decimated entire towns in the Philippines could soar well over 10,000, authorities warned Sunday, making it the country’s worst recorded natural disaster.
The horrifying estimates came as rescue workers appeared overwhelmed in their efforts to help countless survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan, which sent tsunami-like waves and merciless winds rampaging across a huge chunk of the archipelago on Friday.
Police said they had deployed special forces to contain looters in Tacloban, the devastated provincial capital of Leyte, while the United States announced it had responded to a Philippine government appeal and would send military help.
“Tacloban is totally destroyed. Some people are losing their minds from hunger or from losing their families,” high school teacher Andrew Pomeda, 36, told AFP, as he warned of the increasing desperation of survivors.“People are becoming violent. They are looting business establishments, the malls, just to find food, rice and milk… I am afraid that in one week, people will be dying from hunger.”Authorities were struggling to even understand the sheer magnitude of the disaster, let alone react to it, with the regional police chief for Leyte saying 10,000 people were believed to have died in that province alone.

“We had a meeting last night with the governor and, based on the government’s estimates, initially there are 10,000 casualties (dead),” Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria told reporters in Tacloban.

“About 70 to 80 percent of the houses and structures along the typhoon’s path were destroyed.”

On the neighboring island of Samar, a local disaster chief said 300 people were killed in the small town of Baser.

He added another 2,000 were missing there and elsewhere on Samar, which was one of the first areas to be hit when Haiyan swept in from the Pacific Ocean with maximum sustained winds of 315 kilometers an hour.

Dozens more people were confirmed killed in other flattened towns and cities across a 600-kilometer (370-mile) stretch of islands through the central Philippines.

Residents pulling relief goods pass by dead bodies that lie on the street after powerful Typhoon Haiyan slammed into Tacloban city, Leyte province central Philippines on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. AP

Tacloban Airport is covered by debris after powerful Typhoon Haiyan hit Tacloban city, in Leyte province in central Philippines, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. AP

                                                    
SOURCE:

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/524491/10000-feared-dead-in-typhoon-hit-philippine-province-police

Camiguin Island

Camiguin (Tagalog pronunciation: [kamiˈɡin], (Cebuano: Lalawigan sa Camiguin), (Tagalog: Lalawigan ng Camiguin) is an island province of thePhilippines located in the Bohol Sea, about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) off the northern coast of Mindanao. It is politically part of the Northern Mindanao Region of the country and formerly a part of Misamis Oriental province. Camiguin is the second-smallest in the country both in population and land area after Batanes. Mambajao is the capital of the province and its largest municipality both in area and population.

Tourist Attractions

Sunken Cemetery

During the volcanic birth of Mt. Vulcan that lasted from 1871 to about 1875, some areas in the town of Bonbon subsided, sinking the cemetery of the town to below sea level. The place is commemorated by a huge cross erected in 1982. History records show that Mount Vulcan started as a volcanic fissure on April 30, 1871 after weeks of earthquakes on the island. After continuously spewing out lava into the sea, it gained a height of nearly 2,000 feet and  submerged areas of Catarman, including the former capitol’s cemetery.

White Island

is an uninhabited white sandbar located about 1.4 kilometres (0.87 mi) off the northern shore of Mambajao in the volcanic island of Camiguin in the Philippines. The island is generally horseshoe shaped, although the tides constantly resize and reshape its exact form. There are no trees or shelter of any kind, and it is composed solely of white sands.

Katibawasan Falls


The 250-feet majestic beauty cascades to a rock pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders. Its ice-cold waters provide an ideal summer splash to locals and tourists alike. Rock picnic tables, seats and cookout facilities are available for use.

ARDENT HOT SPRING


The local hot spa is a natural pool of about 40 degrees centigrade springing from depths of Mount Hibok-Hibok. The Municipality of Mambajao has provided cottages, restaurant and dormitory facilities that cater to local and foreign tourists. It has picnic huts, cookout facilities and restrooms for visitors.It is ideal for night swimming, a place to rejuvenate both mind and body.

MANTIGUE ISLAND

Three kilometers off the shore from Barangay San Roque, Mahinog is an island four hectares of evergreen forest fringed with sandy beach. The boat ride to Mantigue is quite exciting, as one has to contend with strong diverging currents due to the open sea. One side of the island is ideal for swimming as it is shallow and has few corals. The opposite side is a deep drop off ideal for snorkeling and diving.

MOUNT HIBOK-HIBOK

The only active volcano in the island, the 1250-meter slope is a challenge even to the seasoned mountaineer, as he has to contend with loose rocks and boulders. Mount Hibok-Hibok has a crater lake at the peak and has steam outlets abound. The peak also offers a breathtaking view of the islands of Cebu, Negros and Bohol. 

STO. NIÑO COLD SPRING

Located in Catarman, the Sto. Niño Cold Spring has a pool measuring 25 meters by 40 meters. It is 2 meters deep of cold spring water sprouting from the sandy bottom. The area has a restaurant, native cottages, picnic huts, cookout facilities and restrooms for visitors. 




HOW TO GET HERE:


From Manila, you can take direct flights of Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, or Zest Air to Laguindingan Airport. Flying time approximately takes one hour and 20 minutes. From Cebu, Cagayan de Oro City is even nearer -- a mere 30 minutes away. One can also take the longer but infinitely more exciting ferry trips from the North Harbor aboard the ships of WG&A, Negros Navigation, and Sulpicio Lines. Depending on the routes (sometimes they stop over at certain ports such as that of Cebu City, Iloilo City or Bacolod City), a ferry trip to Cagayan de Oro City usually takes 28 to 36 hours.

From the Laguindingan airport, you can take a cab to the bus terminal located at the Agora Market and get on a bus for Balingoan, a town 88 kilometers outside the city. At Balingoan, take a ferry bound for Camiguin Island approaching Camiguin by sea. The trip usually takes an hour before you reach Benoni Wharf of Mahinog, which is 17 kilometers from the capital town of Mambajao.


You can also take a three-hour ferry ride from the Cagayan de Oro Ferry Terminal to Guinsiliban, also in Camiguin on board M/V Yuhum.

Iligan City Tourist Attraction

Maria Cristina Falls is a waterfall of  the Agus River on the island of Mindanao. It is sometimes called "twin falls" as the flow is separated by a rock at the brink of the waterfall. It is a landmark of Iligan City, nicknamed the City of Majestic Waterfalls, because of the presence of more than 20 waterfalls in city. It is located 9.3 kilometers away southwest of the city proper at the boundaries of barangay Maria Cristina, Ditucalan, and Buru-un. Well known for its natural beauty and grandeur, the 320 feet (98 meters) high waterfall is also the primary source of electric power for the city's industries, being harnessed by the Agus VI Hydroeletric Plant.

Tinago Falls is a waterfall in iligan city, Lanao del Norte in the southern  Philippines Island of Mindanao. It is one of the main tourist attractions in iligan city, known as the City of Majestic waterfalls.
Tinago is a filipino term meaning "hidden", the falls is being hidden in a deep ravine. trekking to the falls requires approximately 500 descending steps called the winding staircase. The falls is high, its very cold waters cascading beautifully into a deep and calm basin-like pool which appears like a blue-colored lagoon. The under the falls is a small cave where people can enter and listen to the rumbling of waters.

Hindang Cave and Falls

A 40 ft. high two-tiered waterfalls with a lagoon ideal for swimming. Located at hinter-land barangay hindang, approximately 20 kilometers from the city. Other attractions of the barangay are the 6-8 cave clusters. Most caves have narrow entrances with with long and deep chambers

Limunsudan Falls
is a two-tiered waterfall located in Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City, in the Province of Lanao del Norte, Philippines, 55 kilometers away from the City proper. It is said to be the Philippines' highest waterfall with the height of 870 feet, with the lower part cascading alone higher than the Maria Cristina Falls. Although the beauty is enough to attract both local and international tourists yet still it is not officially recognized well. It is hidden upon massive watershed and several rain forests in its topographic areas. It made the gigantic waterfalls to inaccessibility with its status in today the falls and the life in the terrain were in present danger. Limunsudan Falls remain strange to most of our countrymen.

Timoga Springs is a group of springs located at Timoga-buru-un in Iligan City, Philippines. It is well known for icy-cool, crystal-clear springs that flow freely to swimming pools with different sizes. There are approximately five spring resort along the highway which is easily accessible by land all locals and tourist. The source of the water of Timoga Springs  comes Lake Lanao in the only Islamic City in the Philippines. Lake Lanao waters come from a volcanic source, the lake being crater of an extinct volcano. These waters are filtered subterraneally in the Timoga Buru-un area of iligan, making it one of the richest source of fresh , high, alkaline water.

Anahaw Open Amphi-Theater

Probably the biggest amphitheater in Mindanao. 

Located at the Buhanginan Hill in the southeast side of City Hall. It is only 2.3 kilometers from the city proper and the venue for the "kasadya"  street dancing showdown competition.

Iligan Golf Course

a 9-hole golf course laid out on gently rolling low green hills. Located in Barangay Tipanoy, 6 kilometers from the city proper.

Getting Here:

The nearest airport to Iligan City is the Laguindingan Airport. Flight time from Manila to Laguindingan Airport is approximately one hour and 20 minutes.

From Laguindingan Airport, get a taxi (to take you direct to Iligan), or get a taxi to drop you off at Laguindingan Terminal (Northern Mindanao). At Laguindingan Bus Terminal you can find buses going to Iligan. Travel time from Laguindinan to Iligan is approximately one hour.

From Manila, you can take a boat going to Cagayan de Oro seaport, and then take a taxi or bus to Iligan City.

From Cebu, there is a daily boat schedule going to Cagayan de Oro seaport.

Iligan City, Philippines (my hometown)

The City of Iligan (Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Iligan; Filipino: Lungsod ng Iligan), is a highly urbanized city in the province of Lanao del Norte,Philippines. It was part of Central Mindanao (Region 12) and now under Northern Mindanao (Region 10).
Iligan has a total land area of 813.37 km2 (314.04 sq mi), making it one of the 10 largest cities in the Philippines in terms of land area. It has an estimated population of 322,821 inhabitants as of 2010.
The namg "fortress of defense" against frequent attacks by pirates and other hostile Mindanao tribes.e Iligan is from the Higaonon word iligan or ilijan' meanin

CULTURE

In the face of all adversities, one thing never changes in Iligan City– the people’s trust and devotion to Saint Michael the Archangel. Respected by all ethnic groups, Saint Michael brings together Iliganons –Christians, Muslims, Higaonons and Lumads as one family in faithful homage to him.
”Señor San Miguel,” the armor-clad patron saint of Iligan is revered as its defender and protector against all threats. Every year on September 29, Iligan’s colorful tradition of venerating Saint Michael on his feast day is lovingly and fervently relived in so many ways that have become so deeply rooted into the Iliganon psyche. Through the San Miguel Comedia, the mass singing of “ Ang Buotan nga Iliganon,” fiesta fare from the elaborate and extravagant lechon, to the down-to-earth torta and ibos, the siren call is irresistible. It beckons all to come home and join the chorus of “Viva Señor San Miguel!” The celebration of the Feast of St. Michael officially or liturgically starts on September 20 with Holy Mass at the St.Michael Cathedral and the “Pagpakanaug” or the ritual transfer of the image of St. Michael from its niche in the main altar towards a pedestal on the side altar. Thousands of devotees flock to the cathedral to witness the ceremonies and for a chance to don the helmet of St. Michael, believed to impart powers of the warrior-archangel to the wearer. The “pagpakanaug” signals the start of the 9-day novena for the patron saint.

Inside the cathedral, sweet incense from the altar permeates the air while a sea of undulating, swaying warm bodies move towards the pedestal where St. Michael now stands. Like a warrior-general rallying his army in battle against the enemy, the descent of St. Michael evokes a thundering chorus that echoes and reechoes the chant “Viva Señor San Miguel! Viva!” The ritual reaches fever pitch when the City Mayor and the Congressman joins St. Michael on the pedestal for the “pagkalo.” They are the first ones to don the patron saint’s helmet as dictated by tradition.
After hundreds, perhaps thousands of fortunate devotees get their chance to don St. Michael’s helmet, the entire cathedral breaks into the Iliganon anthem “Ang Iliganon nga Buotan.” The song is a sort of auld lang syne for Iliganons; their very own song, its melody echoing from the past in an unbroken rhythm.

Viva Señor San Miguel! Bibo Iligan!” This year’s theme as conceived and implemented by the city government-led Fiesta Committee is as close to the heart of the Iliganon as it is to what St. Michael symbolizes. Festive, colorful, and full of life, the fiesta celebration continues to live up to the expectations and ideals of the city’s over 300,000 residents. Mainstream highlights of the celebration are “Pamukaw” or the early dawn parade of the city’s band to rouse the residents for the dawn novenas; the “kasadya” street dancing festival; the Miss Iligan and Little Miss Iligan pageants; and the San Miguel Procession.
One of the more significant highlights of the fiesta celebration is an Iliganon tradition and cultural heritage — the San Miguel Comedia. The religious musical play is one of the country’s last surviving zarzuelas and considered a priceless heritage. Sadly, it is not particularly popular among the younger generation of Iliganons and needs wider exposure. The San Miguel Comedia depicts the fall of the proud and rebellious Lucifer over God’s faithful servant warrior St. Michael the Archangel. Written by a Cebuano playwright, Iligan’s Divine Comedy of Señor San Miguel was first staged in 1890. The actors today are descendants of the original actors.


Adding more life and catering to a wider segment of the local populace are the various sports competitions and exhibitions, ‘mugna” trade fairs, coastal clean-up drives, concerts and street parties.
As the repeated shouts of “Viva Señor San Miguel! Viva!” echoes through the catherdral walls, and as the melody of “ Ang Iliganon nga Buotan” streams out of the windows, they reverberate into the streets, in every home and into the whole city. In fact into the whole world, wherever Iliganons are. 

“Viva Señor San Miguel! Viva!” This is the impassioned and joyous salute, the homage of the people of Iligan to its beloved patron saint — defender, protector and faithful warrior of God.