I've been fortunate to travel to many parts of Mindanao over the years, but it's such a vast region that I know I've only scratched the surface. There are still so many places I want to visit, and Misamis Occidental had long been one of them. So when the opportunity came to join the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) familiarization tour, I didn't think twice.

Located in Northern Mindanao, Misamis Occidental stretches from the shores of Iligan Bay to the slopes of the Mt. Malindang Range. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm happiest in the mountains or by the sea, and Misamis Occidental gave me plenty of both. But the province also surprised me with its well-preserved heritage sites and pilgrimage destinations. In just three days, we explored historic churches, drove through cool mountain roads to waterfalls and crater lakes, and capped the trip with island hopping along the coast.

Lake Duminagat

We then made our way to Ozamiz City, where history took center stage. We explored Cotta Fort, a Spanish-era fortress that once protected the city from seaborne attacks, before visiting the nearby Immaculate Conception Cathedral, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.

No trip to Misamis Occidental would be complete without trying its local delicacies. In the town of Clarin, we stopped by Clarin House of Suman, where we sampled some of their famous rice cakes. With more than 14 varieties to choose from, we couldn't resist trying the ube, chocolate, and pineapple flavors, best enjoyed with a warm cup of sikwate.

The day ended in the heritage town of Jimenez, where we visited the Saint John the Baptist Parish Church, a National Cultural Treasure. Built in the late 19th century, it is considered one of the finest preserved Spanish colonial churches in Mindanao. Inside, you'll find a beautifully painted ceiling, an antique wooden altar, and a historic pipe organ, making it one of the province's most important heritage sites.

Our second day took us to the cool highlands of Don Victoriano, often called the summer capital of Misamis Occidental. The drive itself was part of the experience, with winding mountain roads and refreshing scenery all the way to Piduan Falls. Known as the "Curtain Falls" because of the way the water flows across a wide rock wall, it's one of the province's most impressive natural attractions and surprisingly easy to reach.

From there, we continued to Lake Duminagat, tucked deep within the Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park. Surrounded by lush forests inside an ASEAN Heritage Park, the emerald-colored crater lake remains one of the province's most peaceful places. It is also considered sacred by the Subanen, the indigenous people of Misamis Occidental, who have long regarded the lake as an important part of their culture and traditions.

In the afternoon, we explored the municipality of Sapang Dalaga. We visited Sapang Bato Falls, enjoyed fresh seafood at the local market, and made our way up to Caluya Shrine. Perched on a hill overlooking Casul Bay, the shrine is home to a towering 45-foot Christ the Redeemer statue by renowned Mindanaoan sculptor Kublai Millan. Aside from being an important pilgrimage site, it also offers beautiful views of the coastline below.

The morning of our third day was spent exploring the waters of Sinacaban. We boarded a boat for an island-hopping tour that took us to Sperm Island, known for its distinctive shape when viewed from above and its powdery white sand. Not far away is Ovum Island, another small island that perfectly complements the experience and adds a fun conversation starter to any trip. Spending the morning surrounded by clear waters was a relaxing way to end our adventure in Misamis Occidental.

Throughout our stay, we were based at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Resort and Aquamarine Park (AMORAP) in Sinacaban. Often referred to as the "Maldives of Mindanao," the resort is still refining its facilities and guest experience, but its potential is already easy to see. Floating cottages, turquoise waters, expansive mangrove forests, and marine conservation areas make it one of the province's most ambitious tourism developments. It also serves as the gateway to the island-hopping destinations we visited on our final day.

The trip concluded with a business-to-business session between PHILTOA members and the Asenso Misamis Occidental Travel and Tour Operators Association (AMOTTOA). Local tourism stakeholders showcased their accommodations, attractions, and tour experiences, laying the groundwork for future partnerships that will hopefully make Misamis Occidental even more accessible to travelers.

Three days hardly felt enough, but they were enough to convince me that Misamis Occidental deserves a spot on anyone's Mindanao itinerary. More importantly, the trip reminded me that no matter how many times I return to Mindanao, there's always another province, another community, and another story waiting to be discovered. That, for me, is what makes exploring this part of the Philippines so rewarding.