2022
What is it for a town ?
Magallanes, Philippines
🇵🇭 a 4th class municipality in Agusandel Norte, Philippines, was established on June 21, 1969, through Republic Act 5660. Named after the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, Magallanes has a population of 22,293 as per the 2020 census. The municipality covers an area of 44.31 square kilometers and is characterized by a mix of flat, rolling lands and areas with steep slopes. Agriculture is a significant part of the local economy, with a large portion of the land dedicated to farming. The region's climate does not have a defined dry season, with the maximum rainfall occurring from November to January, typical of many areas outside the Philippine "typhoon belt."
Travel Report: Motorcycle Adventure in Magallanes, Agusan del Norte
Introduction
The anticipation was high as the ferry slowly approached the port of Butuan. After a long journey from Cebu, I was on the final leg of my journey to Magallanes, a picturesque place in Agusan del Norte, known not only for its lush landscapes but also for its warm-hearted people. A special goal of this trip was to visit my family, whom I had not seen for a long time. A family friend was already waiting for me with a traditional bamboo boat that would take us across the calm waters to my actual destination.
Part 1: Family Reunion
Arriving in Magallanes, the reunion with my mother and older sister was overwhelming. After years of absence, I stood in front of my mother’s house, a dream she was finally realizing. Over the next few days, we divided our time between working on the house and having long conversations that lasted into the night. It was more than just a visit; it was a return to my roots, an opportunity to help my mother with something big.
Typical Filipino cuisine is a flavorful and hearty mix, prominently featuring dishes like adobo, sinigang, lechon, and pancit, all rich with the tastes of soy sauce, vinegar, tamarind, and local spices.
Part 2: The Gift and the Motorcycle Tour
After the emotional reunion with the family and helping with the house construction had filled our first days in Magallanes, I wanted to make the children in the community happy. I had brought boxing gloves from Germany—a gift that met with shining children's eyes. More than 20 children gathered around us as I distributed the gloves, and soon we organized a little boxing training under the shade-giving trees that characterized the rural landscape.
The next day it was time to explore the surroundings. I rented a robust, albeit spartanly equipped motorcycle. The rainy season had turned the roads into mud tracks, making the ride a real adventure. Despite the constant moisture, with an average of 300 rainy days per year shaping the region, the spirit of adventure was unstoppable.
With a motorcycle that offered more noise than speed, I drove through the endlessly green rice fields, which make up about 40% of the agricultural land in Agusan del Norte. The local population, numbering around 18,000 people, greeted me everywhere with open arms and genuine interest. My knowledge of the language was sufficient to converse comfortably and understand the stories they shared. This allowed me deeper insights into their lives and the culture, which seemed untouched, making me quickly forget the lack of sun. Every turn offered a new surprise, from fleeting rainbows to spontaneous invitations for coffee, which is grown in this region on small family farms.
Part 3: Adventure's Climax
The climax of my journey came unexpectedly when I crossed a herd of water buffaloes on a muddy side road. The encounter led to an involuntary stop as my motorcycle got stuck in the mud. Help came in the form of two farmers who, after a long day in the fields, still found the strength to help me with ropes and sheer muscle power. This selfless act underscored the hospitality and warmth of the people in Magallanes, an experience that deeply touched me and captured the essence of my journey.
Conclusion
As I returned to the port after two weeks in Magallanes, I was not only laden with gifts and new friendships but also with deep insights into the life and culture that had embraced me. This trip was more than a simple homecoming; it was a vivid reminder of how much travel and exchange with other cultures can enrich our understanding of the world and ourselves.
The beach is actually not the cleanest because of dirt which come down the huge Augustan river
It is really an interesting travel report @Phil_Situation
Thank you for sharing your post and pictures with us.
