A week at Timber City

Last week I went to Butuan City the Timber City. Butuan is located around 300km north from Davao, it was known to be the lumber capital of the country.I had an official business trip, I have a project involving system integration and automation. I have my collegues with me, our sr. systems developer and data support expert.

The road to Butuan City

The road from Davao to Butuan is well known for its credibility: bumpy, dusty and undeveloped. But those days are over.

I was very impressed how they manage to finish nearly 100% of the roads. Before it took us 7 hours to travel from Davao to Butuan, now it only took us 4~5 hours.

I really like travelling by land since you will see a lot of different places, people including their mode of transportation.
This is what we call a SkyLab, not the NASA made sky lab you see on the encyclopedia, but a lot better!

If thrill and adrenalin is what you seek, you should try this one!

The road to Butuan is unique and funny. Along the way you can pass many municipalities that ends in numbers. To mention a few Bayugan Uno (1), Bayugan Dos (2), Bayugan Tres (3), Trento (2), Bunawan (1), Prosperidad I (1) and Prosperidad II (2).

  When we were on the way to Bayugan Tres, we noticed this storm-like weather formation.

At that time I feel an adrenalin rush and chill, its like chasing some monster F4 tornadoes — remember the movie twister?

 The air was eery, vehicles were rushing away from the storm. When we reached Bayugan Tres, we met the real thing. The rain was hard and the winds were strong, it was nearly zero visibility. We can not see the road infront of us. The streets were flooded.

Finally we made it though the storm and all went well. We also enjoyed looking at the majestic cloud formations. 

Whats is Butuan City?
I have been to Butuan City before, its a small city with a lot of friendly people. Butuan has improved since I last visited it in 2004. They now have their own university and a shopping mall. Of course there are fastfood chains like McDonalds, Jollibee, Greenwich and Chowking (so you won't starve if you don't know where to eat).

  When you plan to visit Butuan City, I highly recommend Dotie's Place.

Its the best place I have stayed in Butuan so far. I have tried several hotels, all were crappy, untidy and stinks. Dotie's Place is a lot better. One thing also, Butuan's water is not so good, I suggest you should bring bottled water.

Any nice spots?
If you're in Butuan you should try the famous Weegol's restaurant. They serve dishes from  barbecues to grills and noodles. Also try Aling Cora's Restaurant for a more native ambiance, and Uncle Sam's Steak house for steaks and live bands. If you want some entertainment you can check out Woodstock, Caraga Square, Bargonomics, Moffs, Air Force 8, U-Turn, and more. If you are a coffee addict like me, they you should try Margie's Place. If you want some serene place, you can check out this mega structure, Magsaysay Bridge 2 or some calls it Erap Bridge. Many people are having picnic here after dark. Its a nice place for fresh air, solitary moments and some proposing schemes for your girl friend.

I still have a lot of schedules for Butuan, I'll let you know once I found something new.

**the pictures taken are dated 2002 because i forgot to set the darn camera's date and time. Sorry about that:D