tangub city, misamis occidental

Two things immediately come to my mind when I hear the name 'Tangub,' a 3rd class city in Misamis Occidental. The first of which is its claim as the 'Christmas Symbol Capital of the Philippines.' Every December, there are a handful of larger-than-life exhibits that depict anything that is related to the festive season such as the nativity scene, Santa Claus and Christmas tree.

Every barangay also participates by setting up gregarious archways along the highway, complete with mini-lamp posts out of parols or Christmas lanterns of different colors and sizes. Each beautiful scene lightens up not only the roads but also the weary traveler passing through.

The Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe during the 2007 Sinulog Festival. Photos courtesy of Vinfranz Nery.

The second has to be the Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe, the pride of Tangub City. This famous dance group has been reaping top awards at every Sinulog Festival held every January at Cebu City. Through the years, they have cemented a solid reputation for their innovative choreography, intricate costume design and vibrant musicality.

But there is clearly more to Tangub than just these two. The Hoyohoy Highland Stone Chapel Adventure Park currently holds the record of having the longest zipline (1500 meters) in the Philippines. This would be challenged by other contenders elsewhere, but it is more than enough reason to visit Tangub at any month of the year. The exhilarating zipride located at 850 meters above sea level, would definitely usher in hordes of tourists and weekend thrillseekers to the otherwise sleepy city.

Hoyohoy Highland Stone Chapel Adventure Park.

The name Tangub indeed has gone far beyond just being a Subanen word for a big bamboo basket for storing rice. Today, it would mean Christmas symbols, a dance troupe and a long zipline ride. It is clearly in the right direction in aggresively pursuing other tourism potentials in Northern Mindanao.






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