There are many things that make Iligan City great. In fact, it is quite a folly to describe all the innumerable bounties of this beautiful city in 1000 words, but I will, with all my power, try!
I am not originally from Iligan City. I am a foreigner of this place, in a way, so I have a unique perspective in reviewing the majestic City of Waterfalls, as if I’m a tourist. And yes – I’ve been here for quite a while now, I am not oblivious to that – having permanently lived here for six years, there’s no reason to call me a newbie to the Iliganon experience. However, I still consider myself a tourist, what with all the innumerable places that I have yet to visit, experiences that I have yet to uncover, faces I have yet to meet, activities that I have yet to conquer. This city, after six or so years of living here, is still strangely new to me, as if I am being treated to a brand new titillating experience every single day. Every day, I wake up in my bed and thank God that I am living in this city, and nowhere else.
Why is this so? I have always asked myself this question. Why is it that my heart seemingly belongs to this wondrous city, an amalgamation of beauty, splendor and vigor? Why is it that I am quite enamored by the Iliganon culture, the Iliganon sense of style, fashion and art? Is it because as a self-proclaimed tourist, it is my propensity to be in love with what’s foreign? Is it because I have become too immersed in the Iliganon lifestyle that I couldn’t imagine a life other than this?
Is it because I am now a full-fledged Iliganon? The evidence, it seems, stacks up to the claim: I NOW LOVE ILIGAN WITH ALL MY HEART; I can even call it my real home!
However, let me provide you with full detail as to why the City of Iligan continues to astound me every day. I am proud of the City in four respects – its History, its Tourism, the Education it offers, and its booming Economy. Let’s touch on all of these one by one.
The Iligan Legends are Marvelous
One of my most favorite legends involving Iligan City is the one about the statue of St. Michael, Iligan City’s Patron Saint. It is believed that St. Michael was meant for the city of Ozamiz, while Iligan’s patron saint was supposed to be St. Rosario. However, everytime the Spaniards attempted to bring St. Michael to Ozamiz, some kind of encumbrance always came in their way, such as storms. After multiple failed attempts they reconciled the situation by swapping the patron saints. St. Rosario was calmly received in Ozamiz and there was no hindrance at all. The logic, according to superstition, was then clear – St. Michael needed to be in Iligan because it was its destiny. Hence, up to now, Iliganons pray to St. Michael for blessings and continued prosperity.
The City is a Tourist Spots Haven
And the surprise doesn’t stop there. Iligan City isn’t called the City of Waterfalls for nothing – it is home to at least 23 waterfalls, including the famed Tinago Falls (hidden from plain sight, hence “Tinago”), Limunsudan Falls, Guimbalolan Falls, Kamadahan Falls, and many more!
The NPC Nature’s Park is also one tourist destination that I would recommend, where botanical and zoological wonders are limitless. And as this city is blessed with water overflowing from the springs of our endowed mountains, the city also has seen a development of a niche of swimming pools, now collectively known as Timoga. You should try checking out any one of the Timoga pools to complete your Iliganon experience!
Iligan Education is Superb
I Choose Iligan
In this city I lived out the better part of my adolescent years, and I do not regret any moment of it. This city has seen me grow from an unlearned individual to a dynamic leader; from an immature teenager to an informed citizen, ready to be of help to our budding republic. As I have mentioned before, a thousand words is not enough to describe this city that I so love and adore.
How about you? Come and try the Iligan experience today!
An official entry to the Iligan Blogging Contest
