A Very Relaxing Accommodation in Surigao del Norte

I took these photos during one of the workshops I have attended which was organized by the Department of Agriculture - National Livestock Program in coordination with the department's Regional Field Unit in Caraga. It was in mid-November, so we expected a rainy and cloudy trip as the wet season in the region is from October to February.

The venue of the 3-day workshop was in Almont Beach Resort located in Lipata, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte. 

To get there, we took the early morning Manila to Butuan flight and dropped by at the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit XIII in Butuan City Capitol Site for a courtesy call to the Regional Director.

We then took a van ride from Butuan City which have passed through the long and curvy national road surrounded by mountains bound to Surigao City. We also had a refreshing and enchanting stop over at the Lake Mainit for a short lunch cruise that had toured and explored the lake via a restaurant boat that have accommodated an approximately 40 participants from various regions.

The lunch served to us was grilled gourami, tilapia, carp, eel (kasili), mudfish (dalag) and catfish (hito) that were freshly caught from Lake Mainit, one of the largest lakes in the Philippines, and a habitat of diverse fish species, plants and animals which provides food and livelihood in the region. Curious of the lake's name, I inquired for some information and was told that the first inhabitants of the lake named it mainit (hot) literally because some parts of the lake's water is hot. This is caused by a hot sulfuric spring waters flowing from the nearby inactive Paco Volcano located north of the Mainit Lake. We were also told that there is a nearby tourist spot named Mapaso Hot Spring which is frequently visited for its therapeutic and wellness effects.

After more than an hour long ride from the lake, finally, we arrived at the workshop venue. Since we arrived a day before the scheduled workshop, we spent the rest of the day at the pool side overlooking the breathtaking view of the Surigao Strait and enjoyed the delicious seafood dishes served by the hotel's Cafe Maharlika.