As the aircraft descends toward the newly operational Aboitiz InfraCapital Laguindingan Airport, passengers catch a glimpse of the vibrant culture of Cagayan de Oro (CdO), the “City of Golden Friendship,” Misamis Oriental, and the lush, highland paradise of Bukidnon.

With a vision to widely promote Northern Mindanao, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), in partnership with Aboitiz InfraCapital, is hosting a Community-Based Tour (CBT) across the region’s provinces starting Wednesday.

Officials noted that Region 10 is home to numerous destinations worthy of a memorable travel experience.

In Misamis Oriental, a must-visit spot is Panagatan Restaurant. The name is derived from the Bisaya word “managat,” meaning “to catch fish,” and the establishment lives up to its name by serving freshly prepared seafood by the seaside.

The cool breeze, gentle waves and ocean scent are said to enhance the authentic flavor of its delicacies.

Kuya Arvin, a proud CdO local and tour driver, highly recommends the province’s famous sinuglaw, from word sinugba (grilled) and kinilaw, a dish of raw tuna marinated in vinegar.

Travelers entering Bukidnon are advised by locals to wash their feet to prevent the spread of pic disease, a local superstition.

In the Municipality of Manolo Fortich, named after Don Manuel “Manolo” Fortich Sr., the first governor of the sub-province from 1907 to 1914, a Tourist Rest Area opened in 2022. Visitors can stop here to enjoy coffee and shop for pasalubong, or souvenirs.

Items include banig bags, accessories, food products like coconut red wine and sukang gipanakutan — a spiced vinegar — and even latex paintings on canvas. The area was originally known as Maluko.

The Tagolwanen Women Weavers’ Association, located in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, is dedicated to preserving the province’s rich handwoven culture. They produce beautifully crafted mats, putal baskets, bags and hats using sudsod grass, an endemic material found in Bukidnon, along with pandan and other native fibers.

Founder and president Lorie Rago Marte shared to DAILY TRIBUNE that the association offers three levels of weaving skills training — basic techniques, advanced design, and upgrading for innovation. Their most recent session, held just last month, was funded by the Department of Labor and Employment through Senator Loren Legarda.

The association currently has 145 active weavers. Marte said the group aims to uplift the confidence of its women members, many of whom used to sell their products on the streets, often bartering them for a kilogram of rice or fish, or “sometimes, they even have to borrow for it.”

They also hope to strengthen the cultural pride of the Bukidnon-Higaonon tribe, as many young people today feel embarrassed about their traditional weaving heritage.

Another cultural gem is the Museum of the Liturgical Vestments, which features a collection created by Dom Martin Gomez, OSB.

A former fashion designer, Gomez combines faith and local culture through the design and textiles of different Philippine regions in his pieces, which have previously been part of an exhibition in New York.

Though Northern Mindanao may be at the southern end of the Philippines, its culture and way of life remain vibrantly alive.