Mantianak: Sugbongcogon's Pride

Welcome to my hometown!

Sugbongcogon is one of the few towns of Misamis Oriental in Northen Mindanao. The town is quite infamous for its urban legends. We have heard of stories from our parents such as "engkantos in balete trees", possessed cousins of evil spirits and among others. But as they say, these are just urban legends.

The town got its name long, long time ago from the first settlers who came from Sugbu (Cebu) and the grass that abound the place, cogon. Hence, the name.

One of the few things to look forward to when going to my hometown is a visit to the now trying-so-hard-to-be-famous Mantianak Botanical and Zoological Park. It was established in the year 2006 by the Municipal Government. It was pretty ambitious at first and no one would think it will go this far. After 6 years, the park has proven its worth. Until now, it is the only existing botanical and zoological park in Northern Mindanao decent enough to visit. It is beautiful, clean and well-maintained.

Currently, the features of the park includes the must-see tigers (all four of them), a crocodile (the favorite part of Buboy), different type of birds and other exotic animals. The park also offers room accommodation, a canteen, a children's playhouse and other park amenities. I once heard that they are developing a zipline area as well.

Mantianak was once a forested place. Nobody would dare go to this place before as it was believe to be enchanted. The place got its name from a crying mother looking for her lost child.

Actually, Sugbongcogon is so full of places with weird names. Aside from Mantianak, we can also take a deep plunge in Mimbuaya Falls. A 15-minute ride via tricycle will take you to this beautiful and enchanting falls named after a white "buaya" or crocodile. Dive at your own risk. Just kidding. When we were younger, we used to swim here and nothing ever happened to us.

If you go the opposite direction, you can find the white sand beach called Alibuag. The Municipal Government is really trying to develop this place. But i say, nothing is more beautiful than its natural look. Alibuag is the colloquial term for spring. You can feel the coldness of the spring once you swim near it because it is actually located in the middle of the sea. But there are tiny springs in the shoreline.

You can reach Sugbongcogon by bus or hired van going to Balingoan or Butuan from Cagayan de Oro City.