Aling Cora's, Weegol's, & Margie's of Butuan

Butuan City may have few tourist attractions, but they compensate that on nice food options. The city is like "Bacolod" in Mindanao, but on smaller scale. These are my reviews of the restaurants we tried, and my experience on their wet market.

Lutong Bahay ni Aling Cora

This "dampa-carinderia" style restaurant is just across Gaisano Mall along Jose Rosales Avenue. Customers can choose between cheap set meals, or raw seafoods that can be cooked any style. 

Their specialty is roasted chicken inasal style, seems well marinated, and a bit on the sweet side. Still, Aling Cora could do better for their signature dish, as it lacks its own identity. It is served with 2 cups of rice.

Prince Hotel in Butuan City

There are many inexpensive accommodations in Butuan City. En route from Surigao del Sur to Manila, we stayed for a night in VCDU Prince Hotel along South Montilla Boulevard. Perfect location as its along the route of Bachelor Bus, and just walking distance from McDonalds along Jose Aquino Avenue.

We were given a room on the fifth floor. The view is not so nice, but at least we get to see the downtown from our room, being one of the highest buildings in the city.

Historical Tour of Butuan City in Agusan

Right after arrival and heavy lunch in Butuan City, Wife and I started our historical tour of the city. We went first to the city's museum but it is closed for renovation. The guard directed us to visit the Balangay Shrine Museum instead.

Our contracted trike driver charged us P 120 for a round trip and waiting package to the Balangay Museum. He do not know its exact location, so he asked the locals in the Paradise subdivision how to get there.

Casa de Babano in Mangagoy, Bislig City

In Mangagoy, Bislig City, it seems that there are very few choices when it comes to accommodation. Based on the limited blog reviews and Trip Advisor, I chose to book in Casa de Babano through their Facebook account, as they don't have a website. They reply both on SMS (0926-7597277) and FB messages.

Their reception desk is simple, where guestroom monitoring is still done traditional style. The staff are helpful and friendly, in answering my various queries. A tourist map is posted on the lobby area for guests' reference.

Gail's, Casa Babano & Ocean View Restos

One good thing when traveling is we get to try the food in other areas. When outside of Metro Manila, the food are usually fresher and cheaper as well. Here are some of the food we tried in Bislig City, including those I found in the market.

Casa de Babano Coffee Shop

We were starving when we arrived at night on the pension house. For our dinner, we ordered a chicken barbecue, a pork sisig, and malasugui fish in sour soup.