“I agree that a traveler must always be aware and knowledgable about the places they are traveling to, but what we see in the news usually never fully represents the reality of a place.”

I arrived into Nasipit, Agusan del Norte on an over-night boat from Cebu City. This would be my starting point for a two week trip around the second largest island in the Philippines, Mindanao. I had been to Mindanao a few times in the past, but never further south than the province of Bukidnon. I have always wanted to venture further south into this intriguing island and the opportunity finally presented itself this past June.

Originally from the United States, I have lived in the Philippines on and off for the past eight years. I have done a good amount of travel around the country, but southern Mindanao had always been left off my itinerary. In part, this was due to timing and also partially due to the US State Departments travel advisories which prevented me from traveling to this region while I was an active Peace Corps Volunteer here in the Philippines.

Prior to my departure for this trip almost everyone I talked to warned me about traveling to southern Mindanao. Even my good Filipino friends originally from the area advised me not to go. Many of them feared that because I am a foreigner I would be kidnapped or hurt, either by the New Peoples Army (NPA) or the Moro-Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). I agree that a traveler must always be aware and knowledgable about the places they are traveling to, but what we see in the news usually never fully represents the reality of a place. There are places in Mindanao that should be avoided, but the majority of the island is not only safe, but very welcoming to visitors. My recent experience was one of witnessing new cultures, meeting generous people, beautiful scenery, abundant resources and exploring a history well deserving of being heard.

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“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

With that in mind, we welcome you to our August-September Issue. Plan your trip, Explore a Philippine Destination Now.

In this issue, Join us on a trip to Dumaguete, don’t forget to bring your digital cameras with you.

Also in this issue, We discover Southern Mindanao through the pictures of an American Photographer based in Cebu. Experience Southern Mindanao’s hospitality.

Join us at Marriott Hotel Manila, where business and pleasure mix.

Celebrate with us, 300 years of Devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Join us for the festivities and marvel at our rich heritage.

Be Equipped in traveling our country, check out the latest mobile phones and digital cameras.

We would like to thank all of you who answered the call to “Be JUAN of us”. We really appreciate your comments and emails of support. Trust that every issue we make, we have you all in mind. We’re excited as we put out another issue of JUAN Philippines Magazine.

We would like to thank Ms. Michelle Garcia for accommodating us at Marriott Hotel Manila.

As I’ve mentioned in our last issue we are coming out with a NEW way of enjoying JUAN Philippines- Your Ultimate Travel Guide and thats JUAN TV- this “JUAN” is for you. Check out our website www.juanphilippines.com for more details.

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