1. Butuan National Museum
This branch of the National Museum houses a collection of relics discovered in the region. There are ceramics, earthenware, locally woven fabrics, paintings, books, jars, skeletons, and many more. Each of the items is enclosed in glass cabinets, while the others are on the walls.
2. Balangay Shrine
In HEKASI, we were taught that the Filipino word "Barangay" is derived from the "balangay" or "balanghai." Do you know what these words are? It's an ancient watercraft used by the natives of the Philippines for transportation and for trade. These are large boats built with wooden planks and pegs. The "balangays" have been declared a National Cultural Treasure by President Corazon C. Aquino.
Balangay Museum is a branch of the National Museum of the Philippines in the city. It was built in the area where the actual "balangay" was excavated. There are photos taken during the excavation, earthenwares, and skeletons that were discovered in the same spot.
3. The Golden Tara
Its name sounds familiar because it was once featured by Mel Tiangco in a TV program (I already forgot). A Tara is a goddess from a Buddhist Pantheon, while a golden tara discovered in Central Agusan is a figurine moulded in gold discovered by a Manobo native along the Wawa River. The image of the Golden Tara is cast in 21-carat gold, weighs almost four pounds, and measures 8 inches in height. However, it was acquired by the Americans and is now housed in the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, IL, US.
How to Get to Butuan City:
- By Air: Book a flight from Manila to Butuan-Bancasi Airport. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia have their regular flights to BXU.
- At the airport, ride in a taxi or public transport to your destination.