INITAO in Misamis Oriental is located somewhere between the most progressive city in southern Philippines, Cagayan de Oro, and the industrial city of Iligan. Initao is largely known for its magnificent tree park and numerous caves underneath. These twin tourist spots have awed many generations even as early as the 1950s.

When the Marcos administration built an ambitious circumferential highway hugging the Mindanao coastline, they made sure that the road passes through this serene rainforest. Of course, there are no snakes here which may ambush your vehicle but in the caves, you’ll find hundreds of bats. Nope, not those bats that you find in eerie movies but it’s really cool to have an adventure counting stalactites in those caves.

More than that, here’s a piece of history for you. Initao is the oldest town in Misamis Oriental. In here, you’ll find Spanish-inspired architecture. We’re talking here of residences, not art houses.

The culture here is largely modern with the youth hopping their way into either house or R&B music digging into Transformers and its Linkin’ Park theme song but some of the old folks retain their conservative Maria Clara ways which were passed on from generation to generation. Hey enough of the words! Why not come here in Initao and see the beautiful town for yourself.