Escape To A White Sand Beach In Initao

Mindanaoan Meets World
by: Maria Irene Aserios

Whenever I need a breather, I always make it a point to escape to my happy place – the beach. It’s where I can free my mind and just relax. Good thing my mother and brothers are beach bums as well so we all like to hunt for our next beach escape.

One of our regular go-to places here in Northern Mindanao is Isidro’s Beach in Initao. Owned by the Asok siblings, the property has fine white sand, clear turquoise water, lots of trees and several native huts. It also has space that’s ample enough for small weddings, reunions and other gatherings. You can pitch tents. This property is also a favorite of many wedding photographers for pre-nuptial shoots.

Now don’t expect lots of amenities here. They don’t have a fancy pool, bar or restaurant (which means you have to bring your own food and drinks) but that’s precisely why I like it at Isidro’s. It’s just you, your baon and the beach.

Swimmers may want to bring goggles or snorkeling gear. I also recommend wearing aqua shoes. There’s an area where you can change your clothes and take quick showers. A “cooling down” station is also available if you want to freshen up in between dips.

The Municipality of Initao, where Isidro’s Beach is, is a little over an hour away from Cagayan de Oro and nearly an hour away from Iligan. Initao is known for the Initao National Park, a 57-hectare natural forest with diverse flora and fauna.

Isidro’s Beach is at Tubigan, Initao, about 500 meters away from the Initao National Park. Entrance fee is minimal (Php 20 per person) and you can rent huts (Php 300 for a table, Php 600 for a table with umbrella and Php 1,000 for one that can fit up to 15 people). Parking space is available. Do look for Miss Annette and tell her you found out about her place through Mindanaoan Meets World!

Meanwhile, my warmest congratulations to my friend Johnmark “Marky” Apilan on the opening of his latest venture – fashion boutique Blaze 28. Located at the 2nd floor of SM City CDO, Blaze 28 offers affordable and carefully curated clothes, bags and accessories for all ages and for both men and women. What also makes this boutique pretty interesting is its very own catwalk! Yup, folks, you can practise strutting your stuff along Blaze 28’s catwalk, which is right in the middle of the store. You can tap your inner runway model!

That’s it for this week! Thanks so much for reading. For more travel and lifestyle stories, please visit my blog Mindanaoan.com. Til next ish! Safe travels, everybody!