Here’s the ferry going to Camiguin, or more appropriately, it’s called a “roro” (roll on roll off).
Here's how the "roro" looks like inside. This is at the second level because the first level is usually for vehicles.
Once we reached the Benoni Port, the multicab driver we hired was waiting for us already. The cost is Php2,000 (USD47) for 2 days and covers the usual points of interest of Camiguin. BTW, the multicab is their version of the jeep.
My first impression as we hit the road – Camiguin has really nice roads, crystal clear water ....
and lots of greenery.
We were wondering what the colorful buntings are for and Kuya Danny (our multicab driver) said they’re to shoo away Maya birds from eating the palay by shaking the strings.
We stayed at the Bahay Bakasyunan. Very nice place and friendly staff. And the food is really good! I think overnight rate is between Php3,000-Php4,000 (USD70-90).
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| Bahay Bakasyunan |
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| Katibawasan Falls |
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| Kipping |
Prior to our trip, I really didn’t have time to research about Camiguin. Surprise, surprise as we were approaching White Island. It’s an island with no trees – like a sandbar in the middle of the sea. It did have 2 Coca-Cola booths! Very clever advertising…
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| White Island |
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| White Island |
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| Ardent Hot Springs |
On our second and last day, we went to this old house where soda water flows. Soda because the water which comes from the mountains tastes like carbonated water.
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| Soda water |
He shared that life is simple and easy in Camiguin (this is coming from someone who used to live in Manila). He told us that they plant their own crops and veggies and it’s easy to fish. All they actually need to worry about is how to earn money to buy rice. What a good reminder for us when we start worrying about non-essential things.
We also went to the Walkway going to the Old Volcano. It’s a popular place this Holy Week since along the pathway are the Stations of the Cross. We went up to the 300th step which is only up to the 4th station! I know, what a shame. Haha…
Spotted this praying mantis in one of the stations. Unfortunately, it’s also its last official portrait. When my friend came back to take its photo, it was squashed to the ground already. A passerby must have accidentally stepped on it.
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| Praying Mantis |
Then we headed to the Sunken Cemetery. Yes, this area used to be a cemetery but after several volcanic eruptions starting in the 1800s until 1953, the tombs are now buried about 20 feet deep. They say it’s a popular diving site but if I knew how to dive, I'm not so sure it's a place I want to explore. Haha...
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| Sunken Cemetery |
Here are some souvenirs being sold at the Sunken Cemetery.
While my friend and I were buying some tableas, there was this cute kid who kept following me. I took it as a cue that she wanted to have her photo taken so I took some snapshots of her. Got Baby Lindsay’s address from her lola (grandmom) and I’ll be sending some of her photos via courier when I have them developed.
From the Sunken Cemetery, we visited the Old Church Ruins of Catarman, Camiguin which was destroyed during the volcanic eruption in 1871.
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| Old Church ruins of Catarman |
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| Centennial Tree |
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| Some amazing action at the Soda Water Swimming Pool. |
Again, soda because the water that comes from the mountain tastes like carbonated water. Not that I drank from the pool. Haha… But I did taste the water from the tap. :) For lunch, we had Adobong Native Chicken which was recommended by the locals.
When I asked them what they wanted to be when they grow up, 5 of them wanted to be a teachers, one a vendor, another a nurse and the last one, wanted to pursue a career in CompSci.
One of them raved that three cousins in the group are honor students. In this day and age when kids are generally competitive, it was so refreshing to see someone (who didn't get any award) brag about the achievements of others. And that's how it should be - we should be happy for others when great things happen to them. :)
These kids live a simple life. So simple that they just walk to and from school everyday and their parents stay at home growing ampalaya (bitter gourd), kalabasa (squash), beans, malunggay and talong (eggplant) which also serve as their daily food supply. They are happy, contented and full of laughter. And they had so much fun playing 1-2-3 Jump in the pool! I'll also be sending copies of their photos once I get them developed so they'll have something to remember about the Summer of 2012.
For our last stop, we visited the beautiful Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Sagay, Camiguin.
Check out the church chandeliers, they're made from big tree roots. How creative!
Outside the church, I spotted these 2 kids picking up their slippers from the canal using sticks. Initially, I thought they must have accidentally dropped their slippers into the canal. But after they got the slippers, they ran uphill, then dropped their slippers into the canal and chased them downstream! It was actually a game they're playing! Whoever said that kids nowadays need toys to have fun should learn from these two boys. :)
Then shortly after, the manong dipped a small net into the aquarium and got some fishes. Uh-oh…
That’s the only time I realized they are the snappers that will be fried! Guilt. But I’ve to admit, they are so yummy and crispy. You wouldn’t even feel any fish bone.
Anyway, here’s my last view of Camiguin before we finally boarded the Ocean Jet liner going to CDO. The fare via the Ocean Jet Liner is Php600 (USD14).
While in the boat, I started reading Catching Fire (the second book of The Hunger Games) and in the last 20 minutes before reaching CDO, the same boys spotted me. They were with another group of kids from Manila (whom they met in Camiguin). They transferred to the seats in front of us and entertained us with their stories about taekwondo (they are blue and yellow belters), Tekken, Assassin’s Creed, karate and crushes – you know, boy talk! Haha…
And dig this, one of them has this crush who happens to also have a crush on him and you know what the girl crush gave to him as a gift? A real horse! Wow. They assured me they weren't pulling my leg. Haha… It was refreshing to see these boys engage in conversation with us instead of playing with their PSPs and smartphones because as we all know, it's not easy to get boy tweens get unplugged from their gadgets.
Beautiful island, friendly people and lots of happy memories to cherish. :)
If ever you plan to visit Camiguin, you can contact Kuya Danny Villar to tour you around. Here’s his number - +639161071977. The multicab rental rates and tourist packages are regulated by the government so you don’t have to worry about being overcharged. If you dive or like to snorkel, there's an island called Mantigue Island which you may consider visiting because it's not part of the standard itinerary.
P.S. I bumped into the kids from Manila (introduced by the kids from CDO whom I met at the Camiguin ferry) at the zipline place in Bukidnon. One of them (Win-Win) was the one who convinced me to try the longest zipline course in Bukidnon. He said it wasn't scary at all. Haha.... I bumped into the same kids again at the CDO airport while waiting for our flights back to Manila. They entertained me with their whitewater rafting adventure and even asked for my Facebook account! Haha... And here’s a souvenir which Win-Win drew on my notebook. :)
P.P.S. All of the kids I've met during this trip come from very diverse socio-economic classes. Some are privileged, some are not. But it doesn’t matter what one’s status is. When kids tell their stories, their eyes and voice are filled with the same awe, delight, enthusiasm and excitement. Every story is a wow story. :)
