Camiguin Deserves a Second Chance

The tall and gentle cascade of Katibawasan Falls

When my flight to Mindanao was booked, the first thing that came to my mind was Camiguin. I’ve seen lots of beautiful photos and heard enough great stories about the place. The White Island, the prominence of Mt Hibok Hibok, the sunken cemetery and the hot springs made this island an “enchanting and captivating” place to explore.

But nature has its way of making you see things differently. It was a drizzling Monday morning when we left Cagayan De Oro City. Kim, Cha and I took the easier route going there, two-hour fast craft via Paras Sea Cat. It was almost noon-time when we set foot in the island, and the overcast sky we left in CdO followed us in Camiguin. The place looked bleak and lonely.

One of the pools at Ardent Hot Spring

Paddling Through the Wild Rapids of Cagayan de Oro River

We left Manila an hour past our scheduled flight, thanks to Cebu Pacific. When we arrived in Cagayan de Oro City, I thought we won’t be able to push through with the river rafting. Who would actually do it nearly sun down? Well, we decided that our adventurous hearts won’t be cowed by the possible danger ahead. So from the airport Kim, Cha and I headed straight to Mambuaya, the jump-off point. We were supposed to start it at 3pm but with the delays, we hit the first major rapids a little after 4pm. And then the 13 kilometers sunset river rafting/cruising ensued.

 

Experiencing Asia's Longest Dual Zipline in Bukidnon

At 4,500 above sea level, the first 5 seconds of the 840m flight is the most scary

Waking up to a rainy morning and with a flight to catch in the afternoon, Cha, Kim and I decided to ditch the original plan of commuting our way to Bukidnon. We contacted Kuya Danny, a cab driver, who agreed to drive us to Dahilayan Adventure Park for P2,000 roundtrip. We left CDO at 7a.m. and reached Manolo Fortich at 9. It really wasn’t supposed to take two hours since we were aboard a private car. But we just couldn’t be stopped from taking photos of the scenic views on the way to the site. We enjoyed the lush vegetation, the plateaus, the charming old houses of Del Monte farmers, the magnificent hills on the background, the small talks with some farmers and the photo ops amidst the sprawling pineapple field. For the delays and muddy feet we got, it was fun.

Philippine Churches: Bato Church

It took 53 years (from 1830 to 1883) to build the St. John the Baptish Parish, known as the Bato Church. Said to be one of the oldest churches in my home province Catanduanes, it's one of the places that's not to be missed if one plans to visit our small island.

Philippine Churches: San Diego Pro-cathedral

The statuesque San Diego Cathedral

October 5, 2010

Silay City, Negros Occidental

This is one of my favorites. It's huge, grand and beautiful. Located in the center of Silay City, this church is named in honor of Didacus of Alcalá, the Franciscan saint more commonly known in the Philippines as San Diego de Alcalá.

The church interior

Nagsasa Cove is Love

May 14-15, 2011

Nagsasa Cove, Zambales

I’ve been asked several times which of these two coves is more beautiful, Anawangin or Nagsasa. Well, for one, I think Nagsasa is the exact clone of Anawangin. Both have the same textures. It has the same lagoon, rolling mountains, off-white sand, nice beach, Agoho “pine” trees canopy, and almost the same number of campers. In both places, I found my “sugoi” moment which is what I care about. So really, I can’t say which is more beautiful, because both are worth visiting. 

I’d definitely say it was one of my best weekends with the girls. Thanks Kim, May and Liz!!!  

MAVID BATANES

The cow, Eric, Kim and myself up at Chamantad-Tinian Viewpoint

April 27-30, 2011

Batan and Sabtang Islands, Batanes

The thing I have with travel blogging the Philippines is that I sometimes run out of the right adjectives to describe each place I’ve been to. And now I’m faced with the same dilemma. How will I describe Batanes? Breathtaking, magnificent, panoramic, rustic. All these words suit this place just well. But for this blog, I will borrow the Ivatan word Mavid, which means beautiful... Mavid Batanes.