Northern Mindanao Escape: White Island, Camiguin

The White Island of Camiguin is actually a sandbar which is just a few minutes away from the shores of Camiguin. On our 2nd day, we decided to welcome the sunrise on the island. We were warned not to visit the place in the afternoon as there’s no shade or trees or whatsoever in the island and that will be sunburn all the way for all of us. Unfortunately or should I say, it’s a blessing in disguise that we had a cloudy and cold morning. Even in a not so good weather, we still proceed and visit the well-known sandbar.

Gloomy Beach of Camiguin
So what’s the result of the cloudy morning?! Not so lucky to watch the sunrise but a success to achieve our effort poses. Luckily the island was not crowded that day and they don’t mind our craziness. The island with its own pleasing look is really a Camiguin’s pride.

No more sunburn, just fun!
Just starting up
So it's better to just flood this up with our silly shots and creative poses

Totally not fake clouds in here





Our photographer for the day


Tired already
After our Sandbar trip we decided to leave Camiguin and go back to CDO for a complete rest. Our next destination - Iligan City.



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"Men are afraid to rock the boat in which they hope to drift safely through life's currents, when, actually, the boat is stuck on a sandbar. They would be better off to rock the boat and try to shake it loose."
-Thomas S. Szasz

Liebster's Award

I received an award from my college friend April and I am surprised that she is a blogger too. High five April!
I'm sorry because it took a while for me to create a reply post because aside from my very bad internet line, I struggled listing 11 facts about me, yeah it's kinda hard right?

So copying the rules of the Liebster's Award, here's what you need to do: 

1. List 11 facts about you.
2. Answer the 11 questions given to you .
3. Ask 11 new questions to the bloggers you are nominating.
4. Choose 9 bloggers with 200 hundred or less followers.
5. Go to each bloggers page and inform them about the award.
6. Thank the person who has nominated you and link back to his or her blog.

And here are the 11 facts about me: 

  1. I hate my birthday because I'm getting older (doesn't make sense!)
  2. I want to go to Neverland, meet Peterpan and fly!
  3. I don't eat Okra and I hate spicy foods
  4. I love adventure but I will not dare myself to do bungee jumping
  5. I admire anyone who dances well and so I hate myself for not being able to (loser!)
  6. I do not like being the center of attention
  7. I love challenges. (Except number 4.)
  8. I can draw and do arts and crafts (but I need more practice now :p)
  9. I am a good listener and adviser (my friends can testify)
  10. I believe that people who whine a lot and do nothing will not succeed 
  11. I'll be a multi-millionaire (soon!)
And for you April, here's my answer:

  1. What is your greatest ambition? Travel the world and to be an animal warrior. (Will protect our fellow Munings and Bantays as many as I can)
  2. Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset, teary eyed already. 
  3. Who is your favorite person? My soon to be husband (and my Nanay)
  4. If there's one thing you hate about yourself what is it? Being introvert most of the times I should not be. 
  5. If you were given 3 wishes what would they be? Money (plenty of it), a good leader of the world and a Genie for more wishes. Greedy!
  6. What is your greatest fear? Living alone. 
  7. What inspires you? Those who have less but still appreciate the life they have. 
  8. What do you think is your greatest accomplishment? The person I am now (Amen! hahaha!) 
  9. If you are given chance to travel, all expense paid where would it be? The world, uhm ok so maybe somewhere in Europe, aww I can't decide. 
  10. What would make your day complete? Waking up in a beach front with hal beside me cuddling plus a delicious breakfast. 
  11. Do believe there is such place like heaven? Yes, I do. 

Wheeewww... Ok so it's my turn to ask question – SLAM Book Edition :p 
1. What is love?
2. What are your hobbies?
3. Your motto in life?
4. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
5. What would be the one thing you'd change about yourself?
6. What is your deepest fear?
7. If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
8. What is your favorite thing to wear?
9. What's your favorite food?
10. Life is boring without?

11. Describe yourself in 3 words? 
-------
And I’ll tag the following (5 for now :p): 

1. Jess of Happy Feet 
2. Kate of Keightie's World 
3. Bheng of Soul-Orphaned 
5. Bhie of Busy Mom


YoUr TurN pRettY GiRLs!

Northern Mindanao Escape: Exploring Camiguin

The island at first site
Usually, travellers going to CDO include Camiguin as part of their tour. We also did the same spoiling our itchy feet wondering what to see in exploring Camiguin. A day is enough to explore the place. And here are the must see places if you opted to include Camiguin for a visit. We are quite lucky that it’s a perfect weather for us, not sunny and it’s not raining hard as well though we experienced some drizzle during the trip. We still prefer that than getting Sunburn.

Katibawasan falls – The falls welcomed us gracefully as it refreshes us with its haze because of the strong splashes of water. Our camera got foggy but we just went on and continue to be impressed.

Majestic Katibawasan Falls
On it's strong current
Sunken Cemetery – The history behind the Sunken Cemetery amazed us the most. We were harassed with poses and clicks because our boatman won’t stop taking picture.

Sunken Cemetery
My Eskapaderas plus Hal. 
As expected :D
With Daniel, a tourist we met along
Old Vulcan - We also had a quick stop over to get an overlooking view of the old Vulcan. We enjoyed some wacky shots on the road.

Hiding from us
Gui-ob Church Ruins – The mossy old church was built in the 16th Century and was once a sturdy Church made from coral stones. At the back you can see the old bell tower, an old convent and an old tree that was said already present even before the eruption of the Mount Vulcan. A chapel was built inside the ruins for prayer and scheduled masses.

Mossy and green
The tree who witnessed all
Ardent Hot Spring – The best way to end the tour is to indulge in the mineral hot spring pool that is being powered by the Hibok Hibok Volcano. They said it gives therapeutic effect and ideal place for relaxation. We were just quite “the pasaways” here because we were too noisy and can’t keep our mouth stop talking (which is typically our normal being). We also saw Daniel here, a friend we met at the Sunken Cemetery and our group courtesy of Jessie exchange numbers. Sadly he was unable to join us on our White Water rafting.

A perfect way to end the day
I love hot spring!
We also went to Soda Water Swimming Pool, Sto Niño  Cold Spring and the Station of the Cross but those highlighted above was the most must see places during the Camiguin trip.

Then we went to the White Beach the next day!

Over-all it’s good to discover the history and meeting the locals here in the province. We also learned that the province was awarded as a “rabies-free zone” which answered our question why there are quite number of dogs around and they are all seems healthy and friendly. Pet owners ensure their pets are rabies free and neutered as much as possible.

Another highlight of Camiguin is their popular pastel which makes them more popular because of its creamy filling that’s really appealing.

Delicious Pastel (source)
We also suggest to get a multicab that will fetch you from the port and introduce you to the places in the province. Our contact gave us a good deal.

Kuya Criz is our guide for the day
How to go:
From CDO, go to Agora Market Bus Terminal - take a bus bound to Butuan and get off at Balingoan Bus Terminal. This will take around 2 hours travel time. Ride a ferry from Balingoan (Misamis Oriental) to Benoni (Camiguin) and this will take around 2 hours as well.

Trike(Motorellas) to Agora Terminal = 10php
Bus to Balingoan = 143php
Ferry+Terminal Fee+Environmental Fee = 174.25php

For the record, this is the most complicated ride I experienced from my trips. Riding the ferry to Benoni port was like a chaos. No lines, everybody was in a hurry, crowd everywhere and  they will literally push you back to get themselves in front first. I do not know what's with that morning but it's really traumatic for those who cannot tolerate. Well, maybe they all wanted to get a good seat, I don't know.

But don't be discourage because if you prefer more comfortable and faster ride and I know you would, fast craft from Cagayan de Oro’s Macabalan Port straight to Camiguin is an option. Paras Sea Cat is recommended if you have limited time and bigger budget. This is advisable if you have tight itinerary.

Camiguin may not be the best place to see but still the beauty depends on your liking. Going back to Camiguin?, probably not a priority. It’s for you to see and maybe it depends on how you appreciate a certain abode.