island Born of Fire|CAMIGUIN

1st part

It was twilight Monday on 10th of October 2011, when I set foot to the island Born of Fire - Camiguin. There were 17 of us most of whom are excited first timers in that land.

So just a little background information about the province, it is a pear-shaped volcanic island in the northern tip of Mindanao which is more or less 90 kilometers north of Cagayan de Oro City. It is the smallest province in Northern Mindanao and is composed of five towns, namely, Mambajao – the capital town, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay and Catarman. The culture and tradition is a mixture of Boholano and Cebuano. Cebuano is the major dialect in the Province (so I really felt like I was a native :D). The island has seven volcanoes, including the active Mount Hibok-Hibok.

Aside from volcanoes, the island is home to many waterfalls and springs both cold and hot. Well of course, if you are a fruit lover like me you would know that Camiguin has the sweetest lanzones fruits. I would recall when buying lanzones that the vendor would really advertise that it's Mambajao - meaning the ones they are selling are from Mambajao, Camiguin. And guess what, October is the month when we can find this fruit in abundance. They actually have their Lanzones festival the following week when we're there. Sad we were not on timing.

Going to the island is adventure itself. From Manila, one will have to take a plane to Cagayan de Oro City or Butuan City. Then it will be a 2-hour (by car/van) to 2.5-hour (by bus) travel to the port of Balingoan, where ferries are waiting to take passengers to Camiguin Island. Our trip was just a sidetrip for our Cagayan de Oro trip (for a friend's wedding). I was with few of my housemates and batchmates in work and some friends of the bride. We reached Balingoan port a little late but we managed to take the last trip to Benoni port in Mahinog, Camiguin. I remember how fast our van driver went on our way to Balingoan where I kept on taking long deep breaths of fear.

Our ferry trip via Yuhum ship from Balingoan to Benoni took more or less an hour. In the middle of the sea, I was able to see very closely some dolphins. Their body very clear in the sea and some were playing not so far. They were so cute. While on the ferry, we of course did not forget our favorite - picture taking. In our company was the mother of our newly wed friend and she asked us if we noticed how the island's shape look-alike in our perspective. By research, it was pear-shaped but according to her which somehow we agreed, the island is like woman with long hair (represented by the steep mountain on the other end of the island) who is pregnant (as the center has a little hunch). The myth goes like, in that land a princess fell in love with a commoner and their love is forbidden. So to cut the story, the princess carrying in her womb her forbidden love's fruit killed herself. :D remember what I told you about myths? Hehe. Then we reached Benoni port.
Welcome to the port of Benoni! Welcome to CAMIGUIN!

 

Photos below (just ordinary camera used)

 

pose before leaving Balingoan



Camiguin island at view



the rainbow, clouds and mountains of Camiguin

on board pose

Benoni port

The 2nd part will follow right after this.

 

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