Camiguin Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Apr62020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Snorkeling At Camiguin Giant Clam Sanctuary

Camiguin, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Sports, Tourism, Travel

Camiguin Island, located in Mindanao, Philippines, is inarguably one of my most favorite places. How can you not love the Island Born of Fire? It's home to a breathtaking white island (where you can eat sea urchins, by the way), a sunken cemetery that's an interesting diving spot, a spring resort with the coldest water and very near another island that has a rich marine sanctuary. Yes, Camiguin Island is definitely a must-visit and, as if those reasons aren't enough, here's another reason why you should include Camiguin in your #travelgoals --- a giant clam sanctuary! At the Camiguin Island giant clam sanctuary, you don't just learn all about various clam species and the local conservation efforts. You can even snorkel and see these fascinating giant clams as well as other marine life...

Oct122014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2014 schedule of activities

Announcements, Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Tourism, Travel

October is the BEST time for you to visit Camiguin Island a.k.a. the island of your imagination, the Island Born Of Fire here in Mindanao, Philippines! Camiguin Island celebrates its annual Lanzones Festival every October - it's a festival that celebrates the bountiful harvest of sweet, fleshly lanzones fruits that the island is best known for. Mark your calendars from October 18 to 26, 2014. The Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2014 schedule of activities can be found below. Highlights of the 2014 Camiguin Lanzones Festival include: October 18 - Walk For A Cause, 4:30 AM, San Nicholas de Tolentino Parish Church October 19 - Grand Opening Ceremonies (Exhibits), 2 PM, PPR Tourism and Sports Complex 7:30 PM, opening night and Mutya ng Buahanan evening gown competition 10 PM Oktob...

Apr182014 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Eating sea urchins at White Island Camiguin

Camiguin, Food, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

Living sea urchins don't look appetizing at all - what with their scary looking spines. But mind you, sea urchins or "tuyom" as they are locally known are actually considered culinary delicacies in many parts of the world. In fact, a kilo of sea urchin roe fetches hundreds of dollars. So when I spotted some fishermen selling fresh sea urchins for sale at White Island, Camiguin, I just had to get some! They were selling them for Php 50.00 (about US$1.50) for 3 pieces. Ate them raw with coco vinegar. Yum! Have you tried eating sea urchins? Let me know in the comments section :) Meanwhile, here are some shots taken at White Island, Camiguin. Planning to visit this beautiful island in Mindanao? Here's a Camiguin Island Travel Guide and here's how to get to White Island Camiguin...

Oct112013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Travel: Camiguin Sto. Nino Cold Spring Resort

Camiguin, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

Have you been following my Camiguin Island posts? You may have come across my Ardent Hibok Hibok Spring Resort post where I shared that it's where you can find pools with hot sulfuric flowing water. Now if in Ardent Resort Camiguin you'll find natural hot springs, there's another Camiguin Island tourist spot where you'll find cold springs! Just how cold? Read on. Located in Catarman town, Camiguin, Sto. Nino Cold Spring Resort is home to a huge (almost Olympic-sized) pool. That's about 40 meters by 25 meters. What makes this Camiguin resort unique is the cold, clear fresh water. It's so cold that more often than not, first timers who dive into the pool right away usually alight shivering. That's why it's a good idea to check the water temperature first. Best if you can sit on the edge o...

Aug52013 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Sunken Cemetery at Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Tourism, Travel, Weird

Yes, you read that right. There's a Sunken Cemetery at Camiguin Island and although many people might find it a little creepy, this Camiguin tourist spot is actually a popular diving and snorkeling spot. Located at Barangay Bonbon, Municipality of Catarman, Camiguin Island, the Sunken Cemetery came about after Mt. Vulcan's series of eruptions from 1871 to 1875. As a result, some areas in Bonbon subsided including the town's cemetery. The cemetery sank below sea level. In 1982, the local government of Camiguin erected a cross on the site. For those of you wondering whether or not there are still dead bodies at the Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin Island, the human remains have already been exhumed and buried in another location. Besides, it's been more than 100 years - I guess you can spot...

Aug12013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Katibawasan Falls Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Not many people know that Camiguin Island a.k.a. The Island Born Of Fire is home to two beautiful waterfalls. One of them is actually a favorite destination of many tourists and locals alike and is, almost often than not, included in Camiguin Island tour packages. Katibawasan Falls is located at the foot of Mt. Timpoong, Barangay Upper Pandan, Municipality of Mambajao, Camiguin Island. From Mambajao proper, Katibawasan Falls is located about 5 kilometers southeast. From the top of the falls, a clear stream of water drops 250 feet or about 70 meters to a plunge pool. And you know what makes Katibawasan Falls Camiguin Island a must-visit? The water that’s almost as cold as ice! Yep, plunging into the water without testing the temperature can actually be a test that could separate the men ...

Jul212013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

The Paradise That Is White Island Camiguin

Beauty, Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

I think no trip to Camiguin Island will ever be complete without a visit to the popular, uninhabited sand bar called White Island. It is nothing but paradise! Crystal clear water, white sand and lovely view of Mt. Hibok Hibok. Located about 10 minutes away from the shore of Barangay Yumbing (or Barangay Agoho), Camiguin Island, White Island is generally horseshoe-shaped but it usually gets reshaped because of the tides. And because the sand at White Island is very precious, the Camiguin government has issued this warning. My family and I paid White Island a visit during a recent trip to Camiguin Island. I must say, it was one of the highlights of our trip. My brothers and I (and even our Mom) are all beach babies and any opportunity for us to go and spend time in the water is most ap...

Jul152013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Ardent Hibok Hibok Spring Resort Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

So after our fun Mantigue Island escapade, my family and I then proceeded to Ardent Hot Spring Resort in Camiguin Island. Since it's been a few years since our last Camiguin Island trip, we didn't know that this Camiguin tourist spot has been renamed. Apparently, it's now called Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort and it's now being run by the local government of Camiguin. Ardent is a natural hot springs resort. The fresh and hot sulfuric flowing water comes from Mt. Hibok Hibok and its temperature can reach as much as 40 degrees Centrigrade. Sulfur in water has therapeutic effects. It can help address health concerns like skin diseases, asthma and rheumatism. There are a few pools at Ardent. The water temperature in each pool also varies. This one below is the main pool. Sometimes,...

Jul122013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mantigue Island Camiguin – what to see and why you should go

Beauty, Camiguin, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The last time my family and I went to Mantigue Island in Camiguin was almost 5 years ago. Yes, it took me that long to come back. A pity, really, since Mantigue Island Camiguin has all the makings of being the next Mindanao tourist spot to watch out for. I haven't forgotten just how beautiful it was there. Crystal clear water, white sand, rich marine sanctuary and the feeling of an uninhabited island. I say "feeling" because in truth, several families do live in the island but since that controversy between the settlers and the local government started, they've now been relocated to the other side of Mantigue Island. Also known as Magsaysay Island, Mantigue is about 6 hectares big. A former fishing village, the local government of Camiguin has now transformed it into "Mantigue Is...

Jul102013 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Camiguin Island travel guide: How to get there

Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Leisure, Tourism, Travel

One of my favorite tourist destinations in the Philippines is Camiguin Island a.k.a. The Island Born of Fire. Located in Northern Mindanao, Camiguin is the second smallest province in the Philippines. Apart from its historic sites, beautiful coastline and environmental tourism areas, visitors just love the crystal clear water. Who wouldn't want to visit a place as beautiful as this? Last weekend, my entire family and I went to Camiguin for a 3-day, 2-night escapade. Being the one fond of researching, preparing itineraries and following budgets, I took it upon myself to plan the entire trip to Camiguin Island. It's not my family's first time to visit the island. However, we try to discover new things and stay in a different place every time we visit. Now if you want to visit the i...

Oct162012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

2012 Camiguin Lanzones Festival schedule of activities

Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Tourism, Travel

If you love fruits and if you're feeling a little festive these days, then head on down to Camiguin Island and join the Camiguinons as they celebrate the 33rd Lanzones Festival. The 2012 Lanzones Festival in Camiguin Island, Mindanao will be held from October 21 to 28, 2012. It's the yearly festival in Camiguin, which is also known as the Island Born Out Of Fire, to celebrate the abundant harvest of the sweetest lanzones in the world. Among the activities this year are the 2012 Lanzones Festival street dancing (October 27, 2012 for inter-agency competition and October 28, 2012 for the Kalanrakas - elementary level), the 22nd Gov. JJ Lanzones Festival Run 2012 and even an eat-all-you-can lanzones event. I will also post updates as they come along. You may want to follow me on Twitter ...

May172012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Backpacking in Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

Camiguin, also known as the Island Born Out Of Fire, is an island one passes by on a boat ride between Cebu and Cagayan de Oro City. This small island has seven volcanoes, several waterfalls, and hot and cold springs. People visit Camiguin to primarily enjoy the water spots, but there’s more to the island than testing its waters. Also known as the island of fire because of its many volcanoes, Camiguin is rumored to one day simply sink should there be a terrible eruption. But before that happens (and hopefully not), its best you know that Mt. Hibok-Hibok – the most active among the seven volcanoes – has been dormant since it erupted last 1951. Scientists are monitoring the volcanoes as well, as a cautionary measure and for study. You can either fly in Camiguin or take the ferry. Most ...

Aug32009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Rock the Vote Cagayan de Oro leg – Thousands pledge to register and vote in 2010 elections

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Entertainment, Events, Features, Government, Internet, Journalism, Mindanaoan Update, Music, News, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Politics

Roughly 8,000 people made the pledge to register and vote in the May 2010 national elections last July 30, 2009 during the Rock the Vote 2009 Cagayan de Oro City leg held at Xavier University Gymnasium, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. Rock the Vote is a musical cum advocacy show which aims to encourage people especially first time voters to register at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and exercise their right to suffrage. Rock the Vote is also a part of the ongoing Register and Vote (RV) campaign, which is led by Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan. Pangilinan, along with author Atty. Alex Lacson, AKBAYAN Party List Rep. Risa Hontiveros and Bayan Muna Party List Rep. Teddy Casino, led the reading of a unity statement which declares commitment to bring about needed change through ...

Apr92009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Warning: don’t bring sand from White Island, Camiguin

Advocacy, Announcements, Camiguin, Mindanaoan Update, News, Tourism, Travel

CAMIGUIN ISLAND, MINDANAO - The world-renowned White Island in the Province of Camiguin is undoubtedly one of the more famous tourist spots in this side of Mindanao. Thousands of local and foreign tourists flock to this beautiful island year after year. And because it's one of the more preferred tourist destinations in the Island of Camiguin, the local government is doing everything in its power to maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the renowned White Island. The Camiguin government has also enforced a couple of rules and regulations that aim to protect and preserve White Island. One of these rules is that visitors are not allowed to bring sand from White Island. Check out the picture I took (the picture that appears in this post). There's a sign that says "Guinadili pagkuha s...

Mar42009 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Review: Tia’s Beach Resort Camiguin Island Mindanao budget hotel

Camiguin, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

Summer is drawing near and I'm pretty sure that most, if not all, of you are thinking of places to go to during those hot summer days. And with airlines now offering more flights to and fro Camiguin Island, Mindanao, I'm sure many of you are considering the place dubbed as the "Island Born of Fire" as one of your summer destinations in the Philippines. Tia's Beach Resort in the Island of Camiguin, Northern Mindanao, Philippines can be considered a good place to stay especially if you're on a budget. The last time my mother, brothers and I stayed there was last year during the Holy Week. We planned to go to Camiguin at the last minute so practically most of the hotels and inns were already fully booked. Good thing my brother remembered Tia's Beach Resort and how he and his friends like...

Nov202008 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Want a 15 percent discount on your next SEAIR flight?

Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Thinking of spending a vacation soon in beautiful Boracay or in exciting Kota Kinabalu? What about visiting Busuanga, Basco Batanes or Baler? Then read on because I have truly exciting news for all of you! You can now avail of a whopping 15 percent discount on your next SEAIR flight if you book through Mindanaoan! How cool is that? If you're planning a trip to any of these areas: Manila to Kota Kinabalu, Busuanga, Coron, Palawan, Basco, Batanes, Borongan, Samar, Daet, Tablas, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Manila to Baler and to other exciting SEAIR destinations, then all you have to do is: Book your flight through SEAIR's website Enter Mindanaoan's code in the "Promotional Code (if any)" section: mbdw53ii And voila! You will immediately see the 15 percent discount! Now was th...

Nov162008 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Review: Camiguin Island Golden Sunset Beach Club

Camiguin, Hotels, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

The Camiguin Island Golden Sunset Beach Club is strategically located at Yumbing, Mambajao, Camiguin Island, Mindanao. I say strategic because apart from the fact that it is right within the vicinity of the island's capital town, it is located in front of the famous White Island. So for those of you who want to spend more time at White Island instead of the other tourist attractions in Camiguin (also known as the Island Born of Fire), then Golden Sunset Beach Club Camiguin may be a viable choice. I stayed at the Camiguin Island Golden Sunset Beach Club January of this year. The place is smaller compared to the other resorts in the island. However, this is probably why more people prefer to stay there. I found it discreet, private and clean. I heard that the resort has new owners and tha...

Nov92008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Funny Camiguin Island restaurant washroom photo

Camiguin, Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel, Weird

Before I finally hit the sack this chilly Sunday evening, let me share with y'all a funny photo I took the last time I was in Camiguin Island, Mindanao, Philippines. My mother, brothers and I went to Camiguin (also known as the Island Born of Fire) early this year and stayed there for 5 days. Anyways, on our second day in the island, we decided to make a quick stop at a restaurant at the Parola area (some of the locals also call it "break water") since we needed "baon" for our day tour. I also had to go to the washroom. So imagine my amusement when I found this: Plastered on the men's washroom door, meanwhile, is a framed brief. I remember laughing so hard that I absolutely needed to enter the women's CR right away, lest that I end up pissing right there and then! Some peopl...

Oct182008 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Justice for Mantigue Island, Camiguin residents

Camiguin, Controversial, News, Opinion, Resorts

My family and I went to the Island of Camiguin a few months ago. What supposedly was a time to relax and unwind turned out to be work somehow. You see, when we visited the beautiful islet of Mantigue in Camiguin (the "less popular" islet --- tourists usually go to the famous White Island), we learned from the residents there that the local government has started to send them feelers. The residents said that the local government wanted them off the island as soon as possible because they were considered "illegal occupants." The residents opined, however, that most of them have been born in the island. They asserted that they were "natives" there and that they grew up knowing only one home and that is Mantigue. Over the years, they learned how to fish, culture seaweeds and eventually welcom...

Oct142008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Camiguin’s Lanzones Festival 2008 Schedule

Camiguin, Events, Fiesta, Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

The Island of Camiguin is set to celebrate the 29th Lanzones Festival starting this Saturday, October 18, 2008. The event's special guest speaker is President Gloria Arroyo. The 29th Camiguin Lanzones Festival will last until October 26, 2008. Here's the official schedule of activities: OCTOBER 18, 2008 (SATURDAY) 7 A.M. HOLY THANKSGIVING MASS Venue: San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Church 1 P.M. PARADE Assembly Area: Provincial Plaza to Camiguin Tourism Center UGMAD 2008 Venue: Camiguin Tourism Center Part I: RIBBON CUTTING Part II: OPENING CEREMONIES: 29thCamiguin Lanzones Festival Declaration of UGMAD 2008 Opening / Viewing of the Exhibits (Depending on the time of PGMA's arrival) MOTORCADE OF CAMIGUIN TOURISM ASSOCIATION THE AMAZING RACE: PINOY X-GAMES SERIES ...