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 visitors usually stop in Cagayan de Oro City first, take the two-hour bus ride to Balingoan, and then ride the ferry to Mambajao.

Mambajao is the capital of the city, and still retains its small town charm. It is what makes Camiguin so appealing compared to other beach destinations in the country that have become too commercialized.

If you won’t stay too long in one place, you can actually go around Camiguin in a day or two. But should you wish to linger and enjoy the charming scenery, backpacking, renting a bike or even ziplining in Camiguin Island is a great way to enjoy the place.

Search for Camiguin Island accommodations here:

The waterfalls are a sight to see. Katibawasan Falls near Mambajao and Tuwasan Falls near Catarman are must-sees. Surrounded by lush foliage, these places can seduce you to a swim. Just know that the temperature is pretty cold.

There are two springs that both locals and tourists frequent. Should you time your visit early morning to midday, the St. Nino Cold Springs is sure to combat the heat of the tropic sun. If you want to visit late afternoon to evening, wallowing in the Ardent Hot Spring is a great way to relax after a long day.

The small islands should not be missed too. Island hopping is also one thing you can enjoy in Camiguin. White Island, whose land area lessens as the tide rise, and Mantigue Island, an island surrounded by corals, are notable spots to visit where you can find clear blue waters to wade in.

The Ruins of Gui-ob Church and the sunken cemetery are historical sites to visit. The present churches in Camiguin are wonderfully preserved and great spots to learn about architecture and history, as well.

If you’re to visit Camiguin, pack light and keep things simple. Bring change and cash, since ATMs are hard to come by. Extra shirts and shorts will come in handy if you plan to swim in most of the water spots. A light towel or wrap will work to dry you off or cover you from the winds. It’s okay to walk around in slippers the whole time. Just be sure to lather on sunscreen and bring water so that you won’t be dehydrated. Last, keep your plans flexible and light. Camiguin Island is a place best enjoyed in a languid manner.

If you listen to the news on Mindanao, the most likely reaction is that you’ll hesitate to come here. Much less choose to live here. But given the direness of the news on the peace and order situation here, have you ever wondered if there are perks to living in Mindanao? Actually, what’s so terrible in the news is merely a microcosm of Mindanao society. Given the largeness of the island and the number of regions, cities, and cultures that are found in Mindanao, you might want to take the news with a grain of salt the next time.

Mindanao is generally a peaceful place. The members of the populace are satisfied with their lives, and commerce and trade are smoothly moving along. The economics show a due representation from the filthy rich to poverty level poor, but people manage to get by. This is primarily because resources in Mindanao are still aplenty, are not as scarce as in the Luzon or Visayas areas, and are easily available to everyone at affordable rates.

The commerce is brisk with trades from other Asian nations coming in from the south. And as natural wonders are judiciously turned to Mindanao tourist spots, the island’s economy is boosted by tourism from both the locals and foreigners who visit these places. Given the terrain and climate of the regions, agriculture is still the primary source of income. From the big landlords to private backyard plots, there is always an opportunity to market agricultural products or maintain it for one’s consumption.

Living in Mindanao also offers an opportunity for one to choose whether they’d like the small town milieu or the big city hustle. The major cities in Mindanao can provide one with the necessary trappings of stress, traffic, and overworked employees in constant flux. What’s great about the Mindanao set-up is should you feel that your head’s under water, you can easily de-stress with a thirty minute to two hour drive to the nearest beach or mountain resort of your choice. People even manage to straddle both worlds well enough by going home to the mountains or suburbia, while pursuing their education and career in the cities.

If you’re one to dream big, there are several opportunities that can be found in island. The universities and colleges in Mindanao have produced credible individuals who make it in multinational companies in Cebu, Manila, and even outside of the country. Should you choose to stay, there are still jobs in Mindanao that are as huge a responsibilities those in the metro areas.

Living in Mindanao is an idyllic set-up. You have access to first world information on lifestyle, technology, fashion, and perspectives while you work on it in your stomping grounds. The culture of each region provides a dynamism that will never bore as you conduct your business in island, and this diversity spills over to every other interaction.

Given the very nature of these different Philippine sub-cultures and the traditions they practice, living in Mindanao will never be a rut. You will always have activities to attend; festivals to watch; places to find, visit, or restore; and a fine mix of country and city challenges and relaxation spots to engage in.

I tried my best avoiding pork, but this one is inevitable, they’re so tempting and sinfully delicious – at least I consume it once a week.

I was invited to a school event that day, I mean today. A colleague of mine from a school I used to work, cooked Pork Humba and I immediately asked for her recipe that’s worth sharing.

For those who are eating this sinful food please don’t forget to have your blood pressure checked and bring anti-cholesterol medication.

Here are the ingredients:
5 kilos pork, cut into bite sizes
1.36 liter pineapple juice sweetened
2 1/2 garlic cloves sliced
3 onion bulb sliced
4 bell pepper sliced
1 sachet ginisa mix seasoning
1 sachet soy sauce
1/2 can black beans

Procedure:

• mix all ingredients – pork, pineapple juice, garlic, onion bulb, ginisa mix, 2 tablespoon of black beans for taste, in a large pot, set the stove flame to medium for 30 minutes.
• after 30 mins. put half sachet of soy sauce and bell pepper, let it simmer in slow fire.
• serve

Credits:
Maria Grazelda Maquiling

Note: The Pork Humba Recipa mentioned above serves around 30 persons.

The Island Garden City of Samal is the kind of place you don’t want to miss in your lifetime. White sand beaches, pristine waters, majestic waterfalls, fascinating caves and panoramic views are plenty in the city. Its amenities and several exciting activities have added more vibrancy to the Island Garden City of Samal, making it a major tourist destination in Southern Philippines. In fact, the city is hyping up its well-celebrated festivals to earn the moniker “Island of Festivals” and to draw more tourists to its naturally beautiful land.

The Island Garden City of Samal is a group of islands that is centrally located in Davao Gulf in the southeastern part of Mindanao. It is a second class city in the Davao del Norte province which is politically subdivided into 46 barangays. Presently, it is part of Metropolitan Davao alongside Davao City, Panabo City, Tagum City, Digos City and the Municipalities of Sta. Cruz and Carmen.

In the past, the area was divided into three municipalities – Samal, Kaputian and Babak – each endowed with different natural and man made attractions. In 1998, however, the resolution of Republic Act No. 8471 paved the way to the merger and dissolution of the three municipalities into one local government unit, officially named Island Garden City of Samal.

Today, the city is known for its booming tourism industry. Scenic beaches, rich flora and fauna and other natural attractions abound in the city. There are also many activities to do around the city like island hopping, snorkeling, Jetski ride, scuba diving, hiking and camping. You can also visit the sanctuaries of Dugong, Pawikan and other rare marine creatures. An island tour via ferries and sea craft are also offered to tourists, making it possible to view all of the city’s coastal beauty in just few hours.
The fastest way to get to the Island Garden City of Samal is via ferries and speed boats from Davao City which approximately takes 2 hours. Davao City, equipped with bus terminals and international seaports and airports, is accessible via land, air and water.

The Island Garden City of Samal is currently bidding to gain the moniker as the Philippines’ Island of Festivals. Among the festivals the locals celebrate are the Hugyaw Madayaw Samal (August 29-30), which is a cultural celebration of the practices of the Sama tribe; Kabasan Festival (May 22-28), which is in honor of the founding anniversary of the then Municipality of Babak; Bat Festival (last week of January) which is aimed at promoting the environmental benefits of bats; and Pangapog Festival (first weekend of August) which is in thanksgiving to Magbabaya or the Sama God.

With the city’s number of merry-makings scheduled all year round, no doubt the Island Garden City of Samal will earn their much anticipated moniker soon. (Samal Travel Guide by www.Mindanaoan.com)

If you set foot in the lands of Zamboanga City, one of the first things that get into your mind is the feeling that you’re in some other part of the world, perhaps in Spain or in Latin America. But don’t be deceived, you’re not in any city in the west; you are actually in a more beautiful and alluring city called Zamboanga.

Often called as “Philippines’ little Spain” and “Asia’s Latin City,” Zamboanga City is a highly urbanized city that lies in the southernmost tip of Region IX in northwestern Mindanao. The sixth largest city in the Philippines and among the few cities independent of any province, Zamboanga City is bounded to the north by land masses and to the other directions by water formations that include the Sulu Sea (west), Moro Gulf (east), Basilan Straight (south) and Celebes Sea (south).

The city is the nearest major urban center of the Philippines to the neighboring Southeast Asian countries and an important trading market of the growth polygon called Brunei – Indonesia – Malaysia – Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP – EAGA). Because of its significant location, national and international airports and seaports were established in the city which makes it accessible from key cities in the country and in Southeast Asia.

While the 333-year rule of the Spaniards left indelible imprints on the country, nowhere was its legacy and culture so embedded than in Zamboanga City. The culture, religion and language that the Spanish colonizers brought along with them remain as verdant as it were centuries ago. What makes the city greatly Hispanic is its Chabacano tounge, a delightful mix of 60% Spanish language and 40% native dialects. Chabacano is the most widely used language in the city, especially in the urban areas. In the rural areas, however, the Visayan and Muslim dialects are spoken more often.

Apart from its corrupted Spanish language, the Christian religion, which is also an influence of the Spaniards, is well exemplified in the city. In fact, it is in the area where the first Catholic diocese in Mindanao was created in 1910. The diocese, now known as the Archdiocese of Zamboanga, was the religious center of Mindanao that controlled all of the island’s Catholic missions and activities.

But, of course, there is more to Zamboanga City than just being a small replica of Spain. It’s most dominant attraction is Fort del Pilar, a coastal fort built in 1635 which is of historical and cultural significance. The former garrison features the Our Lady of Pillar shrine, a national museum and a patio. It is also the site for several important social gatherings like citywide celebrations and festivals. Apart from Fort del Pilar, Zamboanga City also prides itself with the frequently visited Barangay Taluksangay where Islam was first introduced in the area.