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Camiguin – Island Born of Fire
Camiguin is said to be ‘born
of fire’, for the province has seven volcanoes in its
territory. These are Mount Hibok-Hibok, Mount Vulcan, Mount
Guinsiliban, Mount Mambajao, Mount Timpoong, Mount Tres Marias,
and Mount Uhay. The most notable are Mount Hibok-Hibok and Mount
Vulcan. The documented eruption of these two volcanoes shaped
the province to what is its today.
Aside from the mentioned nickname,
Camiguin is known as the Philippines’ Garden of Eden because
of its unique and rich natural attractions. White Island, Old
Vulcan, Ardent Hot Spring, Sto. Niño Cold Spring, and
Mount Hibok-Hibok are some of its famed destination.
Demographic
- Population –81, 293 (as of 2007 Census)
- Land Area – 237.95 sq. km
- Capital –Mambajao
- Language/Dialect –Cebuano, Kinamigin, English, and
Filipino
- Divisions
Cities (0)
Municipalities (5)
- Catarman
- Guinsiliban
- Mahinog
- Mambajao
- Sagay
Sunken Cemetery
A large cross marks the old cemetery that was swept to the sea
by Mt. Vulcan Daan’s eruption in 1871.
White Island
This uninhabited sandbar changes its shape according to tide.
It has the picturesque Mt. Hibok-Hibok as its backdrop.
Panaad Festival
Held annually in observance of the Lenten Season, people flock
to the island and walk around a 64 km. circumferential road
as their “vow” to Christian faith.
Mt. Hibok Hibok
It is the only active volcano among the seven others in island.
It has six hot springs and a volcanic maar.
Delectable Food
The island province of Camiguin has an array of mouthwatering
delicacies that are a must-try and take-home for those who will
visit the province.
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Turrones de mani - one the island’s
traditional delicacies. It is a tube-like wafer with powdered
milk inside and tablea which is a native chocolate. The
method of making the delectable delicacy has not changed
despite of the advancement technology.
-
Lanzones – This tropical fruit
grows well in the North-Central coast of Mindanao. It is
said that the sweetest lanzones in the Philippines comes
from Camiguin.
-
Pastel – It is a soft, sweet bun
stuffed with yema, a desert made from milk, eggs and sugar.
Cultural
Ancestral House
Location: Mambajao, Camiguin
There are numerous ancestral house in Camiguin that have been
well preserved over the years. The two notable ones are the
ancestral house in Los Libertadores St., Mambajao, now dwelled
by the Francisco Family, and the Centennial House in Lakas,
Mambajao owned by Corrales Family. Both houses were built in
1800's.
Historical
Sunken Cemetery
Location: Brgy. Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin
The cemetery was once part of the old capital of the province.
The eruption of Mt. Vulcan Daan in 1871 sunk Cotta Bato and
the cemetery. In 1948, Mt. Vulcan Daan erupted again submerging
the entire cemetery. A large cross built on solidiefied lava
marks the old cemetery that was swept to the sea by eruption.
It is now a popular dive site.
Catarman Church Ruins
(Ruins of Gui-ob Church or San Roque Church)
Location: Gui-ob, Brgy. Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin
What remains from the old church are ruins of adobe walls, belfry
and convent that are testimonials to the devastating 1871 earthquake
and volcanic eruption which wiped out the illustrious town of
Catarman established earlier as a Spanish settlement in 1697.
Natural
Mt. Hibok-Hibok
Location: Brgy. Tagdo, Mambajao, Camiguin
It is a stratovolcano and dome complex with an elevation of
1,332 meters above sea level and a base diameter of 1,000 meters.
It has six hot springs, three crater lakes, and a volcanic maar.
Its eruption in 1951 nearly wiped out the whole population in
Camiguin and caused massive emigration. Now, it has become a
popular hiking site.
Mt. Vulcan Daan
Location: Catarman, Camiguin
Towering at 671 meters high above sea level, Mt. Vulcan
Daan was created when Mt. Hibok-Hibok erupted in January 1871.
Its eruption in May 1, 1871 sunk the cemetery under water and
destroyed San Roque Church.
Katibawasan Falls
Location: Mambajao, Camiguin
The falls, which measures 256 feet high, cascades to a rock
pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders.
Its cold water provides an ideal summer splash to bathers and
picnickers.
Tuasan Falls
Location: Brgy. Mainit, Catarman, Camiguin
The pool below the deafening waterfalls is deep and clear. The
surrounding scenery is virgin and perfect for a peaceful picnic.
The only sound you hear is that of the tumbling falls and running
water.
Ardent Hot Spring
Location: Brgy. Esperanza, Mambajao, Camiguin
It is a natural pool, with water coming from the bowels of Mt.
Hibok-Hibok. Its temperature is at 40 degree Celsius. Dipping
in its hot water is said to be the best treatment for any therapeutic
ailment because the water contains sulfur, a medicinal element
that can cure illness. Picnic huts, cook-out facilities and
restrooms are available to accommodate the increasing number
of visitors.
Tangub Hot Spring
Location: Brgy. Naasag, Mambajao, Camiguin
It is a volcanic hot spring not fully developed a little beneath
sea level where a pool is formed by sea stones and corals. Water
temperature shifts from cold to lukewarm to warm then to hot
as tide changes. Immerse in the warm water inside the pool at
low tide and enjoy the cold sea water merging with the hot spring.
Sto. Nino Cold Spring
Location: Catarman, Camiguin
The pool measuring 25 m x 40m is 11/2 meter deep with cold spring
water sprouting from its sandy bottom. The area has picnic huts,
cook-out facilities and restrooms for picnickers.
White Island (Medan
Island)
Location: Yumbing, Mambajao, Camiguin
This small inhabited white sand bar, with picturesque Mt. Hibok-Hibok
and Mt. Vulcan as its backdrop. The shape of the island depends
on the tide. It is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling
and shell collecting.
Mantigue Island
Location: Mahinog, Camiguin
The island is 4 hectares of evergreen forest, fringed with white
granule sand beaches. A fishing village is found in the north
of the island. One side of the island is a white sand beach
with coral offshore, and the other opposite side provides a
deep drop-off for snorkeling and diving.
Taguines Lagoon
Location: Brgy. Benoni, Mahinog, Camiguin
Taguines LagoonIt is a lagoon mantled by limpid water, large
cliff and gently rolling hills. The brackish water is engulfed
in there by a century old crater, ideal for boat and fishing.
Agohoy Beach
Location: Brgy. Agoho, Mambajao, Camigun
One of the favorite sandy beaches of the island. Native cottages,
multi-purpose building and a restaurant are also available.
It is also a preffered campsite for Mt. Hibok-Hibok climbers.
Old Vulcan/ Old Volcano
Location: Mambajao, Camiguin
A unique underwater lava formation that rises from the depths
of more than 80 feet from the bottom forming a series of pinnacles
is the main attraction here. The coral-covered molten rocks
are surrounded by tropical fishes. This is the landmark site
for the Panaad Festival.
Religious
Sta. Rosario Church
Location: Sagay, Camiguin
Built in 1882, the parish church of Sagay has been restored
because of natural decay. It features chandeliers made of wood
and other ornaments made from materials found in the island.
Via Cruzes
Location: Old Vulcan, Mambajao, Camiguin
It is where life-size statues depicting the passion, death,
and resurrection of Jesus Christ - the 14 Stations of the Cross
that dot a trail to Old Volcano's peak are found. At the last
station is a sepulcher carefully carved and chiseled out of
volcanic rocks. The pilgrims congregate here to pray during
Lenten Season.
Panaad Festival
Place: Camiguin
Date: Holy Week
It is a yearly trek around the island in observance of the Lenten
season. Thousands of visitors converge at the Walkway to the
Old Volcano in Mt. Ilihan where the Stations of the Cross are
situated. Pilgrims walk around the 64 kilometer-circumferential
highway as a form of sacrifice either in fulfillment of a vow
or in penance of sins.
Lanzones Festival
Place: Camiguin
Date: Third to Fourth Week of October
The festival celebrates the harvest of the Camiguin's Pride-Lanzones.
This event also serves as thanksgiving of the blessings that
the island continually receives. Highlights of the festival
are Street Dancing & Tableau Competitions, Mutya sa Buahanan
(Miss Camiguin Tourism) Beauty Pageant, Agro-Industrial-Technology
Trade Fair and Sporting Events.
San Juan sa Hibok-Hibok
Festival
Place: Mambajao, Camiguin
Date: June 24
Held annually in honor of St. John the Baptist, the festival
is highlighted with fluvial processions, parade, water sports,
and the annual beauty pageant which requires contestants to
have no makeup. |
