To places less traveled

CAN a region long overcast with unfavorable razzmatazz unveil its true wonder? Behind the prejudice and infamy, Mary May Portez follows the road less traveled to discover Northern Mindanao’s underrated beauty. From Camiguin’s rustic je ne sais quoi to Misamis Oriental’s burgeoning craft industry, traveling has never been this inspiring. Capping it off with an adrenaline rush from Cagayan de Oro’s sundry of adventure feats, Mindanao is a revelation waiting to be unraveled.
CAMIGUIN
The first thing you need to know is that Camiguin is an island of volcanic origin located 120 kilometers southeast of Cebu and 90 kilometers north of Cagayan de Oro. This pear shaped, volcanic island houses more volcanoes than its actual towns, with Mount Hibok Hibok as the only active volcano that is expected to erupt every fifty to sixty years—its last recorded activity was back in 1950. During lent, devotees would walk around the island and trek up to the old volcanoes in observance of the Panaad festival which is similar to a traditional Walk of Penitence done by Catholics reliving the way of the cross. Second, that as Northern Mindanao’s leading tourist destination, Camiguin is a sell short of natural beauty; from springs to sandbars, everything about this island is nothing short of inspiring.
Where the water never runs dry
One interesting fact about Camiguin is that the water resource comes from several natural springs scattered across the island. Faucets are never closed to keep the pipes from bursting with overflowing water. You will be surprised that your tap water tastes almost like San Pellegrino, minus the carbonated fizz.
Exploring the island, you will find a number of hot and cold springs like the Sto. Niño Cold Spring Resort in Catarman that is popular among the locals for its perennial crystal clear, cool waters; the Ardent Hot Springs Resort in Mambajao that also offers a quaint lodging options for anyone who wishes to stay overnight; and the Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool in Catarman that is best known for its medicinal purposes. The iconic sunken cemetery in Catarman is a historical site as well as a tourist attraction.
Of heritage sites and historical ruins
Flooded down below sea level during the volcanic birth of Mt. Vulcan in 1871-1875, the gravesite was commemorated by a huge cross erected in 1982. Diving beneath the massive, white cross, you will marvel over the eerie sight of coral laden epitaphs and tombstones. Its neighbor church, the Old Catarman Church, or the Gui-Ob church, still stands with only a few of its surviving ruins and bell tower saved from the mentioned volcanic eruption. Masses are still celebrated in the open passage of the old church.
Sandbars, white sand, and lofty falls
You will be greeted by a number of friendly vendors selling kiping when you reach Katibawasan Falls. This addictive treat is a local delicacy made from grounded sweet potato rolled into thin disks and fried over regular cooking oil. Drizzled with caramelized coconut milk, this snack is popular among locals and tourists to munch on as you trek along your destination. Light, sweet, and cheap, kipings are as distinctive as lanzoses are to Camiguin.
Katibawasan and Tuasan falls are Camiguin’s most celebrated natural wonders. Cascading a few hundred feet from the ground, these falls are not your typical commercialized tourists spots. Natural and extremely breathtaking, both these falls offer a simpler, yet inspiring way to enjoy nature.
The Mantigue Island lies near the port area of Camiguin. With a fine, white sand and clear blue waters, this island is one of the best-kept gems of the province. Still subtly popular, there are only a few private and local lodgings in the island. Unlike the White Island sandbar that is smaller in scale, Mantigue offers a more convenient stay for an overnight trip.
Cagayan de Oro
With literal reference to gold, the early inhabitants of this city were depicted to have gold gossamer in their hair. Cagayan de Oro, or Karay han de Oro that roughly translates to rake gold, is a city believed to have been copious with natural resources, especially gold. Flourishing to be one of Northern Mindanao’s tourist spots, Cagayan de Oro continues to attract tourists as well as local and foreign investors. From the world-famous ziplines and river rafting sites, this city is not just a hub for adventure tourism, but a heaven for a culture and nature-rich wanderlust.
St. Augustine Cathedral
Built in 1845 by the Augustinian friars, this cathedral is the main Catholic church and seat of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. Its centuries old stained glass windows were donated by the American Catholics from New York, USA.
Nature trail at Mapawa Nature Adventure Park
Better than any imprint, the nature park in Mapawa offers a tree planting experience for a good cause. Help plant mahogany trees or explore the ecological park.
The Ranch House offers an affordable bed and breakfast package for a group of five, or more. Other activities include river trek, horseback riding, bonfire, camping, and canyoneering.
Museum Walk at Museo de Oro:
Revisit the past at the Museo de Oro museum. Showcasing the ethnohistory of Northern Mindanao from Prehistoric time, exhibits include fossilized remains of the stegodon found in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental; items used during the Spanish period; ornaments and pieces of jewelry used by the tribes that inhabited the area; weaponry; and a detailed painting depicting the Myths of Creation of selected ethnic communities pertaining to the creation of the universe.
MISAMIS ORIENTAL
From the word misa which is a Spanish word for mass, Misamis was originally part of Cebu. The earliest settlers in this area were believed to be Negritos and were later joined by the Malay people with various blends of Mongolian characteristics. In 1929, it was divided into two provinces, Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental. Now known as the Gem of Mindanao, it is the region’s foremost center or trade and development.
Cebu
With a swath of historical landmarks and ubiquitous places for food grubs, Cebu has long ushered its way into the hearts of foreign tourists and locals, alike. Popular for its pristine beaches and a buzzing business district, it’s not quite surprising to find new set of adventures in this queen city.  From the flower capital Balamban to Cebu’s very own shoe (and chicharon) capital Carcar, its not just about lechon anymore. Read on.
Whale shark (butanding)watching in Tanawan, Oslob
Despite having to endure the blazing sun without sunblock (the use of sunscreen creams and sprays are strictly prohibited to protect the whale sharks from digesting potentially harmful chemicals), the whale shark encounter will leave you breathless and agape with wonder. We recommend to skip the boat ride and dive right into the waters to swim with the butandings for a more unforgettable experience.
Simala
Clinging on the upper Lindogon area in barangay Simala in the town of Sibonga, this grand, baroque style church was built by the congregation of Marian Monks of Eucharistic Adoration in 1998. The very image of the Virgin Mary brought from Pampanga was believed to have shown miracles during an epidemic that have killed many in the said community. Other claims are of the image’s shedding tears of blood, while the sundry of petition letters displayed along the halls are confirmation of the church’s promise to grant miracles to the faithful.
Historical walk along Argao
Comparable with Vigan’s Calle Crisologo, the town of Argao is a charming window to Cebu’s rich history. Known to have one of the most well preserved cabacera (town center) in the country with traces of the Spanish and early American influences on the majority of its coral stone structures, Argao is a quaint sanctuary of culture, food, and craftsmanship.
The 250-year old rococo-baroque church of St. Michael the Archangel. Completed in 1788, the interior paintings depicting different scenes from the bible were painted by the renowned Visayan artists Canuto Avila and Raymundo Francia in the early 20th century.
Diving and Snorkeling in Nalusuan and Hilutungan
Yes, among other remarkable diving spots in Cebu, these two are among the burgeoning diving spots because of its Marine Reserve and its accessibility to nearby resorts like the Bluewater Resort in Sumilon Island. (This article was first published in the December 2015 issue of Balikbayan Magazine)