From Sto. Nino Cold Spring, a 30-min. drive brought us to the ruins of the old Gui-ob Church (Cotta Batto) in Catarman. This coral and stone-hewn church, Camiguin’s version of Albay’s Cagsawa Ruins, is located 16 kms. from Catarman and 20 kms. from Mambajao proper. It was built in 1623 as the parish of San Roque before it was half buried by lava flows during the May 1, 1871 eruption of the 838-m. high Vulcan Daan (locally called Tandang Bulkan) which destroyed the town.
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| Old Gui-ob Church (Cotta Batto) |
Within its thick, century-old adobe walls is a makeshift chapel. A short distance away is the bell tower and a moss and vine-covered convento, reminiscent of the Spanish era. Viewed in the late afternoon sun, all three made nice subjects for a photo shoot.
Old Guiob Church Ruins: National Highway, Brgy. Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin.