Author Archives: Benjie Layug

Sto. Nino Cold Spring (Catarman, Camiguin)

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Sto. Nino Cold Spring

From Tuasan Falls, we again boarded our multicab for the 10.3-km. (25-min.) drive to Sto. Nino Cold Spring, the largest cold water spring in the province.

Check out “Tuasan Falls”

The entrance to the resort

Also known as Kiyab Pool. It has 2 stone pools, the larger one measuring 25 m. by  40 m.  and its depth varies from one-half meter to 2 m..

The author with Grace and Jandy⁰

The other is a kiddie pool.  The resort also has picnic huts (rented for Php150), toilets, function hall and native stores for picnickers.  Even if it wasn’t a weekend,  the resort was still packed with picnickers during our visit.

Here, I swam its icy-cold, crystal-clear spring water, flowing from Mt. Mambajao, continuously sprouting from its sandy bottom, sharing the spring waters with some tiny fish.

Picnic huts

Toilets and changing rooms

Sto. Nino Cold Spring: Brgy. Mainit, Catarman, Camiguin.  Admission: PhP70/pax. Open Mondays and Thursdays, 11 AM to 5 PM, and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 8 AM to 5 PM.

How to Get There: The spring is located 4 kms. north and uphill of Catarman town proper. From Mambajao, it is a 45-min. drive. From the main road, make a turn into 2.4-km. long dusty track to the spring.

Tuasan Falls (Catarman, Camiguin)

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Tuasan Falls

After lunch and swimming at Bura Soda Water Pool, we gain boarded our multicab for the 6.5-m. (20-min.) drive to the beautiful 25-m. high Tuasan Falls. Though Jandy and I visited Camiguin in 2001, this would be our first visit to the falls.  The falls is just a few steps away from the entrance which has a huge parking lot, comfort and changing rooms and picnic tables.

Check out “Bura Soda Water Pool”

L-R: Grace, the author and Jandy

Though much shorter than the more popular and more crowded Katibawasan Falls, it is potential source of mini-hydro-electric power due to its impressive water flow.

This single-drop waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and has two natural pools, with crystal clear waters, at its base. 

Check out “Katibawasan Falls”

L-R: Lourdes, Lorraine, the author, Grace, Jandy and Gelyn

Rock pile art at the falls

Just like Katibawasan Falls, the pool nearest to the base of the fall has been cordoned off with a rope due to the danger of falling rocks.

Resthouse with toilets and changing rooms

Tuasan Falls: Brgy. Mainit, Catarman. Admission: Php50/pax.  Open daily, 7 AM to 5 PM.

How to Get There: The fall is located some 6 kms. northwest of the town and 4 kms. from the ring road.

Bura Soda Water Pool (Catarman, Camiguin)

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Bura Soda Water Pool – main pool

After our short visit and souvenir shopping at the Sunken Cemetery viewing area, we gain boarded our multicab for the 8-km. (15-min.) drive to the Bura Soda Water Pool, said to be the first of its kind in the country.  Located at the foot of the 1,250 m. high Mt. Hibok-Hibok, it was only developed in 2007 and it was not yet around when Jandy and I first visited Camiguin in 2001.

Pool entrance

The resort has two mid-size pools (separated by a concrete trellis), amidst lush vegetation, fed with cool, refreshing and clear, natural and unique effervescent soda water bubbling up from subterranean springs.  Natural soda water is known to reduce osteoporosis, decrease cardiovascular healt disease and lower blood pressure.  Another soda water spring can be found in Brgy. Agoho in Mambajao.

They even have drinking stations with taps where you can drink the soda water (commonly known as carbonated water, it is water where carbon dioxide, udder pressure, is dissolved). Its taste was comparable to high-quality, commercialized bottled spring water like Evian, slightly sweet but without the fizz and the acidity.

The second pool

Picnic huts

We rented a picnic table and had our lunch, ordering food from a nearby restaurant. The resort used to have a restaurant but it is now closed.  After lunch, we all went for a relaxing, cleansing and healing swim.

Male and female toilets and changing rooms

The now non-operational restaurant

Bura Soda Water Pool: Compol-NIA-Mainit Rd., Sitio Lumad, Brgy. Bura, Catarman. Admission: Php75/pax.  Open daily, 8 AM to 5 PM.

White Island (Mambajao, Camiguin)

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White Island

Come early morning of our second day in Camiguin, we were picked up by Quin Acala, our local guide and, together, we all walked towards Brgy. Yumbing, at a boat station behind Paras Beach Resort.

Boats docked at the beach at Brgy. Yumbing

Jandy and Grace waiting at the boat station

Here, we boarded two small motorized bancas for 1.4-km. (0.87-mi.) boat ride to the horseshoe-shaped, 2.4-hectare White Island, Camiguin’s pride. Not visiting the island, on the northern shore of Mambajao, would be like not visiting Camiguin at all.

On our way…..

It was drizzling when we left the port and, during our journey, the waves were slightly rough but we reached the island after 20 mins. The rain stopped soon after and a rainbow soon appeared in the sky, soon to be followed by the early morning sun.

The drizzling stop and a rainbow appeared…….

Also called Medan or Medano Island, it is a small, uninhabited and treeless, shape-shifting sandbar with dazzling white, sugar-fine sand.

The island’s shape differs depending on the tides and the constantly shifting currents.  This would be our second visit for Jandy and I, having first done so during a visit in 2001.

Back then, there were makeshift snack stands allowed on the island, marring its beauty.  Today, save for day trippers, there were none.

Check out “White Island (2001)”

L-R: Lourdes, Jandy, Grace, the author, Lorraine and Gelyn

The island is known for its postcard-perfect and Instagram-worthy views, with its backdrop of picturesque and majestic, 1,250 m. high Mt. Hibok-Hibok, an active stratovolcano, and the dormant, 838 m. high Mt. Vulcan Daan.

The 1,250 m. high, cloud-shrouded Mt. Hibok-Hibok

The 838-m. high, cloud-free Mt. Vulcan Daan (locally called Tandang Bulkan), a now dormant volcanic fissure, created by Mt. Hibok-Hibok, that spewed out lava and destroyed the town of Catraman on May 1, 1871.

You can swim its shallow, crystal clear waters, take Instagram-worthy shots, sunbathe or just relax along the beach.

White Island: Brgy. Agoho, 9100 Mambajao. The island shrinks substantially during high tide, so visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Ardent Hot Spring (Mambajao, Camiguin)

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Ardent Hot Spring

After our visit to Katibawasan Falls, we again boarded our multicab for the 10.4-km. (25-min.) drive, via the Camiguin Circumferential Rd., to our last destination – Ardent Hot Spring.  Formerly under the Philippine Tourism Authority, it is now a government-owned and municipal government-run recreational and leisure facility since 1999. As always, there are souvenir shops and food stalls at the entrance.

Check out “Katibawasan Falls” and “Survivng Mt. Hibok-Hibok“

The spring’s entrance

In the past, this therapeutic mineral spring, gushing forth from the bowels of Mt. Hibok-Hibok into three beautifully-designed natural stone swimming pools, with varying depths, were scaldingly hot with water temperature registering an average of 40°C and reaching as much as 50°C.  Picnickers even boil fresh eggs on the shallow portions.

Jandy. Grace and Lourdes on a bridge between two pools

It was certainly that way during our first visit on April 11, 2001 when we dipped our tired, aching muscles here after our daylong hike up and down the 1,250 m. high Mt. Hibok-Hibok.

A Min-waterfall

In September 2007, rehabilitation was started in anticipation for the influx of tourists attending the October Lanzones Festival.  During the COVID 19 pandemic, it was closed for over two years and only reopened to the public on August 19, 2022.

Picnic huts

However, during this recent visit, it was no longer that way.  We were disappointed as the three upper pools (with nets to keep the leaves, from the towering trees, off the pool) were cold and only the smaller, lower level pool was lukewarm. This is where we took a dip.

Definitely not hot and totally underwhelming.  It is said that a recent earthquake shifted the plates underneath and hot water no longer flows here naturally.  I suggest they rename the place as its waters are no longer hot.  The facilities also need upgrading.

Ardent Hot Springs: Sitio Esperanza, Brgy. Tagbo, 9100 Mambajao. Admission: Php50/pax. Open daily, 6 AM to 10 PM.  Tables and chair rental: Php150.

How to Get There: The springs is located 6 kms. (4.2 kms. rrom the main road) southwest of the town. To get there, take a 3.5-km. motorella ride from Mambajao to Brgy. Kuguita.  It is a 2.5-km. hike from Kuguita Church.

Katibawasan Falls (Mambajao, Camiguin)

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Katibawasan Falls, the highest in the province and of the highest single-drop waterfalls in the country

Upon our return from our excursion to Mantigue Island, we again boarded our multicab for the 17.3-km. (30-min.) drive to the 76.2-m. (250-ft.) high Katibawasan Falls, the highest falls in Camiguin and one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the country.  Located 5 kms. southeast of Mambajao, it is fed by nearby 1,614-m. (5,295-ft.) high Mt. Timpoong, the highest peak of Mt. Mambajao, a dormant volcano.  This was to be the second visit for me and Jandy (we were here in 2001) and the first time for Grace.

Check out “Mantigue Island” and “Katibawasan Falls (2001)”

The entrance to the falls

From the entrance, we descended a 67-step concrete stairway, passed a view deck, and again beheld one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have so far seen in the country.  The slim waterfall cascades precipitously, down a monolithic cliff face, to a large rock pool teeming with fresh water shrimps.  It is surrounded by a massive granite mountain wall swathed with ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders.

The resthouse with comfort rooms and changing room

Jandy and Grace descending down the concrete stairway

The rock pool was shallow except at the area were the falls hit the water.  During our first visit, we were able to station ourselves at the boulders underneath the falls, feeling the very cold and refreshing, cascading waters massage our backs.  Today, the approach to the rock pool has been cordoned off by rope due to the danger posed by falling rocks.

L-R: the author, Grace and Jandy

Near the falls is a resthouse with toilets and changing room, picnic sheds (Php150) and concrete tables and chairs for rent (Php100).  Apart from swimming and exploring the area around the falls, there isn’t much else to do.  Also, like most tourist attractions, there are vendors just outside the gate, selling souvenirs, snacks, drinks and other items.  Try the kiping, flat, fried cassava drizzled with molasses.

Katibawasan Fall: Brgy. Soro-Soro, Mambajao, Camiguin. Open daily, 8 AM to 5 PM.  Admission: Php75 per pax.

How to Get There: The falls is a 6.5-km. (15-min.) drive, via Itum Rd., from Mambajao town proper and 7.5 kms. (16 mins.) via Gen. Luna.  From the main highway, it is 4.8-km. drive.  The best way to get there is to rent a scooter or hire a tricycle or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to take you there (ask them to wait for you as there isn’t any public transportation outside the falls.

Mantigue Island (Mahinog, Camiguin)

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Grace walking along the powdery, white sand beach of Mantigue Island

After lunch at J&A Fishpen at Taguines Lagoon, we again boarded our multicab for the short, 4.9-km. (10-min.) drive to the beach at Brgy. San Roque.

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Here, we boarded a light, 4-pax pumpboat for the short, 20-min./3.5-km. (2.2 mi.) boat ride to the small (6.9-hectare) but captivating, mushroom-like and uninhabited Mantigue Island, located southeast of the main island of Camiguin. Though Jandy and I have visited Camiguin way back in 2001, this would be our first visit to the island.

Check out “Taguines Lagoon”

L-R: Jandy, Grace and the author

The island seen from our boat

Also called Magsaysay Island, this island is also accessible from Barangay Hubangon and Binaliwan (Binatubo) and about 12 nautical miles from Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort (Balingoan, Misamis Oriental).

The “Camiguin Isle Be There” sign that welcomed us upon landing

L-R: Lourdes, Gelyn, Lorraine, Grace, the author and Jandy

It has a 4-hectare (9.9-acre) evergreen forest (providing plenty of shade) surrounded by a captivating and gleaming powdery, white coral sand beach, a sprawling fringing reef, with corals offshore, and crystal-clear waters.  Trails lead to scenic viewpoints with panoramic views of the surrounding sea and nearby islands.

Lorraine, Jandy and Loudes exploring the island

The north side of the island used to be home to a fishing village and a seaweed culture farm until the government prohibited any locals from residing therein and declared the island a protected area (Mantigue Island Natural Park) and marine sanctuary for sea turtles.

The now disused lighthouse on the island

The island is only open to the public during daytime only (until 5 PM) and people can stay in cottages (for rent) or swim in the sea. Overnight camping is not allowed.  The provincial government of Camiguin mandates the local government of Mahinog as the official caretaker of the island.

One side of the island has a mix of shallow reefs, ideal for snorkeling, and a deep drop-off ideal for  scuba diving (both beginners and experienced), with a rich variety of marine life such as sea turtles, jacks, barracudas, ribbon eels, trumpetfish, pufferfish and even rays and blacktip sharks.

Mantigue Island: Brgy. San Roque, Mahinog, Camiguin. Coordinates: 9°10′18″N 124°49′31″E.

Taguines Lagoon (Mahinog, Camiguin)

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Fish cages at Taguines Lagoon

Upon arrival at Benoni Port in Mahinog, we met up with our local guide Mr. Quin Acala.  Boarding a multicab, we first brought to the nearby J&A Fishpen Resort and Restaurant for lunch. Sitting on stilts, with connecting wooden footbridges, on the western bank of Taguines Lagoon, near Benoni Port, it has an amazing view of the lagoon and the sea beyond.

This was not my first visit to this restaurant as I also had lunch here during my first visit to Camiguin in 2001.  Formerly used as a fishpond, it was eventually converted into a floating restaurant.

Check out “Taguines Lagoon (2001)”

L-R: Gelyn, Lorraine, Lourdes, Grace, the author and Jandy

The variety of fresh seafood available, which you can order, can be fried, steamed, grilled, kilawin (ceviche) or cooked with soup.  On an individual cottage on stilts, overlooking the lagoon, we dined on calamares, garlic shrimps and chopsuey, with rice, for lunch.  The servings were generous and you do not have to worry about the freshness.

J&A Fishpen Restaurant & Resort

This beautiful artificial lake, home to the Benoni Marine Sanctuary managed by the Bureau of Fisheries, is also known as the Camiguin Blue Lagoon. It was said to have been actually made from the crater of an extinct volcano.  The lagoon has a maximum depth of 11.24 m. and has mantles of limpid water surrounded by craggy cliffs, huge boulders and gently rolling hills.

Around it are fishpens where bangus (milkfish), mamsa (jack), lunab (surgeonfish), katambak (spadefish), danggit (seganid), maming (parrotfish), kitong and alimango (crabs) are bred.

The restaurant now offers the first and only zipline (Php250) in Camiguin. There are two cables.  One is 740 m. long while the second, shorter one is 480 m. long and drops you off at the restaurant.

At the lagoon, you can also kayak, pedal or paddle your way to different stations and view the different marine species, in cages, such as green mussels, milkfish and commercial scale fry for production.

    Enjoying our seafood lunch

J.A. Fishpen Resort and Restaurant: Camiguin Circumferential Rd., Brgy. Benoni, 9101 Mahinog, Camiguin.  Tel:  (088) 387-4008.

How to Get There: Taguines Lagoon is just a 1 km. (2-min.) drive from Benoni Port.

The Last Regnant Leisure Hub (San Manuel, Isabela)

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The Last Regnant Leisure Hub

After our visit to the Nascent Textile Fiber Innovation Hub, in the municipality of Benito Soliven, we made a long, 1.5-hour (57.2-km.) drive to The Last Regnant Leisure Hub in San Manuel, the biggest resort in Isabela.  Upon arrival, we dined at the Arabic-themed Baba Leo’s whose hearty Middle Eastern menu includes Mixed Grill Biryani, Kabsa Chicken and Makbhoos Chicken.

Check out “Nascent Textile Fiber Innovation Hub”

Baba Leo’s

They also feature a remarkable selection of dishes that showcase traditional Filipino culinary heritage with a twist.  It includes Pancit sa Bilao, Sinigang na Salmon head sa Miso, Bangus Ala Pobre, Arroz Caldo (a soupy rice chicken broth), Calamares (a Mediterranean breaded fried squid dish), Chicken Inasal, crispy Fried Chicken Lumpiang Shanghai (spring rolls) and sizzling hot griddled Pusit. Desserts include coffee jelly, buko pandan and leche flan. Outside food isn’t permitted.

After lunch, we toured this stunning, 4.4-hectare state-of-the-art facility.  Owned by Mr. and Mrs. Juvito and Lucita Sermonia (fondly known as Sir Jun and Madam Luz), it is a slice of paradise that combines the natural beauty of the country with unparalleled comfort via an array of outdoor recreational activities and engaging scenic spots.  Its plethora of activities and attractions includes a zoo, gardens, 3 playgrounds, a dance hall, an outdoor park and refreshing swimming pools.  You can go around the resort via their free shuttle service.

The Tent

Plant enthusiasts will enjoy and be captivated by the greenhouse with beautiful and colorful orchids and vibrant anthuriums (with flamingo flowers in shades of pink, orange, red, green, salmon and yellow). The Bougainvillea Garden Park, at the resort’s upper area, near the zoo, showcases dazzling, evergreen bonsai bougainvillea trees with their colorful bracts and paper-thin petals.

Bougainvilla Garden Park

Affordable and diverse food stalls, serving various cuisines, include the Snack House for savory treats; Drinks House for refreshing smoothies; the BBQ Smoke & Grill for tasty grilled barbecues, and Mama’s Lechon Manok for a local specialty.

Snack Bars

You can also enjoy the highly sought-after, Starbucks-like Ethiopian coffee, renowned for its rich aroma and flavor, paired with delectable cakes and pastries. At the Pasalubong House, you can pick up special local food and items as gifts for loved ones back home.

Swimming Pool with Pool Bar

Wave Pool

The Zoo Park, up a hill, is an animal kingdom that houses various animals like monkeys, rabbits, peacocks, ostriches, Brahma chickens, lions, deer, fancy ducks, parrots, love birds, gold fishes, turtles, alligators, pythons, wild ducks, monitor lizards, and a horse.

Swimming pool with water slides

Jacuzzi

You can dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Water Pool Park which features a magnificent wave pool, infinity pool, pool slides, two jacuzzis, and a pool bar, a place to relax with a drink while enjoying the views.

Children’s Playground

Carousel

The Tent, an organized, high-end events space, is open for all celebratory activities and commemorations. Esplanade, scenic and enchanting boulevard, is a wonderful spot for photographs. For accommodations, you can stay at the A-frame Grand Cabana.

Greenhouse

The Kid’s Place features miniature versions of a Princess’ House, Market, Shipyard, Bread House, Hair Cut Salon, School, Police Station, Kitchen, Fire Station, and more. There’s also a safe and natural Sand Garden Playground and a brightly colored, appealing merry-go-round carousel for both children and adults to enjoy.

Grand Cabanas

The Arcade Zone, a place for amusement and entertainment, offering games such as the Ocean Train Truck, Jewel Carnival, Air Hockey, Cooking Fever, Nintendo, Storm Rider, Speed Drive, Dance Central, Starlet Shooter, Jumping Union, and Pink Date. Winning games earns you tickets which can be exchanged for special items at the counter.

Pasalubong House

Last Regnant Leisure Hub: Purok 4, Brgy. Sta. Cruz, San Manuel, 3317 Isabela. Mobile number: (0999) 225-0960 (Rex delos Reyes).  E-mail: lastregnantleisurehub@gmail.com.  Entrance: Php50.

Rates:

Swimming Pool: Php125 (children), Php150 (adults)

Cottage Rental: PhP250 to 450 per cottage.

How to Get There: A 10-minute drive from the main highway, you can either take the road to Sta. Cruz, bypassing the Mananao road, or choose the main route passing through 7-Eleven enroute to Sta. Cruz.

Nascent Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (Benito Soliven, Isabela)

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Lampshades made with banana paper

On our third day in Isabela, we took a break from the Bamabanti Festival activities, travelling 30.2 kms (a 1-hour drive), to visit the municipality of Benito Soliven, a leader in the use of banana fiber for sustainable textile innovation. Here, the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) made waves in sustainable textile innovation with a groundbreaking initiative called FRONTIER or Fostering the Revitalization of Nascent Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (NTFIH).

Benito Soliven Municipal Hall

This General Appropriations Act (GAA)-funded project established, while working with the local government, a Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (NTFIH) in the municipality, with banana fiber at the forefront of its efforts. Around 1,209 hectares in the town are planted with lakatan (Musa acuminata), damilig and saging ng unggoy (saba ti sunggu in Ilocano).

Banana stems being peeled

For the entire Region II, the municipality has been chosen as the pioneer recipient for banana fiber, marking a historic milestone for the local community and the region’s agricultural and textile industries.  The NTFIH aims to utilize the abundant natural resources of the municipality, particularly banana fiber, to drive sustainable economic growth, empower communities, and revolutionize the textile industry.

Banana fiber extraction

The peeled banana stems

Arriving at the municipal hall, we were first served a merienda of kakanin and coffee.  Afterwards, we walked a short distance to NTFIH hub where we were welcomed by Ms. Rodelyn Grace V. Lungan, municipal administrator of the town.  Here, we were shown how banana stalks, which are considered as agricultural waste (after the fruits are harvested), are made into banana paper, twine and yarn.

Banana fibers grounded to look like saw dust

First, the piths of collected banana stems (which contain more than 4% fiber which can be used to manufacture banana paper) are peeled and then fed into a splitting machine and then pressed into fibers. The fibers are then grounded until they appear similar to saw dust.

Banana fibers being dried

Dried banana fibers

Then, the fiber is washed to remove natural resins (which would decrease the strength and durability as well as take away from the integrity of the paper) to create agricultural fiber. The process of pulping produces pulp to be used to create post-consumer fiber (processed fiber) which is then combined with the stronger agricultural fiber.

Banana paper making

 

Lastly, the mixed fibers are molded together by a deckle (a tool used for handmade processes of molding fibers) to make banana paper.

Banana paper

The inner bark of the banana plant can also be used to make rope.  The extracted fibers, whose high tensile strength makes them ideal for heavy-duty tasks, are processed and spun into threads by a rope making machine.

Banana fiber being twined

The center also has a display area for finished products such as lampshades made with twine and banana paper.

Lampshades made with twine

Deer ornament made with banana twine

Municipal Hall: District 2, Benito Soliven, Isabela. Mobile number: (0935) 108-9999.  E-mail: lgubensol@yahoo.com. Website: www.benitosoliven-isabela.gov.ph.