Category Archives: Philippines, Republic of the

St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral (Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental)

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St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral

Just walking distance from the City Museum of Cagayan de Oro and Heritage Studies Center is the Neo-Gothic-style St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral, the ecclesiastical seat of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro (canonically erected on January 23, 1933).

Check out “City Museum of Cagayan de Oro and Heritage Studies Center“

The Neo-Gothic-style facade

This church was first built in 1624 by Father Agustin San Pedro but both church and convent burned down in 1778.  Rebuilt in 1780 by Father Pedro de Santa Barbara, it again burned down in 1831.

The cathedral interior

In 1845, it was rebuilt with coral stones imported from China by Augustinian Recollect Father Simon Loscos de Sta. Catalina but it was destroyed during the World War II bombardment in 1945.  Only the facade and the wooden cross in front survived.

A 1925 photo of the church’s original Baroque-style facade

The present Neo-Gothic-style cathedral was built from 1946 to 1951 by Archbishop James T.G. Hayes, S.J.D.D., the first bishop of Cagayan de Oro.

AUTHOR’S NOTES:

Comparing an old 1925 and present photo of the church, the Baroque-style facade of the church seemed to have survived the 1945 bombing but it was greatly altered during the rebuilding.  The semicircular arched windows were replaced by Gothic-style lancet windows, a portico was added and the finials at the ends of the triangular pediment (its raking cornice now adorned with drip molding) were not restored.

Only the base (now square), of the formerly octagonal bell tower (beneath which is the grave of Father Ramon Zueco de San Joaquin who died in 1889 in Cagayan de Oro), on church’s left, remains. A new bell tower, on the church’s right was, instead, built.

Stained glass window

Its nine century-old stained glass windows, the work of well-known masters, depict the life of Christ and came from the Chapel of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart (now the Church of the Sacred Hearts of Mary and Jesus), an old  Gothic-style chapel built in 1882 in New York.

Stained glass window

The bells, hung in the new bell tower in 1950, were fashioned from the church’s old bells shattered during World War II – San Agustin (1807), Santa Ana (1813) and El Salvador (1857).

The Relic Chapel

Just outside the porte-cochere is a wooden Sta. Cruz built by Augustinian Recollect friars in 1888, the only relic that remains of the church’s Hispanic past.

The Spanish-era wooden cross

St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral: Barangay I, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.  Tel: (088) 857-2139.  Feast of St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo: August 28.

How to Get There: Cagayan de Oro City is located 94.4 kilometers (a 2-hour drive) from Malaybalay City (Bukidnon) and 88.7 kilometers (a 1.75-hour drive) from Iligan City (Lanao del Norte).

City Museum of Cagayan de Oro and Heritage Studies Center (Misamis Oriental)

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City Museum of Cagayan de Oro and Heritage Studies Center

We still had time to kill as we made our way to Laguindingan Airport for our return flight to Manila, so Wyller Manus, our Bukidnon tour guide, suggested we make a stopover at Cagayan de Oro City to visit the 3-storey City Museum of Cagayan de Oro and Heritage Studies Center.

Museum facade

Here, we were welcomed and toured around the museum by Mr. Jesus Christopher “JC” F. Salon, acting curator of the museum.

Mr. Christopher F. Salon (third from left) discussing the Higaunon Bancaso (ritual table)

Located across the street from Gaston Park, this museum, a fine example of adaptive reuse, is housed in an old cylindrical water tower that sourced water, for 3,000 people, from Mahuganao Spring, Brgy. Cugman in Malasag Hills.

Exhibit on the indigenous people of Cagayan de Oro

Built from 1919 to 1922, it survived the September 1944 American bombing during World War II and is considered as the city’s oldest known surviving public structure.

Exhibit on Cagayan de Oro’s early history

In the late 1970s, the National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) took over the water system and stopped using the tower and it was abandoned.

Exhibit on Spanish Period

Between 1994 to 2000, it was used as a temporary office of Barangay 1 and, in 2001, it was used as a makeshift darkroom by photographers from the Golden Friendship Photographers Association, Inc. (GoFPAI).

Spiral stairs leading to second floor

On December 1, 2008, then City Mayor Constantino Jarula had the tank renovated and turned into a city museum.

Exhibit on Cagayan de Oro during the American Period

The museum houses old photographs of the city’s significant events and personalities; fascinating exhibits that trace the city’s evolution, from its early indigenous roots to its contemporary developments; as well as a diverse collection of some archaeological finds.

Bamboo spikes used by guerillas to trap and maim enemy targets

Its well-curated displays provide insights into the indigenous cultures, colonial influences, and the vibrant community life that defines Cagayan de Oro. The floors are accessed via spiral staircases.

Rayadillo uniform and sword

A Philippine bolo and a Japanese sword

At the Ramon and Rosario Chavez Gallery, at the first floor, JC first showed us the Higaunon Bancas0 (ritual table), a very important cultural artifact of the indigenous Higaunon community.

Third floor gallery

The Filomeno M. Bautista Gallery, at the second floor, showcases the history of the city during the Philippine-American War (notably the battle around 1900) and World War II.

Third floor gallery

The third floor houses the museum’s newest exhibit (opened last November 21) which showcases the history and modernization of the city after World War II.

The motorela

A notable artifact here is the Parker 51 fountain pen used to sign Republic Act No. 521, the law that created the city.

An antique radio

City Museum of Cagayan de Oro and Heritage Studies Center: Gaston Park, Fernandez St., Brgy.1, 9000 Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.  Mobile number: (0915) 881-0719.  E-mail: hccc.cdo@gmail.com. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, 8 AM to 5 PM.

Old Guiob Church (Catarman, Camiguin)

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Old Guiob Church Ruins

After our merienda at The Beehive, we again boarded our multicab for the short 3.3-km. (10-min.) drive to the Church of St. Roche Ruins, our last destination.  Also called the Old Gui-ob Church (Cotta Batto), it is Camiguin’s version of Albay’s Cagsawa Ruins.

Check out “The Beehive” and “Cagsawa Church Ruins“

Entrance to the ruins

The National Cultural Treasure plaque

This coral and stone-hewn church, built in 1623 as the parish of San Roque (St. Roche), was half buried by lava flows during the May 1, 1871 eruption of Mt. Hibok-Hibok that created the 838-meter high Vulcan Daan (locally called Tandang Bulkan), a volcanic fissure that spewed out lava and destroyed the town.

Check out “Old Guiob Church Ruins (2001)”

All that remains are haunting ruins of the 400-year old church, the rectory and, at the back of the church, the base of the bell tower, beside which is a centuries-old camel tree (locally called doldol). Near the tower is a modern, solar-powered lighthouse.

During my first visit in 2001, a small chapel has been built within the ruins but it has now been removed.

On September 28, 2017, 16 years after our first visit, the church ruins, the nearby Sunken Cemetery and the Moro watchtower were declared as National Cultural Treasures by the National Museum of the Philippines.

Check out “Sunken Cemetery“

The author (left) with his son Jandy

The moss-covered, roofless ruins, shaded by large trees,  is now a popular tourist attraction in the province and is a peaceful place to roam around.

Church of St. Roche Ruins: National Highway, Brgy.Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin. Admission: Php50/pax.

How to Get There: The ruins are located 16 kilometers from Catarman and 20 kilometers from Mambajao proper.

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.