We started the day 2 of our break with a bang! lol. Night before that, we agreed to wake up early so we can enjoy our morning at the white island. After breakfast we gathered our things to bring on the island (towel, sunscreen, camera and shades!) For Php400 we were able to rent a roundtrip boat that would take us to the island which is like 10-15mins away from Paras Beach Resort.
Camiguin's white island is actually just a sand bar lost in the sea which sometimes ALMOST disappears on high tide. Don't worry, it will never completely disappear. People of Mambajo, which is where the island rests, said it is best to visit the island in the morning and that the shape of the island on low tide varies on the current. So sometimes the island could be seen on C-shape, U-shape or zigzag.
When we got there the shape of the island is on C-shape but for me whichever shape it may appear it cannot be denied that the island is really impressive. The sand may not be as powdery as the one in Boracay but it certainly is fine and white! I was really amazed. You better not forget to bring your shades 'coz the sand is so white and with the sun's light it's kind of eye-blinding.
Now since the island is uninhabited you will not see any cottages for rent nor some shade of the trees to rest. Good thing some boatmen have thought of rent for a fee some big parasols for Php100 good for as long as how long you will stay. lol. And some picnic mat for also Php100.
Just like the other beaches in the Philippines you will be swarmed with people selling ocean stuff, like seashells, accessories and whatever delicacies (sea urchins and oysters). We soaked all morning in a tolerable (surprisingly) sea water which made me like the place more. We stayed for like 3 hours in the island.. by 10:00am we saw our boat approaching to fetch us. By 10:30pm we left the so alluring island.
We started packing up our things as we plan to check-out at 1pm. Oh we even had our lunch at the resort. We had chicken adobo and sisig. It was delish! We left the resort at 1:30pm picking us up was our tour guide slash driver from the day before which only cost us Php400, unlike the resort transportation which will cost Php800.
Benoni Port
It kinda took us 30-45 minutes from Mambajo to Benoni port. You will have to purchase your ferry boat ticket outside before you enter the port. When we're finally sitting at the waiting area for our 4:00PM board we found out that the boat was running late and we don't leave until 5:30pm. Instead of waiting in vain we decided to just buy some gifts for people back home. We bought boxes of Pastel, a light and soft bun with yema filled pastry, which you can pair with your morning black coffee and some lanzones which is very abundant during that time of the year.
Photo Credit: visitpinas.com
As we went back to the waiting area I cannot help noticing a group of kids doing some sort of street dancing synchronising with every beat of the drum played by an adult. I kinda grew bored at the waiting area so I went to the basketball court to check out the kids dancing. There was a security guard whom I asked about the jiggling. He said the kids are practicing for the lanzones festival which will be held at the end of the month.
I was really surprised with how hard working the kids were. The choreographer was really strict and could be heard yelling on top of his lungs whenever one would commit a mistake, and they would have to start from the beginning.
The guard I was talking to said that there are 10 schools that will be competing on every municipalities and whoever are the top 2 they will be sent to the capital (Mambajo) to compete with other representatives of the other municipalities. Camiguin is divided into 5 municipalities which will make 10 schools competing for a really grand prize.
The kids I saw practicing was actually last year's champion according to the port security guard and the drivers watching them too who were really kind enough to help me ask permission to take pictures of the kids.
Mark, showed up at the basketball court to check me out coz I have been gone for like 2 hours already. lol. Timely the kids were having their break, I think their teachers brought them some "lugaw" or porridge for snack. That's the time we butt in for some pictures. lol.
The props used were really heavy as I tried to lift some of it. I saw the kids were really exhausted already but they have to be the best to defend their title.
By 5pm our boat has already arrived and we left the island of Camiguin at 5:30pm. The boat was not fully booked which means we can sit anywhere we like. lol. Showing on board was Taken1 which Mark have not seen yet. So you can imagine how serious he was watching in front while I slept and woke up just in time in Cagayan De Oro at 7:30PM.
We checked in at Victoria Suites located at Divisoria. Timely there's a night market every Friday and Saturday. Different bands playing on every other street, booze was overflowing and smoke from grilling was filling the air with its aroma so enticing it was fun.. it was a street party!
We headed back to the hotel so we can retire already as we need to be up early for the next day which is our last day.... Next stop - The pineapple capital, BUKIDNON!
