2012 in Retrospect: ‘Twas a Blast

And just like that, it is almost February. But before I continue blogging the whats of my 2013, I guess it is only fitting to give closure to 2012 by looking back to the highlights of last year. To say that the previous year is good is an understatement. Let’s just say that it was a blast, if it is the right term for it! Honestly, it may not be as busy as the earlier years but it was certainly one of my best years. The experiences, adventures, misadventures and everything... Read More

The Most Read Travel Guides of 2012

With the year 2013 slowly eating up our calendar, let’s have a quick look on which Travel Guides garnered the most clicks and traffic last year.   10. Travel Guide: Bucas Grande Islands / Sohoton Cove National Park (Socorro) Ranking tenth on the list is the emerging eco-tourism paradise of Bucas Grande in Socorro, Surigao del Norte. Famous for Sohoton Cove, Blue Lagoon and the amazing Tojoman or Jellyfish Lagoon which is home to millions of no-sting, friendly and playful... Read More

Diving in Camiguin

With a different agenda, I returned to the Island Born of Fire, my third time overall and twice in just a span of one year. No I didn’t do the usual island tour, I am through with it twice. I went there to dive! Technically speaking, I have already dive in Camiguin before, specifically in the waters of Mantigue Island. Not the usual Camiguin but it still is. But I have heard a lot of positive reviews on the waters surrounding the main island of the province and my scuba... Read More

Snapshot: Cross Marker of Camiguin’s Sunken Cemetery

The Old Cemetery of Bonbon in Camiguin sank when Mt. Vulcan Daan erupted in 1870’s. Now known as Sunken Cemetery, a concrete cross marker was erected in early 1980′s to commemorate the site of the old cemetery and in memory of the thousands of lives lost during that cataclysmic eruption. For P20 per person, one can cross the water from the mainland Camiguin and reach the cross marker. But getting on top of it is a challenge and a risk, a very big risk. The metallic ladder... Read More

Snapshot: The Beauty of Balingoan

The lighthouse of Balingoan in Misamis Oriental stands proud in the town’s port overlooking the province of Camiguin. The town of Balingoan is a gateway to the Island Born of Fire from mainland Mindanao which is only an hour away by ferry. Everyday, the town becomes busy with tourists crossing the Bohol Sea to and from the nearby province of Camiguin but unknown to many, the small town offers amazing and unspoiled underwater life. The waters off Balingoan including those... Read More

Journey to the Depths of Philippine Underwater World: 100 Dives Milestone

I had a chance to dive in Apo Reef when we returned there last February. It was a memorable one not because it is one of my favorite places to dive but because it marked another milestone in my scuba diving career – my 100th dive! Cute Anemonefish in Moalboal Being a scuba diver for two-and-a-half years opened a door for me to a new dimension. It made me appreciate, understand and love the underwater world more than ever. It changed my life to become more responsible individual,... Read More

Itinerary: Four Days &Three Nights DIY in Camiguin, Bukidnon and CDO

For years, Northern Mindanao holds the title of being adventure and nature capital not only of down south but of the country, a haven for those who love to see nature at its best and those who want some ultimate adrenaline rush. Feel the flux of Cagayan de Oro River, experience the thrill of the longest zipline in the country at Bukidnon and commune with nature’s great offerings in Camiguin. With all these adventures and wonders, you will surely fall in love with Northern... Read More

Medina, Misamis Oriental Dive Against Debris

A scene underneath the water of Medina Port It is always a slow day at the port of Medina, a small town north of Misamis Oriental fronting Gingoog Bay. Save for a big fishing vessel quietly docked in the town’s concrete port, traffic and activities are almost always very light. The big fishing boat was captured by local authorities in the neighboring town of Magsaysay for violating the Fisheries Code of the Philippines (Republic Act 8550) when they illegally entered... Read More

Camiguin Island: Return to Paraiso

Seven years after the Island Born of Fire first awed me, I went back to Camiguin and I realized that not much has changed. I was relieved. Camiguin is still a paradise as it was, wearing its old allure that captured my heart and guarantees to capture others. It’s been so long since I first felt her warm welcome, and since then, I was so anxious to renew my attachment to her… even for a weekend. For the past years since my first visit, my connections to the island were... Read More