Blind man Erik Weihenmayer's climb to the top

In 2008, I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 2001. Would you also believe that he was able to climb the highest mountains on each of the seven continents? Really amazing, huh?

Erik flew in to Manila upon the invitation of Procter & Gamble for him to serve as the company's motivational speaker that year. With his accomplishments despite his physical condition, he surely inspired a lot of people — this writer included.

Check out some more amazing and inspiring details about blind adventurer and motivational speaker Erik Weihenmayer in my article about him in 2008.

To not see, and still believe

Even with his eyes closed — literally and figuratively — Erik Weihenmayer is able to inspire a lot of people simply by sharing with them lessons he himself learned along the “unlighted” path of his life.  

Erik Weihenmayer is one amazing man!

Born in 1968 with a disease called retinoschisis, it was never easy for Erik to accept his blindness. “When I was going blind, I was sort of living in the past,” he narrates. During this time, neither was he using his cane nor learning Braille. “I was sort of refusing to see myself as a blind person because I didn't wanna be blind.” 

Life took a 180-degree turn when one day while walking down a dock, he stepped off the edge. He recalls the experience, “I did a flip in the air and landed on my back on the deck of the boat. I thought that was a good turning point because I realized that it didn't matter so much that I didn't like what was happening.” He later on understood he had two choices in front of him: one was just to sit and listen as life goes by; the other was to climb his way out. He made the obvious choice and he never looked back. Erik learned the skills, understood his situation, identified the challenges and faced them head on. “Sometimes you need to get punched a little bit before you wake up. Sometimes it takes falling to learn,” he adds. That particular experience started him to a path of accepting his blindness and beginning to figure out what he needed to do.

Erik totally lost his sight at the tender age of 13. But this condition didn't stop him from living his life and eventually inspiring others along the way. Compared to sighted individuals, Erik had a vision more powerful than theirs. And definitely clearer. For the next six years of his life, he became a teacher to fifth and sixth graders in the US. “I loved it,” Erik says. “I was very proud to be able to be in front of a classroom full of sighted kids and teaching them, being responsible for their safety.” Being in charge of these kids and helping them become leaders themselves was an excellent source of pride for him.

And although denied of the spectacular scenery from the top of the mountains, this blind man made history in 2001 when he reached the summit of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest. A year after, he completed his seven-year quest to climb the Seven Summits — the highest mountains on each of the seven continents, joining only 100 mountaineers to have accomplished that feat. At age 33, he was also one of the youngest. But more than the feat itself, Erik considers it a great celebration because of all the friends who have helped him in that journey.

With such an inspiring story, it is no wonder he made it to the cover of Time magazine.

So how important is friendship to a guy who couldn't see anything but still manages to accomplish things even a sighted man could not have achieved? His face lit up and although his eyes couldn't sparkle, his smile is more than enough assurance, knowing an array of memories came rushing into his mind. “It’s very important,” he stresses. In fact, the biggest compliment said of him was in an Australian article that reviewed his book. “They were trying to criticize me in my first book. But they said something like there’s nothing remarkable about this man except for the fact that he’s got some amazingly loyal mates that have helped him climb these big mountains.” True enough, Erik acknowledges his “amazingly loyal” friends for being with him through all these quests. “In your life, you have to believe in what you’re doing and you have to believe in each other. I think to entrust each other (is) the foundation to any team.”

This and many others were what Erik was here for — to share his inspiring story and secrets to success to the Procter & Gamble Philippines team. It was a year ago when P&G Philippines set a new vision that has since become the principle that defines how the company operates. That vision was to be the “Greatest of All Time.” Being the third oldest P&G subsidiary globally (it has been in the country for 73 years now), the team is encouraging its members to strive for greatness and be the best that they can be. Last year, they drew inspiration from known personalities who have shown what it takes to be called “great” in their respective fields: five-time Olympic gold medallist Nadia Comaneci and world-class bowling champ Paeng Nepomuceno. This year, the P&G team had the privilege to learn from the inspiring words of Erik himself.

“Before I climbed Mt. Everest, somebody said that if that blind man’s going to climb Everest, people would have laughed. I think it’s very similar to doing anything great. There are a lot of people who don’t share your vision and they don’t believe you. But you have to create a plan and build a great team around you,” Erik philosophizes. “As you move along, build your systems and strategies that are going to make you the best. That’s what I’ve had to do essentially as a blind climber. I had to create all those systems that support me in terms of infrastructure as well as a team. (It’s important for me to) build the right people around me.”

Erik furthers that it was an honor for him to tell the P&G people his story and for them to hear the perspectives of a blind climber because when he speaks about how he did this or that thing and how he built his team, the P&G team members completely see themselves in his words — in terms of building their own team, trying to create more efficiencies and overcoming challenges that come along their ways.

He gave me a copy of his book at the end of our interview. 

Tests and trials are always present to tear us down and make us feel low. And Erik, having surpassed many an adversity in his life, had this to say to people who face their own adversities: “I think most adversities provide us with an opportunity to be better. So in a way, that’s changing our mindset a little bit and understanding that those adversities in our lives, there are ways of using them as a fuel to become better.” He continues, “I know it’s a bit cliché but most of the adversities, when we focus on them, can be used to make ourselves better and stronger. And I tried to look at adversities in that way. I think it’s a bit of a mindset, it’s seeing adversities not necessarily as an impediment, but as a path towards where you want to go.”

It is because of this gift of “seeing” things in a different perspective that Erik proves more and more that he has a “vision” a man with a 20/20 could never see. His vision, without doubt, is of incomparable clarity.

(Published July 22, 2008, The Philippine Star)

Boracay West Cove: Come to the Cove!

Since it already feels like summer, I’m bringing one of my Boracay articles back to life. In 2010, we flew to this island paradise for a fashion and beauty shoot. We stayed in Boracay West Cove, which is located in “Station Zero.” The resort is popularly known among locals as “Pacquiao Resort” since it is owned by Cris and Jovy Aquino, a couple close to the boxing champ.

Depending on one’s preference, the location of Boracay West Cove can be both a pro and a con. If you prefer a quiet time away from the maddening crowd of Stations 1, 2 and 3, then you can experience it here. But if you are one who opts for the beachfront and nightlife experience, be warned that the resort is a little far away from the “usual” Boracay. It will take you a “trek” and a tricycle ride to see the more known side of the island if you come from the resort.  

But staying in Boracay West Cove promises a different kind of “Boracay” experience. Check out my article about it (published in 2010 so there have already been a few changes and developments in the resort).

P.S. Yes, it’s the controversial resort you heard about in the news. As someone who has stayed in the resort, I’m glad it’s business as usual for Boracay West Cove.

Welcome to Boracay West Cove.

Come to the Cove!

By now, the picture-perfect island of Boracay is known the world over. Through the years, it has made many a tourist jiggle and jump for joy with its silky white sand stretches and translucent azure waves. If you think you’ve seen it all in this island paradise, then you’re in for a treat because Boracay still holds a lot of pleasant surprises.

Boracay West Cove promises an unforgettable Boracay experience.
Photo courtesy of the resort's Facebook page

A year ago in the seaside mountain terrain of Diniwid on Boracay Island, an exclusive getaway opened its doors to guests who are seeking a unique vacation destination. At Boracay West Cove, your leisurely escape becomes a timeless experience. Its 12 well-appointed villas (writer's note: as of February 2010), which stand out like an architectural wonder atop the age-old rock formation, have been meticulously furnished and customized so you get to greet the morning sun and experience the famous Boracay sunset right from your private lanai.

This is the view from the rooms.
Photo courtesy of the resort's Facebook page

This was the same view that businessman Crisostomo “Cris” Aquino fell in love with when he visited Boracay for the first time a few years ago. “I have been to a lot of places abroad but it was Boracay that really captured my heart,” says Cris, who decided later on that he wanted to own a piece of the island so he could have a place to stay when he retires. “I loved the sea even back then so I would travel to beaches and resorts outside of the Philippines. Then I discovered Boracay and it made me realize that our country has so much to offer to beach lovers like me.”

Off the cliff: One of the many stunning views in the resort.

Ahh, I can stay in this spot for a whole day... 

Investing his hard-earned money, Cris collaborated with an architect friend (who Cris shares is a Malabon boy so “he basically knows how to build something on the water”) to build his own “paradise-cove” in Boracay. They made use of the island’s indigenous resources such as old molave slabs, weavings and mattings to give visitors an insight into the local culture and lifestyle.

Island-style tropical meets contemporary in Boracay West Cove as the villas come equipped with LCD cable TV with DVD surround, coffee-making machine, private kitchen, split-type air-conditioning and Internet access. Relax and unwind with the sound of the sea at the cabanas situated all over the resort, where you can book for a therapeutic massage while enjoying the stunning sea cliff view. Whatever you need, the friendly staff will willingly be at your beck and call.

Witness the sun rise and set from your room.
Photo courtesy of the resort's Facebook page

Deluxe Room.
Photo courtesy of the resort's Facebook page

With this kind of room, you have every reason not to go out.
Photo courtesy of the resort's Facebook page

Sunset as viewed from the balcony of our room.

For the past year alone (writer's note: 2010), Cris proudly shares that the resort’s occupancy rate during the off-peak season went as high as 85 percent, with Taiwanese and Chinese couples as its main visitors. “Our guests love that the resort is the total opposite of the other stations in Bora. They love the peace and quiet that West Cove can offer to them. Most of our guests are returning,” says Cris, who then reveals that his good friend, Pinoy boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, together with his wife Jinkee and their kids, frequent West Cove. (The resort is popularly known as “Pacquiao Resort” among the locals. West Cove owner Cris Aquino is Pacquiao’s flag bearer in his fights.)

Chot and I at Boracay West Cove in February 2010.

At the time, there were only two floors of rooms and construction of the 3rd and 4th floors was ongoing.

The group having a sumptuous breakfast. 

After a successful year of operation, Cris is taking the West Cove experience to a whole new level. Thirteen rooms are being constructed to accommodate more visitors. Soon, Café Crisostomo and Station Zero (an adept name for the resort’s location, coming before Station 1) will satisfy guests’ gustatory pleasures. Requests for a land shuttle and taxi boat to and from Bora Stations 1, 2 and 3 are also underway. The plan, however, that matters most to Cris is the marine life reserve for coral reef rehabilitation and protection of Boracay’s giant clams. “I’d like our beachfront to have like a water park where guests can snorkel and experience the deep-sea natural wonders of the island. I am proud that we do our part in keeping Boracay an environment-friendly place,” he notes.

Our "sundo" at the Kalibo Airport. He only got "Philippine Star" right. The rest was... :-)

Since we're riding a speedboat to the resort, we weren't brought to the Caticlan jetty port but were dropped in this "other" port instead.

And off we go to Boracay West Cove!

Going to Station 1 from Boracay West Cove? Part 1 is "trekking."

Part 2 is a tricycle ride.

And then this view greets you!

Boracay West Cove in 2010.

(For inquiries, call +63 36 288-4279 or +63922-3231083. You may also log on to www.boracaywestcove.com) Revel on the white sand as far as the eye can see. Awake to the majesty of inviting blue waters. Delight in pastel-colored skies that linger long after the sun has come down. Enjoy spectacular sea cliff view from your own room. These are only few of the many reasons why Boracay is still on top of everybody’s must-visit summer destinations. Cris Aquino concludes, “When you go to Bora, come to the Cove. At Boracay West Cove, you don’t just imagine paradise, you experience it!”

(Published April 22, 2010, The Philippine Star)

Amara en Terrazas in Punta Fuego: Home sea home

Amara en Terrazas.
Photo courtesy of Landco Pacific Corporation

There will always come a time when life becomes a tad too overwhelming. For some, they take sheer delight in discovering new destinations to spend a day or two of rest and relaxation. But for many others, they invest on a place where they may just find their personal paradise and stay there not only for a couple of days, but for as long as they feel the need to unwind and commune with nature.

Ask the many people who have bought a condominium unit at the Amara en Terrazas in the most prime location of Terrazas de Punta Fuego and they will tell you that not only did they purchase a space in Punta Fuego’s luxury oceanfront apartments. They have also acquired an attached membership to Club Punta Fuego to further enhance that dream seaside living in the country’s premiere beach residential community.

Nestled on a gently sloping terrain of Nasugbu, Batangas and built 75 meters above the sea, Amara en Terrazas offers natural wonders and modern leisure facilities comparable with the best in the region. East romances West as this residential resort haven boasts of Spanish and Asian fusion architecture, characterized by the seamless integration of man-made and natural environment. True to its name, Amara en Terrazas (terrace) also features balconies that embrace the outdoors and overlook Nasugbu’s silky sand beaches just below the residences. To provide residents with nothing but the best, Amara braces every escape with the rare ease of condominium living: two- and three-bedroom units with two-story high ceilings, outdoor jacuzzis and other luxuriant amenities, while offering unique and unobstructed views of the pristine waters of the South China Sea, the Terrazas Cove and nearby communities.

Just like what Landco Pacific Corp. excellently accomplished with Peninsula de Punta Fuego, the real estate company is once again raising the bar through Terrazas de Punta Fuego. That is why house and lot owners in Terrazas have access to Club Punta Fuego’s facilities — Peninsula de Punta Fuego (which includes its main country club with infinity pool, dining facility, fitness gym and spa salon; upper and lower beach clubs; 9-hole executive golf courses and casitas) and Terrazas de Punta Fuego Beach Club (with infinity pool, restaurant and snack bar; cabanas and boardwalk with view decks). Capturing the elite and luxurious lifestyle that is uniquely Punta Fuego, Amara — the synthesis of Amor (love) and Mar (sea) — embodies the tranquil and soothing ambience of a resort and access to the expansive world-class recreational amenities and facilities of Club Punta Fuego.

Terrazas de Punta Fuego.
Photo courtesy of Landco Pacific Corporation

Furthermore, Landco is inviting prospective clients to view an exhilarating panorama of the mountains and coastlines, reaching as far as the Matabungkay area, from up there — at The Peak, the newest phase of Terrazas de Punta Fuego. It is located at the highest levels and living up to its name, The Peak allows its residents to enjoy nature at every corner of the eye. Currently under construction, this new community will also offer new village amenities such as a central pavilion and park with swimming pool amenity and a linear park along a steep ridge overlooking the vast Nasugbu plains. Its houses will carry the same theme as the entire Terrazas de Punta Fuego development: Spanish-Mediterranean fused with Asian architecture. At The Peak, one gets to experience a different kind of “high.”

***

After only more than a decade in the industry of real estate, Landco Pacific Corp. has distinguished itself as a company of infinite creativity. From the very start, it has envisioned to develop land in order to create superior value and enhance lifestyles while preserving the environment. Regarded as an industry leader, the people behind Landco knows that there is always something to do and will never rest on their laurels. (The company will soon launch the three-story Main Street Hotel, which features 68 deluxe rooms and suites and a diverse collection of dining and retail establishments. This will be an additional treat to residents and guests of Playa Calatagan, the country’s first leisure-tourism estate designed around a beach community located in Calatagan, Batangas.) Whether it’s a picturesque seaside resort community or a charming village of verdant groves and well-kept gardens, the company will continue to satisfy the diverse market it serves.

We're off to Terrazas. Photo was taken more than 5 years ago so that explains why we're all so bagets. :-)

Excited to swim?

Jacuzzi.
Photo courtesy of Landco Pacific Corporation

A good spot to occupy.

Sun, sand and sea at Terrazas de Punta Fuego.

We discovered that it's not that easy to kayak.

Chot and I trying our best to be synchronized.

***

A sprawling 61-hectare development, Terrazas de Punta Fuego will be more than just your weekend home. Here, you can sit back, relax and live the good life. You will discover that home, after all, is not so far away — only two and a half hours away from Manila.

(Published May 20, 2008, The Philippine Star)

Ready for V-Day!

A day before the whole world gets all truly, madly, deeply in love, most women are already stressed out on how to make this special day an unforgettable one for them and their significant other.

Valentine’s Day is the time of the year when you write down a list of reasons why you love your special someone. To show him that he is worth your time and effort, you take conscious effort to look your best for the man you love. Everything is set — your clothes, your shoes, your bag. So, what about your face?

Add spark to your romantic holiday by looking hot and sexy for your much-anticipated Valentine date. Don’t fret as makeup company Ever Bilena has everything covered for you for tomorrow’s big event.

For the extra romantic feel, wear red lipstick on Valentine's Day!
Photos courtesy of www.philstar.com

Ever Bilena 12 Shades Eyeshadow

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to focus on your eye makeup. With all that gazing and looking at each other’s eyes, you surely don’t want to distract his attention with an unattractive eye makeup. Ever Bilena 12 Shades Eyeshadow is a palette of 12 shimmery and matte eyeshadow shades to choose from. It’s perfect for both daytime and evening date. It is also small and compact so it perfectly fits into your purse; its built-in mirror is a welcome treat for retouch sessions. It is enriched with Vitamin E so the skin around the eyes is radiant and glowing all throughout the day.

Ever Bilena Cheek Blush

Make your special someone blush over you when he sees your flawless makeup. Ever Bilena Cheek Blush provides the skin a gorgeous glow. With the help of Vitamin E and Mica, fine lines are softened, skin texture appears more even and smoother skin tone is achieved.

V-Day is the perfect opportunity to focus on your eye makeup.

Ever Bilena Advance Lighting Lip Gloss

Others say that Valentine’s Day is all about going red, red, red! So why not try putting on red lipstick! Try Ever Bilena Advance Lighting Lip Gloss, which is delicately formulated with Vitamin E to protect your lips from drying up. The spill-proof container and built-in lights and mirror are all perfect for quick touch-ups.

EB Signature Body Mist

The fragrance a woman wears speaks a lot about her personality. EB Signature Body Mist is the choice when you want to be sweet and alluring. It has a touch of luscious fruits and a blend of sun-splashed blossoms with chamomile and aloe leaf extracts.

Photography by Mau Aguasin • Styling by Ira Mata • Makeup by Thoty Primavera for Ever Bilena • Hairstyling by Arman Mista for Ever Bilena • Models: Christine Hermoso and Katrina Rigets • Cosmetics by Ever Bilena • Accessories by Marge Abas (www.estrellasmanila.multiply.com) • Shot on location at the Marriott Hotel • Special thanks to Ms. Mitch Garcia 

(Published Feb. 13, 2011, The Philippine Star)

Captivating Camiguin: Island Born of Fire

Despite the weather disturbance near Mindanao when we were in Cagayan de Oro in August 2013, we made sure to see Camiguin, the second smallest island in the country. Known for its distinct beauty and charm, the "Island Born of Fire" did not disappoint. (It has seven volcanoes; one, Mt. Hibok Hibok, is active.)

Camiguin: Island Born of Fire.

Mt. Hibok Hibok as seen from the balcony of our room. 

From CDO, we traveled for 2 hours to Balingoan Port. From the port, we rode a ferry to Benoni Port in Camiguin.

From Cagayan de Oro, ride a bus to Balingoan, where the port to Camiguin is located.

It's a two-hour ride from Cagayan de Oro to Balingoan.

Upon arrival in the island, we immediately headed to our island tour. Spots that we visited included Walkway to the Old Volcano/ Stations of the Cross, Sto Nino Cold Spring, Bura Soda Waterpark, Ardent Hot Spring, Old Church Ruins, and the famed Sunken Cemetery. We were also brought to the viewing decks of Mantigue Island and White Island.

Welcome to Camiguin White Island Beach Resort!

We stayed at Camiguin White Island Beach Resort for P1,000 per night. 

Yey, beach at the back of the resort.

Rent a multicab to bring you to spots in the island. Use your bargaining skills. 

Since the LPA had already turned into a storm, we had to shuttle back to CDO so we decided to visit White Island some other time. The sea travel back to CDO was a little scary with the big waves but to our amazement, schools of dolphins became our instant entertainment!

Check out my article about our trip to captivating Camiguin!

8 reasons to visit Camiguin

The fact that Camiguin has seven volcanoes (one of them, Mt. Hibok, is active!) already draws adventure-seekers to this island in the Northern coast of Mindanao. Within its five municipalities (Mambajao, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay, and Catarman) lies a treasure trove of must-see and must-experience attractions—most of them with a history to tell.

Although it is the second smallest island in the country, Camiguin has huge offerings to travelers wanting to experience its character and charm. Check out these eight reasons to come see Camiguin!

1. To go for a refreshing dip in hot and cold springs

Whether you prefer a hot or cold dip, Camiguin does not disappoint. Beat the heat (especially when you visit in the summer) with the water in Sto. Niño Cold Spring, which will make you shiver at 20 degrees Celsius. But, it’s a different feeling knowing you’ve conquered the cold.

Cold treatment: Sto. Niño Cold Spring.

Brrrr: Chot and Gore enjoying the cold spring.

And I opted to just stay at the cottage since I'm allergic to super cold temperature. But I enjoyed the fresh buko juice.

Meanwhile, a visit to Ardent Hot Springs will help you relax after a long day of touring the island. A dip in the hot spring (40 degrees Celsius) will ease your tired muscles and joints. It’s actually a refreshing way to end a day in Camiguin.

Hot, hot, hot: Ardent Hot Spring.

A panorama shot inside the hot spring. Unfortunately, it was raining hard when we got there.

You may also want to try swimming at the Bura Soda Water Park. According to a sign posted inside the resort, “Drinking soda water is good for hydration, making you feel full, therefore decreasing overall food consumption." Also, “studies show that soda water reduces osteoporosis, decreases cardiovascular disease risk, and lowers blood pressure.” It’s the only one of its kind in the country.

Good soda here: Bura Soda Waterpark. 

This is noted. 

Fancy a swim?

2. To go on a spiritual journey

How secluded Camiguin is makes it an ideal venue for reflection and meditation. One can also marvel at the wonderful works of one's Creator, what with the amazing attractions in Camiguin.

Climb the steps of the Walkway to the Old Volcano, where you'll pass life-size statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross. During the Lenten season, devotees take the long way up to complete the stations.

The climb: Walkway to the Old Volcano.

Yes, stations of the cross on your way up. 

But you can also rest and catch your breath.

You may also visit the Old Church Ruins in Bonbon, Catarman, built in 1679. On May 13, 1871, Mt. Vulcan erupted, and the tranquil town was engulfed in the ashes, with only the ruins of the church and its bell tower left behind.

Old Church Ruins in Camiguin.

A panorama shot of the church ruins.

3. To visit the famed Sunken Cemetery

Another area submerged in Catarman was the resting place of the locals. Today, a large white cross marks the cemetery that got submerged in the sea after the volcano erupted. Be at this picture-perfect spot shortly before the sun disappears from the horizon, and you’ll see the pastel hues of a glorious sunset as backdrop of the giant white cross. The eerie feeling you get from the spectacle adds to the charm of the place.

The most photographed spot in Camiguin.

The cross marker at the Sunken Cemetery.

Chot saying a prayer.

4. To experience the breathtaking waterfalls

Fall in love with Camiguin’s many waterfalls, two of the most popular of which are Katibawasan Falls and Tuasan Falls. Make your way underneath the 76-meter-high Katibawasan Falls to feel the cascading water. The Tuasan Falls, on the other hand, are harder to reach. But their raw beauty is worth the trek. Along the way, you’ll get to commune with nature as you pass by verdant greenery and even cross a river.

Passed by this sign on the way to the Soda Waterpark.

Mesmerizing Katibawasan Falls.
Photo courtesy of the Camiguin Tourism Association

5. To go on an exciting ocean trip

Although there are already direct flights to Camiguin from Manila, going to Camiguin via ferry is an adventure in itself. Most tourists land in Cagayan de Oro and travel for two hours by bus to Balingoan, another town in Misamis Oriental. You then take an hour’s ferry ride from Balingoan Port to Benoni Port in Camiguin. If you’re lucky like our group, you’ll get some entertainment along the way—like a school of dolphins.

Ferry fares (as of August 2013).

Port of Balingoan. 

The ferry that will take us to Camiguin.

Boarding time. 

A trip's always fun when you travel with friends!

All aboard.

Welcome to Camiguin: Port of Benoni.

Schools of dolphins on our way back to Balingoan from Camiguin.

6. To go island hopping and enjoy water activities

Visit White Island, which, as the name implies, is a white sandbar with Mt. Hibok Hibok and Mt. Vulcan as its backdrop. Tourists can bask in the sun and enjoy the sea and sand in this C-shaped island.

White Island as seen from our resort.

White Island with Mt. Hibok Hibok and Mt. Vulcan as its backdrop.
Photo courtesy of Camiguin Tourism Association

Mantigue Island, on the other hand, is an ideal place to swim, snorkel, and dive. Located off the coast of Camiguin, Mantigue Island houses a fishing village and boasts of a white sand beach with coral offshore.

Mantigue Island.
Photo courtesy of Camiguin Tourism Association

7. To try the lanzones

Camiguin is best known for its sweet lanzones. Locals celebrate harvesting this fruit with the Lanzones Festival every October. When you visit the island during this most festive time, you’ll see people on the streets dancing, just like in any fiesta in the Philippines. That is how the locals regard the fruit that gives them their livelihood.

Lanzones Festival.
Photo courtesy of Camiguin Tourism Association

8. To try the Vjandep pastel

Yes, saying goodbye to this wonderful island is never an easy thing. But before heading home, pass by Vjandep Bakery. This famous landmark in Camiguin is where you can buy the famous Vjandep pastel,a bun with a sweet filling that delightfully melts in your mouth. The most popular is the yema filling, but you may also want to try other fillings such as cheese, ube, pineapple, mango, langka, and macapuno, among others.

Don't forget to buy pasalubong here.

What are you waiting for? Set off for Camiguin, a small but stunning island with so much beauty—and rich history—to offer.

Lovers who fell in love with Camiguin.

Souvenirs, anyone?

(Published September 9, 2013, Kristn.com)