CAMIGUIN: The Best Crispy Dried Squid Ever!

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Skinless dried pusit

When we arrived at our Camiguin Island Hometel, plenty of squid vendors were approaching us. They were like mushrooms came out from different directions hoping everyone will buy even just a pack from them.

There were two kinds of dried squid for sale, one with skin and the other is skinless. At first I was wondering what's the difference between the two aside from the skin. Why is that the skinless is more expensive than the other because they sell it 3 for 100 and the other is 5 for 100, if my memory served my right. We actually bought 2 kinds to have 2 different pasalubongs.

That night, we tried skinless squid since have 2 free packs, and everyone were surprised. It was totally heaven! I haven't tasted as tasty as this "pusit" (squid) dipped in vinegar before. It was so crispy, very addicting, inviting you to munch more as it perfectly combines with the dip. Compare to what we usually buy from supermarkets or from sidewalk vendors, it was totally different. I swear! Because of that experience, we asked our Hometel to cook it for us the next day again.

On the other hand, we cooked the pusit with skin when went back home and were a little bit disappointed. I thought this one would be more tastier since it has skin that would add flavor to the dish. It was so hard to bite and has a rubbery texture. I was disappointed then, I just realized why it is much cheaper than the other. When I got back to Camiguin, I would definitely snob this and buy bunch of dried skinless pusit!

Camiguin skinless pusit is superb! Nothing can beat this pusit pasalubong ever.

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CAMIGUIN: Kiping: The Island's Amazing Delicacy

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Kiping is one of unique delicacy found at Camiguin. It is made from dried sweet potatoes, grounded, mixed with water then fried. Interesting idea, who would've thought that it's possible. This thin, crispy, five-peso food can be a desert or a snack during your tour around the Island.

It is big as a medium-size plate drizzled with with "latik", a sweet caramelized coconut sauce but not so sweet which tastes like flat, sweet "kropek". This delicacy is a must try!

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CAMIGUIN: Catarman - Old Guiob Church Ruins After Several Years

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Old church convent

1871 Volcanic eruption made this century old half-exposed remnants of the Guiob church ruins one of the Island's and Philippine historical tourist spot.

Old Guiob Church ruins

Local government of Camiguin maintained the ruins of this church to make it more attractive to tourists. They planted trees trees beside the church, fences and bermuda grasses. Upon entering, you will notice a small chapel inside the ruins for the locals nearby and tourists who wants to offer prayers. At the back of the ruins, you can see it's old bell tower, old convent and tree after Mt. Vulcan eruption.

Old church bell tower

Things you can do
1. Take pictures
2. Pray at the chapel
3. Light up candles inside the chapel

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CAMIGUIN: Mambajao Katibawasan Falls - Itinerary, How To Get There, Things To Bring, Considerations, Expenses and Budget

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ITINERARY
5:00 - ETD Balingoan port Cagayan de Oro
7:30 - ETA Camiguin
8:30 - Katibawasan Falls

HOW TO GET THERE
From Manila you can take flights to Cagayan de Oro. From there you can take a cab or bus to Agora market to Balingoan port. At Balingoan buy ticket bound to Camiguin Island, approximately 2-3 hours ride. From the the you can hire a motorela or multicab for you tour around the Camiguin Island including the Katibawasan falls.

THINGS TO BRING
Swimming clothes
Extra clothes
Food


CONSIDERATIONS
1. Slippery 'coz its wet - Be careful walking around, it is so slippery there were so many algae around.
2. Extreme cold - check water temperature first before getting in to the waters, it can give colds especially for children.
3. Pasalubong - You can buy your swimming clothes and some "pasalubongs" at the main entrance.

EXPENSES AND BUDGET
P300 - rent to Katibawasan Falls multicab
P15   - Entrance for adults
P6     - Entrance for below 6 years old


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CAMIGUIN: Mambajao - Reason Why Few People Swim At Katibawasan Falls

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Having a Camiguin Island tour is definitely a must go spot and you'll never have a chance to miss this 250-feet high Katibawasan falls. It cascades down to its man-made bluish-green catch basin which is surrounded by green trees, plants and ferns. It beautifully located at Mt. Timpoong brgy. upper Pandan, Mambajao. Yes it is a waterfalls found on an Island.

Because of its location, coldness of the fresh water from the mountain will definitely make you think hard if you are going to swim or not. Coolness can be felt upon entering the gates.

If you weren't able to bring your swimming attire or extra clothes, there are plenty of stores and souvenir shop before entering the gate. You can also eat in a "carinderia" nearby if you don't have plans to have picnic near the falls.

When went here, it was early in the morning and we were the firsts to experience the falls that day. The water was very clean but it was so cold like what I mentioned earlier, I guess I can't stand it if I plunge in. So just decided to look at them from afar enjoying and take some pictures. Yeah I'm ok and I don't want to be frozen. Next time I would prefer to go here during summer noon that would be very refreshing, I hope. I don't know where or how it is named as "Katibawasan Falls", but for me because of it's freezing cold water surely your "kati mababawasan" haha.

There were no cottage around except for 1 not so nice cement table on the side, so when you go here I guess you can just put your things on the ground, especially peak season where bunch of people will definitely seek this falls.

You can find changing rooms near the falls but it's not that so nice, not advisable for females because someone can peep under, kinda dirty, no water and lights. If you want more privacy and go to comfort room, you can climb up to the stairs at the reception area.

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MISAMIS ORIENTAL: Cagayan de Oro - White Water Rafting: Itinerary, How to Get there, Things To Bring, Budget and Expenses

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Planning for a water rafting escape doesn't have to be perfect. It also doesn't mean you have to leave it all in your instincts and luck, you have to see a guide or at least have an idea to avoid untoward incidents. Here's my CDO water rafting essentials you might want to check out.

ITINERARY
12:30nn - Pick up at Brewberry Cafe
1:30pm - ETA jump-off
2:00pm - Started orientation
2:20pm - Started Advance course
5:30pm - Finished Advance course
5:45pm - Back to the hotel

HOW TO GET THERE
The activity is usually organized by your chosen travel agency, they will fetch you from a pick up point or from where you are staying. It is a must to have reservations and arrange schedule you want.

Schedule of pick-up:
First trip: 7:30am-8am
Second trip: 12:00-12:30

THINGS TO BRING
Quick dry clothes
Rash guards/ Long sleeves
Extra clothes
Toiletries
Personal zip locks
Sandals or slippers with strap/ Aqua shoes
Sunblock
Waterproof camera
Snack

BUDGET AND EXPENSES
This depends on what course you are going to try and what kind of package you want.

You might want to know what to expect on this adventure at:
MISAMIS ORIENTAL - Cagayan de Oro White Water Rafting: What To Expect


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MISAMIS ORIENTAL: Cagayan de Oro - What To Expect in Water Rafting

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One of my goals in life is to experience an extreme hobby or sport and one of that would be water rafting adventure! White water rafting will totally pump up your adrenaline as you conquer raging 14-20 rapids in each course which we did at Cagayan de Oro city.Actually many people think that this kind of activity is really dangerous and kinda hard to learn.

This adventure has 3 different course that you can choose from: beginner, advance and extreme.
1. Beginner - a 12.32 km. river stretch that has 14 rapids starting  from Brgy. Mambuaya to Kabula.
2. Advance course 1 - a 20 km river course with 21 major rapids that you will surely enjoy from Brgy. Ugiaban to Mambuaya
3. Advance course 2 - from Brgy. Quary to Mambuaya 13 km with 13 major rapids which is moderately difficult.
4. Extreme - a 22 km adventurous stretch from bukidnon to CDO. A much difficult rapids with high and irregular waves.

We basically chose Advance because we don't want to have baby rapids from beginner's course and not Extreme since it was our first time and really don't know yet what to expect.

Upon arrival at the jump off, each were given individual equipment and went to the starting or practice area. Before getting into the boat and paddle, groups were oriented with the proper techniques, commands and safety precautions by their boat guide once engaged into the waters and rapids. Then after all of those, we were ready for the challenge!

It was so exciting! Fear of falling from the side of the rubber boat really made my heart beat faster. That was first few rapids, but as we came across more and more of it, we felt that we can conquer it confidently, still with excitement.

Unlike other people think that it was just bunch of rapids, due to most of photos and videos were going through the waves, we also did experience calm river and rowed till we reach the next cascade of water.

The Advance course adventure was really unforgettable and I recommend it to everyone of any age. It tooks us about 5-6 hours to finish it. Just imagine that! I can say it is safe if you will follow all the rules and instructions of the guide. "Power forward..1..2.." Do you think we didn't had experience felling from our boat? You're wrong! Actually there are some portion in the course wherein they intend to make your boat out of balance and hope all of you will fall. Haha, actually it's included in what we paid for! That's a secret huh. Next time we will definitely try the Extreme one!

The last rapids

You might want to see Essentials for this adventure at:
ESSENTIALS - CDO White Water Rafting: Itinerary, How to Get there, Things To Bring, Budget and Expenses

Me fell from the boat.

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MISAMIS ORIENTAL: El Salvador City -The Divine Mercy Hills - Tallest Shrine Of Its Kind In The World!!

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Divine Mercy Hills located at PSB Ulaliman, El Salvador city, Misamis Oriental Mindanao is one of the sought after site for pilgrimage and devotion now.

They say that this 9.8 hectare location was discovered 2003 and used to be planted by coconut and sineguelas trees was developed and became house of 50-feet. statue of Divine Mercy, which is the tallest of its kind in the world. Who would've thought that?

This holy place is respected by so many people as caretakers always remind visitors to wear and behave properly, especially females once they enter. No shorts or other revealing clothes allowed. If tourist, like us who went there wearing shorts, not properly attired, administrators will advise you to wear long skirts or malong, even the guys, located at the entrance for free. However donation is accepted.

It was late afternoon when we went there, still more people came to visit the place. One thing you shouldn't miss here is to climb the stairs to the 50-feet high statue, which I myself missed because it's not allowed to bring anything at the top, just yourself, no cameras, no cellphones. They don't have lockers for visitors that time. But before doing that you have to listen first on their 5 minute seminar-like talk to prepare yourselves and have some orientations at the prayer area.

Thousands of chairs facing Divine Mercy Statue.

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LANAO DEL NORTE: Iligan City - When I Met The Captivating Maria Cristina Falls

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Maria Cristina falls, known first by most us through books during our elementary days was very technical for students. We all know that this is the source of electricity in Iligan city, hydrothermal is what they called it.

We went there off season so we really enjoyed our site viewing there, took a lot of photos and enjoyed its relaxing rushing sound of water. However, we don't have enough time to explore the park, we just opted to spend aloted time at the falls area.

They say Maria Cristina falls is a "Twin Falls", which usually happens during rainy season because of heavy waters catched in basin. But when went there just saw a single huge falls from afar. A really fascinating scene though compared on books.

In spite of it's great beauty and luscious waters, the management don't allow people to swim there or even come closer to the falls itself for safety reasons.

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LANAO DEL NORTE: Iligan City - Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House: Review, How To Get There

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REVIEW
After experiencing Tinago falls we went to this ancestral home. Place was well preserved and nice to visit. It's not like a museum type but you can still experience the house. However, like any other heritages, things inside the rooms are not allowed to be touched and used. You can check the place less than 30 minutes including your picture taking since it's just a small place with two floors.

Admission fee is free but you can give donations. Visiting hours at Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral house is every Monday to Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm and Saturday to Sunday, 9:00am-4:00pm with everyday lunch breaks from 12:00nn-1:00pm.

How to get there

From Iligan city, you ride jeepney bound to Buru-un and ask the driver to drop you off there. It's easy to locate along the highway since it has a welcome arch at the gate.


Related posts:
LANAO DEL NORTE - Tinago Falls: 4 Exciting Things You Can Do At This Fascinating Place
ESSENTIALS - Tinago Falls: How To Get There, Things To Bring, Budget and Expenses
LANAO DEL NORTE - Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House: Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Old School Photos
LANAO DEL NORTE - Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral house: Two Presidents In One House
LANAO DEL NORTE - Maria Cristina Falls: From Books To Reality



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LANAO DEL NORTE: Iligan City - Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Old School Photos

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Since this house was built around 1950's, Gloria's some of childhood memories remained intact like the house itself, the wooden crafts, the rooms, the playhouse and some of her photos.

One of the most intriguing portrait of Gloria was the one hanging beside the staircase to second floor. Yes she was just wearing a green cloth in front of an artist then. In 2009 of July, there was a rumor that she went on a plastic surgeon to have some breast enhancement. Actually they say that this portrait was intentionally displayed to show the public if she really had adjustments before.

Here are other photos of her found at the house:

Arroyo Family pic.

Wedding picture of her

Her younger years.

Picture hanged on her room. Gloriang Gloria since then! 

Related posts:
LANAO DEL NORTE - Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral house
ESSENTIALS - Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House: How To Get There

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LANAO DEL NORTE: Iligan City - Two Presidents In Lived In One House

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Another tourist spot in Iligan city that you might want to visit is the Macaraeg-Macapagal ancestral house where two once powerful people of the country lived together on a same house, Gloria and Diosdado Macapagal. Last 2002, this classy house was declared as one of the heritage house in the country.

Outside the lawn you will notice a statue of the two presidents guided by his father while playing the swing. Inside and outside were obviously maintained well to attract tourist more and keep as Iligan's municipality's important site.

Inside of this two storey house is like a little museum as you will notice how they arrange their memorabilia of pictures and important carfts around the house. Original rooms were also preserved like Macapagal's office, Gloria's room, Diosdado's room, play house, dining area and living room.

Another thing that capture everybody's attention was Gloria-Arroyo's sexy portrait hanging beside the stairs up. I actually couldn't imagine that she made this pose for hours in a green piece of cloth. More old pictures of the family can be seen at the second floor of the hard-wood inspired house.

Know how to get there at ESSENTIALS - Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House: How To Get There

Related posts:
LANAO DEL NORTE - Tinago Falls: 4 Exciting Things You Can Do At This Fascinating Place
ESSENTIALS - Tinago Falls: How To Get There, Things To Bring, Budget and Expenses
LANAO DEL NORTE - Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House: Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Old School Photos
ESSENTIALS - Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House: How To Get There
LANAO DEL NORTE - Maria Cristina Falls: From Books To Reality


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LANAO DEL NORTE: Iligan City Tinago Falls - How To Get There, Things To Bring, Budget and Expenses

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Planning for a waterfalls escape doesn't have to be perfect. It also doesn't mean you have to leave it all in your instincts and luck, you have to see a guide or at least have an idea to avoid untoward incidents. Here's my Tinago Falls essentials you might want to check out.

REVIEW
This falls was so captivating, once you it you won't miss the chance to jump on it at once. Waters were cold like any other falls. Bluish ''green on its catch basin that made the scene so inviting. Place is also huge and lots of mini falls around aside from the main falls itself. Also, there are lots of areas perfect for waterscape and portrait photoshoots.

HOW TO GET THERE
You can hire a cab or a van around the airport premise that can tour you around Iligan city to avoid hassle. (P400/pax)

THINGS TO BRING
Swimming clothes/ swim wear
Extra clothes
Towel
Toiletries
Food

BUDGET AND EXPENSES
P10 - Entrance Fee
P20 - Life jacket
P400 - Iligan City tour

Optional expenses
P10 - Bamboo Raft Rental
P5   - Restroom
P50 - Cottage

Know what to expect and activities to do by visiting this link.
LANAO DEL NORTE - Tinago Falls: 4 Things You Can Do At This Fascinating Place

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LANAO DEL NORTE: Iligan City - 4 Exciting Things You Can Do At Fascinating Tinago Falls

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All the way from Cavite, we visited one of Iligan's hidden gem, the Tinago Falls, after approximately 5 hours from the airport. It's named after it's location description which means "hidden". From the jump-off, you will descend approximately 500 steps to the falls and will witness the cascading waters splash down on it's huge pool-like basin. This fascinating scene is truly a reward for everyone who will visit the place.

The main falls approximately 200 feet gave me a misty effect on my photos with a glaze from the sun's rays hiding behind trees. They said this scene usually happen when huge amount of waters rage in.

4 Things to do
Here are activities you will surely never regret to experience once you got here.
1. Swimming on the bluish green water basin - After 500 steps from the jump-off to the falls, it's really inviting to swim at once on it's deep cold waters. Guides give every visitors life jacket each for safety purposes.

2. Climbing to the small falls - Aside from the main attraction of the place,the main falls, there were also minis  found nearby. It was really fun to swim from the cottage area to the rock area where you will climb to reach the top most part of it. Very exciting and nice to have picture takings.

3. Diving on the deepest portion of the basin - The thing I am really scared of is to jump on a high point into the waters. I was amazed by those people who jumped as high as the main falls as they hold through the trees's roots and suddenly let go, dive and perform exhibitions.

4. Getting closer to the main falls via a raft - This magnificent place was truly captivating as you reach towards the falls through a bamboo raft. Yes, you can get closer to it by pulling the rope while on the raft. As you get closer, you'll feel colder and colder due to rambling waters falling from the highest point of the falls. Pulled harder till you get nearer, and slipped on the slippery surface of the bamboos harder too. lol. Don't worry you have a guide with you that will help all the way till you get back to the starting point.

To know the complete essentials, budget and expenses we spent, click our Travel Essentials visit
ESSENTIALS - Tinago Falls: How To Go There, Things To Bring, Budget and Expenses

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