Descriptive Writing-Travel Brochure

AN ISLAND ESCAPADE

May was a fun month for me. We, together with my father and mother, rode a bus that transported us to Cagayan de Oro terminal. From Cagayan de Oro City it took us one and a half hours to Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, and take any of the hourly scheduled barge across the channels of Mindanao Sea, which dock in either ports of Guinsiliban or Benoni. The barge seems to me as half-century old. But, I couldn't help but appreciate the view of the pear-shaped island from a far. It's so green that gave me a sure impression of how peaceful and virginal our destination will be.

CAMIGUIN ISLAND is said to be Born of Fire. It has seven volcanoes unmatched anywhere else in Southeast Asia. As a matter of fact, the Province has been identified by the Department of Tourism as one of the top 25 tourist destinations in the Philippines, and Number 7 diving spot in the world. After a short ride to Camiguin, we were left with the predicament of traveling 20 km to the capital of Mambajao. We almost waited 20 minutes for the jeepney to fill up. Thankfully we arrived safe and sound to my great grandfather's house. After putting all the luggage, we went out and had an evening meal followed by an early night.

The following day, we rented a multicab to have a pleasant ride at the coastal road of Camiguin and go around the island. I really find the island really charming and clean as we pass its provincial scenery. The First stop was Katibawasan Falls that has been developed into a park and has a minimal fee of Php 10.00. Cemented steps and a few cottages are already placed there. Fortunately at that time, we were the only one at the place. The falls has a majestic height of 250 feet.

After a brief look we decided to take a look at White Island, which is just a sand bar in the middle of the sea. It is sometimes called Alphabet Island as the shape of the sand bar keeps on changing the whole year round depending on the waves and the wind. We went to Secret Cove to have a beautiful view of the island from afar and just outside the resort, there are a number of Sari-sari stores and eateries to eat and buy supplies. It’s also nearby a public market where a number of habal-habals (motorcycles) are waiting to be hired. While we were there, we inquired about the standard of diving on and around the island. Unfortunately, we end up at another location.

From the resort, we drove then to the western tip of the island at Barrio Bonbon where the Sunken Cemetery was found. We timed it exactly on the sunset to get the best light on the place. A huge cross can be found just off shore to mark the location of the community cemetery 20 feet under water that sank when the island volcano erupted. The platform of the large cross was floating and anchored to the sea bed, that's made of concrete. The cross was established as a commemorative gesture for the graves that were lost to the sea. A viewing deck was also constructed at the shore entrance.




We then went on to look at the old Catarman Church ruins, which had also succumbed to the same eruption. Inside the Church are markers and ruined walls. The remains of an Old Spanish church, ruins of adobe walls, belfry and convent are mute witnesses to the wrath of nature. It also allows us a glimpse into the culture of Spanish-era. We decided that it was best to call it a day as drops of rain began to fall and the sun was setting.