Saturating the Lustrous Camiguin Island

"God said, "Let the water below the sky be gathered together in one place...and the water gathered together and he called Seas."

Gen 1:9-10

Camiguin is a pear shaped volcanic island at the northern tip of Mindanao. According to my research, it is said to be the most peaceful island paradise in the whole of Philippines.

Yes, yes, yes. We are going to talk about Camiguin.

This island was discovered in 1565 by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. It is the second smallest province in population and land area (first is Batanes). Camiguin was visited by Me on 2006, the year when I only have a point and shoot camera.

Camiguin has been famous for its sunken cemetery. This part of Camiguin used to be the capital of this province. When Mount Vulcan erupted in 1875, this part of Camiguin sunk. The whole area was still visible then when it is low tide but in 1948 to 1953, the area sunk deeper for at least 25 feet due to eruptions of Mt. Vulcan. According to our tour guide, the big cross was built in 1982 as a landmark for the graves of their ancestors.

Mount Hibok Hibok is one of the many active volcanos in Camiguin. This mountain rose behind the town of Mambajao. It won't be an easy climb up that bump. One must be a seasoned climber to reach its top. This has been a background of the White Island beach.

There are a couple of water formations that can be found in this little island. No not a couple, a lot actually. Let's start with Katibawasan Falls, Tuasan Falls, Esperanza Ardent Hot spring, Tangub Hot spring, Sto. Nino Cold spring, Macao Cold spring, Tanguines Lagoon and the beaches. Yes, they have it all, even the Holy Water.

What really stood out among all forms of water that can be found in Camiguin, the Soda water swimming pool. Oh yeah! Unlimited soda. Nah, kidding aside. It is the only one in our country. Soda water is the liquid used to make our drinks sparkle.

As my tour ended, I cannot help asking why was it called Camiguin. I asked around and i had a very satisfactory answer from the locals but let me first tell you what I found out based on my research. Camiguin was derived from the word "Kamagong". 

I know what you're thinking, it doesn't make any sense! So here's what the locals of Camiguin told me. The early spanish settlers was called Guinsiliban - which comes from the word Kinamiguin, and so the place was called Kinamiguin. Which was later turned into Camiguin for a shorter and faster pronunciation.

Here's the best answer I got though. Camiguin was derived from an english phrase and since they have a regional accent, they pronounce "Come Again" as Camiguin - and that how they call their province since then. 

Come Again?