Friday, February 18, 2011

Camiguin's Volcanoes

The island of Camiguin is part of the Northern Mindanao earthquake epicenter. It is basically volcanic in origin and is entirely made up of deposits attributed to its volcanoes. This volcanic island consists of the following seven volcanoes which have shaped both the land and the culture of its inhabitants:

  • Mt. Hibok-Hibok
  • Mt. Vulcan
  • Mt. Guinsiliban
  • Mt. Mambajao
  • Mt. Timpoong
  • Mt. Tres Marias
  • Mt. Uhay
  • There are also quite a number of smaller volcanic domes and parasitic cones such as Mt. Carling, Mt. Tibane and Piyakong Hill at the flanks of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, Campana Hill, Minokol Hill and the Tres Marias Hill at the flanks of Mt. Mambajao. Mt. Hibok-Hibok is an active volcano. It continues to manifest seismic activity and it only has a short repose period. The other six volcanoes are inactive, having no continued record of eruptions and their forms have started to change due to the agents of weathering and erosion and the formation of deep and long gullies on its slopes.

    Click on any of the "thumbnail images" to view the photographs in a larger size format.
    Mt. Timpoong Mt. Hibok-Hibok Mt. Vulcan

    Mt. Guinsiliban Mt. Uhay Mts. Vulcan & Hibok-Hibok

    The highest peak in the island is Mt. Timpoong which rises 1,580 meters (5,184 feet) above sea level. Mt. Mambajao stands 1,420 meters (4,659 feet) and Mt. Hibok-Hibok rises 1,240 meters (4,068 feet) above sea level. Not only is Mt. Mambajao the tallest, it is also the biggest volcano in the island. Because of the island's volcanic form, several hot sulfur springs and geothermal vents exists.

    The volcanoes and the terrain of Camiguin Island pose limits on current and potential land use, and consequently, on the province's economic development. On the other hand, these qualities, particularly the volcanoes, make Camiguin unique and potentially enhance its attractiveness as a tourist destination. Despite the considerable destruction wrought by Hibok-Hibok's eruption in the early 1950s, Camiguin Island has flourished on its volcanic soils. The fertility of which has made the island conducive for the cultivation of coconut, copra, and other agricultural products.

    MT. HIBOK-HIBOK

    Looming up behind the small capital town of Mambajao is Mt. Hibok-Hibok. This active volcano almost oblitereated the capital by a major eruption which started in September 1948 and lasted until 1953. Its minor eruption in 1948 caused little damage and loss of life. In 1949, its eruption caused 79 deaths due to landslides. In the morning of December 4, 1951, the most violent phase of the volcano's eruption occured. This time it unleased boiling lava which rolled down swifty toward Mambajao which was accompanied by poisonous gases, and landslides enough to destroy nearly 19 square kilometers of lands.

    The speed and the high temperature of the avalanche which reached 800 degrees Celsius caused considerable damage in the affected areas. Trees were felled and charred, houses were burned down, animals and people were either charred or mummified. The eruption claimed more than 500 human lives and damaged properties and structures worth millions of pesos. Before the eruption of Mt. Hibok-Hibok in 1951, the population of Camiguin had reached 69,000. After the eruption, the population was reduced to about 34,000 due to mass departure of the island residents. In the years that followed, Camiguin's population grew from 57,126 in 1980 to 64,247 in 1990 an increase of 7,121 persons or 12.47 percent. In the last population count in 1995, there were already 68,039 residents which is just a little lower than its original population prior to the 1951 eruption.

    The eruption of Mt. Hibok-Hibok has been classified as "Pelean," an eruption type considered to be one of the most dangerous because it is characterized by extrmemly viscous lava and the formation of glowing clouds of gas. The three photographs portrayed below were taken during the 1951 eruption of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.

    Click on any of the "thumbnail images" to view the photographs in a larger size format.

    Mt. Hibok-Hibok is an incandescent volcano and it consumes vast quantities of oxygen during an eruption that it kills by asphyxiation. After its major eruption in 1951, many persons were found dead as if they were merely asleep. This eruption prompted the Philippine government to create the Commission on Volcanology which is presently known as PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology & Seismology).

    The first recorded eruption of Hibok-Hibok ocurred in 1827. This was followed by a similar activity in 1862. Both eruptions caused destruction to arable lands. In the eruption of 1862, there were 326 deaths caused by ashflows that reached the sea. Some people drowned while trying to flee in small boats. In January 1871, earthquakes and subterranean rumbling sounds disturbed the northern end of Camiguin Island. Landslides and fissuring destroyed trees and plantations. When the swarm of earthquake ceased in April of the same year, an explosion followed and was accompanied by a shower of rocks, dust, and ashes. Destruction was complete within a radius of 1.86 miles (3 kilometers) from the new vent.

    The eruption continued for a week and a volcanic dome called Vulcan began to form 2.17 miles (3.5 kilometers) from the general area of Mt. Hibok-Hibok. During this eruption most of the local residents fled the area after earthquakes that preceded the eruption. After four years of activity, the adventive lava dome reached a height of 1,500 feet (457 meters) with a base nearly 0.93 miles (1.5 kilometers) in diameter.

    In 1897, the area occupied by the present dome of Mt. Hibok-Hibok emitted white sulfurous vapors which ruined agricultural lands nearby. Solfataric activity continued up to 1902 when a thunder storm occurred around the volcano and a new solfataric vent formed opposite the crest. Frequent subterranean sounds were noted during the activity which lasted for 8 to 10 days.

    In every few years of activity, Mt. Hibok-Hibok seems to follow a cycle of behavior consisting of a short period of smoke emission from the crater and an avalanche of volcanic materials with or without accompanying tremors. There are explosions or steam blasts with emission of heavy clouds of steam, ashes and other fragmentary volcanic materials. The whole cycle covers a period of 9 to 14 months. Cold and hot mud flows, or lahar, develops especially after heavy rains so that now they pose another hazard to inhabitants living near the drainage channels of the volcano.

    The approach for climbing Mt. Hibok-Hibok is at its base in Barangay Esperanza in Mambajao. Its steep slopes is a challenge to most seasoned climbers as the climb entails maneuvers in loose rocks and boulders. A dense, primeval forest covers every square foot of ground. There are tree ferns that thrive in the cool shade and springs bubble out of the ground. The summit of Mt. Hibok-Hibok is covered with loose ejecta and it has several craterlets at or near the crest, some representing shallow lakes. The present crateral area at the northeast slope facing Mambajao was mined for sulfur before the volcano's activity in 1948. At its crater is a lake and there are numerous steam vents and outlets which can be found at different locations.

    Those who make the climb to its summit are rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view of the entire island including the nearby island of Bohol which can be seen on clear days. Although this mist-covered volcano is now quiet and inactive, the PHIVOLCS continue to monitor any unusual seismic activities for the safety of visitors and residents of the island. For those who intend an ascent of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, it is advisable to first pay a visit to the research and monitoring station to determine if it would be safe to make the climb. The station is located at 1,300 feet (396 meters) up on its slope.

    Thursday, February 17, 2011

    Catarman Coral Dive Resort

    The proximity of the project to the magnificent and fascinating three (3) acres of live coral reefs under a crystal clear deep blue sea, located just twenty (20) meters away from its beach front, has greatly influenced the christening of the project.

    Reputedly known as one of the three (3) ancient civilizations in Mindanao, the Municipality of Catarman, formerly known as Partido de Catarman, hosts the majority of the tourist spots in the island of Camiguin, namely:
    • Ruins of the Ancient Roman Catholic Church
      (built in 1621)
    • Holy Cruz Marker Erected on the Sunken Cemetery
    • Vulcan Daan (Center for Lenten Season Commemoration)
    • Soda Spring Medicinal Swimming Pool
    • Sto. Nino Cold Spring Resort
    • Tuasan Falls
    • Giant Coral Reef (conducive for scuba diving
      for beginners)
    Government Health and Safety Facilities:

      • Catarman District Hospital, approx. three hundred (300) meters away.
      • Phil. Nat'l Police Municipal Command, approx. four hundred (400) meters away.
    How To Reach Catarman Coral Dive Resort?

    Foreign and domestic tourists from Manila can take any of the six (6) flights daily bound for Cagayan de Oro City, and from there hire a taxi or van bound for the Port of Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, then take a ferry to the ports of Guinsiliban or Benoni. The foreign and domestic tourist from Cebu can also take a direct 8:00 A.M. flight to Mambajao, Camiguin on Monday, Wednesday and Friday or take a ferry every 8:00 P.M. on Friday only. The management will pickup the guests from the ports for those who already made advance reservation.





    Suite

    Superior

    Deluxe




    Standard I

    Dormitory

    Standard II



    Accommodations

    Suite Room

    Php. 2,300.00 (good for 4 pax)

    with 2 queen beds, mini-bar, coffee table, hot & cold shower, T.V., fully air-conditioned room with a breathtaking oceanview. *Soon Cable T.V





    Superior Room

    Php. 1,500.00 (good for 3 pax)

    with 2 queen beds, hot & cold shower, T.V., fully air-conditioned.
    *Soon Cable T.V







    Deluxe Room

    Php. 2,000.00 (good for 4 pax)

    with 2 queen beds, hot & cold shower, T.V., fully air-conditioned.
    *Soon Cable T.V






    Standard I Room

    Php. 800.00 (good for 2 pax)

    with 1 queen bed, hot & cold shower, T.V., fully air-conditioned.
    *Soon Cable T.V







    Dormitory Type Room

    Php. 3,000.00 (good for 10 pax)

    hot & cold shower, T.V., fully air-conditioned, ocean front view, with 2 bathrooms.
    *Soon Cable T.V







    Standard II Room

    Php. 1,100.00 (good for 2 pax)
    with free breakfast

    with 1 queen beds, hot & cold shower, T.V., fully air-conditioned
    *Soon Cable T.V

    Facilities, Amenities & Services

    Facilities, Amenities & Services:

    Bar

    Cottage for Fishing

    Function Room




    Restaurant

    Roof Top Mini-bar

    Restaurant




    Lobby

    View Deck

    Information Counter

    Nissan Van (Package Tour)

    Mini-Bar

    Hummer (Package Tour)

    Services:
    • Airport, Port Transfer
    • Island Tour
    • Scuba Diving
    • Snorkeling
    • Package Tour (Available Nissan Van, Hummer)
    Amenities:
    • Telephone
    • Television
    • Hot & Cold Shower
    • Standby Power Generator
    • Internet

    Friday, February 11, 2011

    Camiguin Island Location Map and Directions

    There are three ports operating in the province of Camiguin. The main port of entry is in Benoni, with minor ports at Balbagon and Guinsiliban. Balbagon Port links Cagayan de Oro and Cebu, Benoni Port links with Balingoan and Cagayan de Oro, and Guinsiliban Port which also has a roro landing facility links with Balingoan and Cagayan de Oro.

    How to get there

    Camiguin can be reached either by ferryboat or small aircraft. The fastest way to get to the island from Manila is to take any of the commercial flights to Cagayan de Oro City. In Cagayan de Oro, one can either hire a taxi right outside the airport terminal or take the bus in the city center to Balingoan Port in Misamis Oriental. The bus terminal is located at Agora, Lapasan.

    Depending on the weather condition, it takes about one hour and a half to two hours by land to reach Balingoan Port, which is 84 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro. This port is the nearest jump-off point to Camiguin. The ferryboat ride to Benoni Port in the Municipality of Mahinog takes about one hour. This port is 17 kilometers from Mambajao, the capital of Camiguin Province which can be reached by jeepneys.

    For those who would like to take their own vehicles to Camiguin, some of the ferryboats at Balingoan Port can transport cars, pick-ups, vans, and even large trucks to the Benoni Port at Camiguin. It must be noted however that a number of fees have to be paid to transport these vehicles. These includes wharfage, barangay taxes, and miscellaneous other fees that are imposed when going in either direction and these fees get to be quite a substantial amount.

    Some vehicle owners avoid paying for these fees by leaving their vehicles at Balingoan and just avail of public transportation when in the Island of Camiguin. The advantage of bringing along one's vehicle to Camiguin is the convenience of having one's own ride in moving about the island. It does get to be uncomfortable riding in overloaded jeepneys and motorelas when in Camiguin Island since there are no taxi cabs or rental vehicles available. Portrayed below are three photographs of the Benoni Port in Camiguin.

    Camiguin Transportation Schedules by plane and ferry

    Airlines

    SEAIR Departure Cebu-Camiguin 4:00 p.m. Sunday/Tuesday
    Camiguin-Cebu 4:55 p.m. Sunday/Tuesday
    Cebu-Camiguin 2:45 p.m. Every Friday
    Camiguin-Cebu 3:40 p.m. Every Friday
    Arrival Cebu-Camiguin 4:35 p.m. Sunday/Tuesday
    Camiguin-Cebu 5:30 p.m.
    Cebu-Camiguin 3:20 p.m. Every Friday
    Camiguin-Cebu 4:15 p.m.
    Fare: 1,315.00 o/w

    Shipping

    (Cebu-Camiguin-Cebu Route)

    M/V Shuttle Ferry VII (Asian Marine Transport Corporation)
    Schedule:
    Cebu-Camiguin: Departure 8:00 p.m. (friday)
    Arrival 7:00 p.m. (saturday)
    Camiguin-Cebu Departure 8:00 p.m. (saturday)
    Arrival 7:00 a.m. (saturday)
    Fare Rate:
    Tourist class 500.00
    Economy 350.00

    Guinsiliban to Balingoan and Vice-versa

    M/V Shuttle Ferry :
    9:00 am
    6:00 am
    1:15 pm
    11:30 pm
    4:30
    2:30 pm
    Arrastre: 6 Wheelers P 248.00
    4 Wheelers P 97.17
    Motor P 22.00
    Boat: 6 Wheelers P 1,650.00
    Elf/Canter P 1,100.00
    4 Wheelers P 660.00
    (Service Vehicle)
    Car P 550.00
    Motor P 110.00