As they say in beauty pageants like that of Ms. Universe,
” The role of the runner-up is crucial, if for any reason, the winner cannot fulfill her obligations, the first runner-up will become Miss Universe…”
That is how I feel about Camiguin Island.
( The island off the coast of the province of Misamis Oriental in Mindanao.)
It may look as though, it is a runner up to the reigning popular tourist destinations in the Philippines like: Boracay, Ilocos, Bohol, Palawan and Cebu.
It may not be a crowd favorite. ( but it is fast becoming one )
It may not be a top family vacation destination . ( for many have not heard about it yet )
It may not be what comes first to mind, when you talk about summer trips in the Philippines.
HOWEVER, it provides a variety of tourist attractions that other places may have not been naturally provided with.
Camiguin is a one stop summer haven.
It is volcanic in origin with Mt. Hibok-hibok.
It, of course being an island, is surrounded by beautiful beaches.
It has a pristine white island beach, two major waterfalls, primary caves, a thermal spring, a large pool with natural cold spring source, a soda water pool and a scenic lagoon.
It boasts of interesting tourist attractions like, The Undersea ( sunken) Cemetery, The Walkway to the Cross (more than life size statues depicting the stations of the cross)
and The Ruins of Church Guiob.
Not many people know how beautiful the island and its people really are.
I just thank God that both my parents come from Camiguin.
My mom from the Paderangas of Tupsan and my dad, the Banaags of Catarman.
And that I have spent all my summer vacations there as a child.
In 1976: My one year old self walking along the shoreline of Camiguin.
I am also grateful to Him that this year, I was able to bring my son there.
It was now his turn to appreciate the island where I used to spend my summer vacations as a child.
THEREFORE,
” My name is Pier Angeli Banaag Ang Sen from the beautiful island of Camiguin.”
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