Camiguin: The Island Born of Fire

• HelloKumusta
  [koo-mus-tah]
• GoodbyePaalam
  [pah-ah-lahm]
• YesOo
  [oh-oh]
• NoHindi
  [hin-dee]
• Please/You're welcomePakiusap/Pagpalain
  [pah-kee-oo-sahp/pahg-pah-lah-een]
• Thank youSalamat
  [sah-lah-maht]
• Excuse me/SorryPasensya/ Paumanhin
  [pah-sehn-syah/pah-oo-mahn-heen]
• How are you?Kamusta ka?
  [kah-mus-tah kah]
• Fine. And you?Mabuti. Ikaw?
  [mah-boo-tee. ee-kahw]
• Do you speak English?Nagsasalita ka ba ng English?
  [nag-sah-sah-lee-tah kah bah ng English]
• I don't understandHindi ko maintindihan
  [hin-dee koh mai-een-teen-dee-hahn]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusto ko sanang makita ang menu, pakiusap
  [goo-stoh koh sah-nahng mah-kee-tah ahng meh-noo, pah-kee-oo-sahp]
• I don't eat meatHindi ako kumakain ng karne
  [hin-dee ah-koh koo-mah-kah-een ng kahr-ne]
• Cheers!Mabuhay!
  [mah-boo-high]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusto ko sanang magbayad, pakiusap
  [goo-stoh koh sah-nahng mahg-bah-yahd, pah-kee-oo-sahp]

• Help!Tulong!
  [too-long]
• Go away!Lumisan ka!
  [loo-mee-sahn kah]
• Call the Police!Tawagin ang Pulis!
  [tah-wah-geen ahng poo-lees]
• Call a doctor!Tawagin ang doktor!
  [tah-wah-geen ahng dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostNawawala ako
  [nah-wah-wah-lah ah-koh]
• I'm illMay sakit ako
  [mahy sah-keet ah-koh]

• I'd like to buy...Gusto kong bumili ng...
  [goo-stoh kohng boo-mee-lee ng]
• I'm just lookingNagbabalak lang ako
  [nag-bah-bah-lahk lahng ah-koh]
• How much is it?Magkano ito?
  [mahg-kah-noh ee-toh]
• That's too expensiveMasyadong mahal yan
  [mahs-yah-dohng mah-hahl yahn]
• Can you lower the price?Pwede bang babaan ang presyo?
  [pweh-deh bahng bah-bah-ahn ahng preh-syoh]

• What time is it?Anong oras na?
  [ah-nawng oh-rahs nah]
• It's one o'clockAlas uno na
  [ah-lahs oo-no nah]
• Half past (10)Alas diyes y medya
  [ah-lahs deeh-es ee may-dyah]
• MorningUmaga
  [oo-mah-gah]
• AfternoonHapon
  [hah-pohn]
• EveningGabi
  [gah-bee]
• YesterdayKahapon
  [kah-hah-pohn]
• TodayNgayon
  [ngah-yohn]
• TomorrowBukas
  [boo-kahs]
• 1Isa
  [ee-sah]
• 2Dalawa
  [dah-lah-wah]
• 3Tatlo
  [taht-loh]
• 4Apat
  [ah-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Anim
  [ah-neem]
• 7Pito
  [pee-toh]
• 8Walo
  [wah-loh]
• 9Siyam
  [see-yahm]
• 10Sampu
  [sahm-poo]

• Where's a/the...?Saan ang...?
  [sah-ahn ahng]
• What's the address?Anong address nito?
  [ah-nawng ah-drehs nee-toh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pwede mo ba akong ipakita (sa mapa)?
  [pweh-deh moh bah ah-kohng ee-pah-kee-tah sah mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Kailan ang susunod na (bus)?
  [kahy-lahn ahng soo-soo-nod nah (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Isang ticket (papuntang ....)
  [ee-sahng ticket (pah-poon-tahng)]

Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, Camiguin was inhabited by the Manobo and Visayan tribes. These indigenous communities thrived through fishing, farming, and trading with nearby islands. They left behind a legacy of oral traditions and cultural practices that are still evident today.

Camiguin came under Spanish rule in the 16th century, and the island saw the establishment of Catholicism. The Spanish built churches and other infrastructures, including the Guiob Church in Catarman, which was later destroyed by volcanic eruptions. The influence of Spanish culture is still visible in the island’s festivals, architecture, and traditions.

One of the most significant historical events in Camiguin is the series of eruptions of Mount Vulcan, particularly in 1871 and 1948. The 1871 eruption buried the town of Catarman under volcanic debris, leading to the creation of the Sunken Cemetery. This event reshaped the island both physically and culturally.

During World War II, Camiguin was occupied by Japanese forces. The island’s residents experienced hardship and resistance during this period. Several guerrilla groups formed to oppose the occupation, and various skirmishes took place. The war left an indelible mark on the collective memory of the island’s inhabitants.

After World War II, Camiguin embarked on a path to recovery. The island’s agricultural sector revived, and fishing became a primary livelihood for many residents. Infrastructure development, including roads and schools, began to take shape, setting the stage for the island’s eventual rise as a tourist destination.

Today, Camiguin is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The Lanzones Festival celebrates the island’s agricultural bounty, and historical sites like the Sunken Cemetery and Old Guiob Church Ruins attract tourists from around the world. The island’s blend of history, culture, and nature makes it a unique destination in the Philippines.

Camiguin is accessible primarily by air and sea. The nearest major airport is in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental. From there, you can take a ferry from Balingoan Port to Benoni Port in Camiguin, which takes about an hour. Alternatively, you can fly directly to Camiguin Airport from Cebu, with flights offered by local airlines. Sea travel is also an option, with ferries and fast craft services available from Cebu and Bohol.

Once in Camiguin, you can get around by renting a motorbike or scooter, which is a popular option among tourists. Tricycles and multicabs are available for short distances and are a common mode of local transport. For a more convenient option, you can hire a private car or van, particularly if you are traveling in a group. Bicycles are also available for rent for those who prefer a more eco-friendly way to explore the island.

The official currency in the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP). While some hotels and restaurants in Camiguin accept credit cards, it's advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Mambajao, the island's capital, but it's recommended to have enough cash on hand as ATMs might not always be reliable. Currency exchange services are limited, so exchanging money in major cities before arriving in Camiguin is advisable.

Camiguin is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in secluded areas and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. It's also advisable to follow local advice regarding natural hazards, such as volcanic activity and weather conditions.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Camiguin has a local police station and medical facilities, including the Camiguin General Hospital in Mambajao. Having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies is highly recommended. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Mambajao where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Always carry a list of emergency contacts and know the locations of the nearest medical facilities.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering churches and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be polite and courteous to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile or a friendly 'Kumusta'. A slight bow of the head is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Camiguin like a local, visit the local markets such as the Mambajao Public Market to buy fresh produce and traditional Filipino goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don’t miss out on visiting the Sunken Cemetery, Katibawasan Falls, and the hot and cold springs. For a unique experience, participate in the annual Lanzones Festival, which celebrates the island's famous fruit.