The Threats And Treats of Camiguin

The name “Camiguin” is derived from the native word kamagong, a tree of the Ebony family that thrives near Lake Mainit in Surigao del Norte. The original inhabitants of Camiguin were Manobos, who migrated from Surigao. The old native language in Camiguin is called “Kinamiguin,” which is similar to the dialect spoken in Surigao.   “Camiguin is an island of prime treats and primal threats.”  That was what the brochure said of island-province, which is approximately 90 kilometers north of Cagayan de Oro City.  In a way, that was I discovered during my recent visit to the island that was once part of Misamis Oriental. For one,...

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Wildlife Encounter And Thrill Adventers in Davao

Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio Davao has always been known for its fruits: the controversial durian, the seedless pomelo and the exotic mangosteen. But over the years, it has gained popularity as one of the country’s top destinations for its environment-friendly attractions like Philippine Eagle Center and the Malagos Orchid Farm. Philippine eagles and orchids are understandable; they are part of Davao’s unique locale.  But what about Philippine crocodiles?  Sure, they are found only in the country but today, they are on the verge of extinction.  In one of the episodes of National Geographic’s “Dangerous Encounters,”...

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Discovering The Placid Lake Sebu

Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio Additional Photos by James Michael N. Montaño “Lake Sebu is a beautiful inland sea on the island of Mindanao and is nested into the southern highlands at an altitude of almost 300 meters (984 feet). Lake Sebu is surrounded by rolling hills and forested mountains and is home to the T’boli, a highland tribe famous for their colorful costumes, intricate beadwork, woven work and brass ornaments.” That was the impression of an American who visited the place some years back. But that’s going ahead of the story. Located in South Cotabato, Lake Sebu is often dubbed the “summer capital of Southern Philippines”...

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Philippine Eagle Center: Home To World's Noblest Flier

“For me, the highlight of my Davao trip was a visit to the Philippine Eagle Center,” wrote a Cebuano journalist after he returned home.  “The drive, although a bit far, was worth it after seeing the majestic creature.” Visitors, both foreigners and locals, who come to Davao City for the first time, are almost always attracted to the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Calinan.  Some 30 kilometers northwest and about an hour’s ride from downtown Davao, the center is the transient home of the Philippine eagle. Here, visitors can see more than a dozen eagles, some of which were rescued after they were trapped or shot. Thirty-two birds...

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Have Fun, Will Travel

WHEN Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said of “a journey of a thousand miles” that should be started “with a single step,” he was referring to travel, of course. “Traveling is almost like talking with men of other centuries,” said René Descartes.   “Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living,” explained Miriam Beard. “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go,” commented novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. “I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” Unknown to many, the word “travel” has a common origin with the word “travail.” At one point in time, travel was exceedingly uncomfortable and often dangerous. Indeed, the ultimate source of the word "travel" is a medieval instrument of torture...

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What This Holiday Season Means

December 25 is supposed to be the birth of Jesus Christ.  They call it Christmas.  Others use the word Nativity.  A few call the holiday season as Yuletide.  Although yuletide has nothing to do with the birth of the world’s Savior,  each letter seems to point out the real  meaning of the season. Think on these… Y is for you.  Jesus was born because of you.  He gave His life because of us.  Kahlil Gibran once stated, “You give but little when you give of your possessions.  It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” In John chapter three verses 16-17, the apostle wrote: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his...

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Philippines, My Philippines!

“Nuestro perdido Eden,” wrote national hero Jose P. Rizal. “The pearl of the Orient Seas,” hailed some historical scribes. “The second-largest archipelago in the world,” writes The Lonely Planet, which also described the country as “one of the great treasures of Southeast Asia.” Welcome to the Philippines, my native land. “Often overlooked by travelers because of its location on the ‘wrong’ side of the South China Sea, the Philippines rewards those who go the extra distance to reach it,” The Lonely Planet notes. “And because it’s off the beaten path, the Philippines is a great place to escape the hordes who descend on other parts of Southeast...

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Quebec: Little France In North America

WHEN I attended the 4th World Conference of Science Journalists in Montreal, Canada – thanks to the International Development Research Center, which sponsored by trip – one of the most awaited events was the day tour in Quebec City. “The juxtaposition of French, English, North-American, modern and secular constructions in the same urban scenery, gives the city a very interesting anachronic character, and is at the very least unexpected – you either like it or don't like, but you can't remain indifferent,” says a Canadian journalist I have interviewed before coming to the historic city. Québec City is located 250 kilometers...

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