#laureenxbigbys

                    It has been, to some extent, no question that I am at my element whenever I'm at a beach. I see to it that I visit the adjoining beach during all of my travels- either for leisure or for work.

                    If it was about to enjoy my optimistic perception about single-hood, indulging beneath fuchsia skies over shots of Antonov and glasses of Tequila; It has to be the seemingly infinite party scene in the shores of Boracay. Ah I'll never get enough of the island, although its recent surrender to commercial hype has enough reason for me to avoid it. It has unfortunately reroute itself into the mainstream scene, as they say.

                    Then there's the immaculate, jade forests and glistening, almost glass-like clear visibility, turquoise waters of El Nido. The epitome of paradise in this 7,000 island archipelago of a nation- the fact that the local government intentionally limits access of modern day technology in order to preserve Palawan's natural façade; impresses me. But then there's the fact that electricity is limited and even the mobile network signal has technical deficiencies, but a lack of the millennial addictions can be rewarding.

                    Samal Island wins in terms of accessibility; with just a 15 minute boat ride from the metropolitan jungle that is Davao City. The previous aforementioned places take long drives from the airport, unless you splurge on the more expensive plane fares. I do find it a bit poignant how I have such limited tourist education about Samal and only went to one part of a huge island that's circulated by several resorts and beaches.

                    I've also tried Mactan's beaches. Closest to Boracay in terms of glamour and high-end luxury resorts, and I can be such a salivating visitor over fascinating architecture. But no, the beaches are quite rocky and have sea vegetation that just clings unto your feet, bewildering your imagination that a sea monster has got a hold on you. But my bosses and other upper class business folk have told me that Cebu has the most exquisite beaches in the country~ referring the ones that take long drives, that my motion sickness can't take the capacity of.

                    Then there's Camiguin. I have been to Camiguin several times so it's no stranger to me already; however, it brings me something new with each visit. 2 hours away from the city of Cagayan de Oro, it's a similar distance when you take a drive from Kalibo to Boracay. I haven't gone to the island for quite some time now, but when our ferry was about to land on shore; the diaphanous forests reminded me of El Nido. Perhaps Camiguin Island is an amalgam of all the beaches in the Philippines? But a low profile, underrated gem? Yes, absolutely. But after all, treasures were meant to be dug up.

                    Upon arrival, you're greeted by warm smiles, typical of locals that adore tourists. You then find yourself along the winding road with a scenic coast, vividly reminiscent of Monegasque infrastructure; moving towards the municipalities. Camiguin’s capital city, Mambajao, serves as  the nest of several resorts, both for the frugal and for the extravagant wanderers. We were fortunate that we got the prime resort in the island, with a remarkable landscaping and design- at no surprise, it was designed by the same fellow who designed Bigby's, Missy Bon Bon, Mags and Spruce~ the no need for introduction, Mr. Edwin Uy. Flying buttress in rich wood and canopies over fluid, white fabric; complimentary drinks greeted us at our rooms- just in time as the scorching, but nevertheless, exciting island heat was about to disintegrate us. Camiguin Island is a relatively small island, that it could be navigated in a day or 2. Small in size but full of enigma; that you know you just have to stay longer to fully immerse in the enchantment and diversity it delivers.

First day:

Lavish resort living under intricately designed wooden cottages- traditional and modern minimalism infused into one at Bahay Bakasyonan. Succulent fresh fruit on the side for lunch. The naked island that is Camiguin’s White Island- a jewel on its own right; I would want to reside there forever! Enchanting Tuasan Falls- Camiguin is home to 14 volcanoes, making the water resource of several communities into carbonated water. That means that residents swim in a pool of expensive Pelegrino. Giggles and selfies over dinner at the Romualdo’s residence, with Governor JJ Romualdo himself.

Second day: 

Mother Nature’s sauna-Ardent Hot Springs. Although I wish they would add spice to the place by adding white fixtures with wooden accents, adorned with a sea of magenta bougainvilleas for that Grecian ambiance. Mantigue Island is everything to be excited about; if only we could spend the night underneath the stars with Havana music and lanterns, but Tumblr-like images only exist in our vivid imagination.  Late lunch at Tanguines Lagoon- which meant we had lunch at a volcano’s mouth. And of course, we twerked it out like MIley. In public, in broad daylight.