Growing up in an island, you'd think you'd get enough sun and beach. But in my case, it's different. Every time I come home, I look forward to the glorious time at the beach, sightseeing and exploring the many wonders of the little island that I call home. Let me take you to a quick peek of Camotes Island. :)
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| Map of Camotes Islands |
4 of the 7,107 islands of the Philippine archipelago form the Camotes Islands. Located at Northeast of Cebu, West of Ormoc and North of Bohol, Camotes Islands is also part of Cebu province.
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| Here's a Map of Cebu |
There are some stories about how the Camotes Islands got its name. One popular story that I heard on my elementary years says that centuries ago, when the Spaniards came to the island, they encountered native islanders eating camote (sweet potato) whom they asked about the island's name. The natives thought they were asking them what they were eating so they replied, "Camote". After that, the islands were called the "Camotes Islands". Camotes Islands is composed of four municipalities namely: Municipality of Poro, Tudela, San Francisco, and Pilar.
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| A Warm Welcome from the town of Poro |
First off, we have my hometown Poro, Camotes. With its land area of 638.87 sq km and is subdivided into 17 Barangays, Poro is best known for the annual Tagbo festival celebrated every third week of January. This festival is in honor of the town's patron saint, Sr. Santo Niño.
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| One of the Mascots used during Tagbo Festival |
The mascot shown above was the same mascot we used way back on 2002. That same year, I was one of the dancers during the festival. I can never forget that wonderful feeling of having won the first place for that contest.
Below is the facade of our church since the first time I saw it until now. Santo Niño Parish Church of Poro is the oldest church in Camotes Islands. It is made of stone and was built by the Porohanons. The town was founded in 1701 and was established in 1849.
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| Sto. Niño Parish Church |
One thing I consider special about my hometown is the type of language that we use. We, the Porohanons is distinguished by the way we substitute the /y/ sound with /z/. For example, "maayo" is pronounced "maazo" and "siya" is pronounced "siza".
My hometown, Poro have many beaches and picture perfect places. One of which is the Boho Rock Resort.
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| A view of Boho Rock Resort from the port |
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| Aerial View of Boho Rock Resort |
Located in Western Poblacion of the Municipality of Poro, Boho Rock Resort showcases various sea-level swimming pools and intricate stairways that lead the visitor on a breathtaking view of the neighboring islands and sea expanse.
Boho Rock resort is a unique rock formation shaped like a big ship. It is named Boho (Hole) because below the stairs on the left side, there is a cave with very clean and crystal clear water.
Boho rock resort is the first public beach resort in Poro. It’s just a 10 minute walk or less from our house. It’s so near, that’s why I learned to swim early in this resort. :)
I just can’t get enough of its beauty so everytime I go home, I never miss the chance to relax and swim, swim, and swim!
The entrance fee is very affordable, just five pesos and you can enjoy the swimming pool and use any of the cottages for free!
Let's now visit the other parts of the island...the caves, the lake and the white sand beaches.
Below is the Timubo Cave in San Francisco, Camotes...entrance fee is 15 pesos only..:)
Another Cave is from the Town of Tudela: Bukilat Cave... You can also swim here! :)
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| A sneak peek inside the cave |
After the beautiful caves, we go now to the largest and the only natural lake in Cebu, the Lake in Camotes named Lake Danao. Lake Danao is located in San Francisco, Camotes..It has a lake park where you can do picnic, fishing and boating. A paddle boat is available for you to go around the lake. You can also use the boat in going across a small island at the center of the lake.. Entrance fee is only 15 pesos.
Below are the pictures... :)
The lake’s park have well kept facilities... Clean toilets, trails, cottages and wooden benches – and yes, the lake is clean and it’s safe to take a dip.
Lastly, we go to the white sand beaches of Camotes Islands... :)
Mangodlong Beach Resort
Nestled in the serene fishermen's village of Mangodlong, Heminsulan, San Francisco, the resort stand on 2 hectares of extensive coconut-shaped garden close to the beachfront. Across the resort and separated by a blue sea is a coral islet with tropical huts spread out, connected by a sand bar from the beach. The resort offers an ideal combination of intimacy and laid- back island atmosphere. It is a few minutes from the town and ports of San Francisco and Poro.
Santiago Bay Garden and Resort
It has a hotel that overviews the sea. It has a swimming pool, restaurant and function halls which make it great for seminars and holiday vacations. They also have a service that could be rented as you take a tour to the Island...Below the hotel is the public Santiago beach resort, with a vast white sand...The sand here is very smooth and powder like in texture.You can go swimming, skimboarding and other beach activities here.
Bakhaw Beach Resort
Camotes Islands is surely an enchanting Island as how it was described in the province of Cebu's Suroy-Suroy Sugbo. Camotes Islands still has many white sand beach resort which I did not include. All of the Island's beaches are equally clean, relaxing and most of all enchanting!
Come and visit my home, the CAMOTES ISLANDS and explore some other beautiful spots that you did not see here in my blog.. :)
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