Why this island is perfect as a Holy Week destination

Good Friday procession in MambajaoHoly Week is a time for reflection and prayer. Most devotees flock to the provinces to find peace from the urban rush and to live a life of simplicity. Camiguin stands out as a popular destination to both unwind and be one with your spiritual nature.

Pilgrims at the Camiguin's Panaad observing the Stations of the Cross at the walkway to the Old VolcanoOne activity that many observe in Camiguin during Holy Week is the annual Panaad, a 64-kilometer penitential pilgrimage walk around the island’s circumferential road. Rooted in Roman Catholic traditions, the Panaad includes penance, prayer, fasting, confession, and other Lenten practices. Panaad translates to "promise," and often takes place from Holy Wednesday until Good Friday.

15th Station of the Cross at the Vulcan DaanPeople can do the Panaad walk from any point on Camiguin at their own pace as solo, family, friends, or as an organized pilgrimage group. The traditional starting point, though, is Benoni Port in Mahinog town, the province’s port of entry from mainland Mindanao. There will also be the solemn Maundy Thursday Washing of the Feet, the Good Friday Seven Last Words and Procession, and the Resurrection Sunday dawn “salubong” at the different churches around the island.

The capital town of Mambajao takes pride in its elaborate Good Friday ritual as it displays in the procession century-old carozas depicting various scenes in the Passion of Christ.Mantigue Island Natural ParkAside from the solemn activities, Camiguin is also the perfect summer getaway with a variety of destination offerings. Some areas worth visiting include White Island Sandbar, Katibawasan and Tuasan Falls, Sunken Cemetery, Mantigue Island, and the rejuvenating pools of Ardent Spring, Sto.

Niño Cold Springs, or Soda Spring. Moreover, scuba divers can plunge into the deep and marvel at the island’s lush marine biodiversity, arguably the best in northern Mindanao.Scuba diving in CamiguinCamiguin can be reached by sea via the ports of Benoni from Balingoan, Misamis Oriental and Mambajao from Jagna, Bohol, or by air from Mactan, Cebu.

Visitors are encouraged to register online at www.islevisitcamiguin.com to secure a QR Code pass for convenient access to all the tourist sites of the island.

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