From A Korean's View

We already know how our country is in terms of natural resources. However, we sometimes forget to appreciate what we have. We forget that we are living in such a beautiful country. I am guilty of that too. Last night while I was surfing through KBS a Visayan song in the background caught my attention. It was from a show called Backpack Travels narrated by a Korean, who is also the cameraman. It's basically a video diary of some sorts by a traveler. They were doing a feature on a couple of places here in the Philippines, particularly Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin.

Cagayan de Oro is mainly famous for its river rapids which is ideal for kayaking. I've watched it being featured on local travel shows many times but this was the first time I get to catch it on a foreign channel. The show also showcased our cultural link with religion as it covered the fiesta celebration during that time. There was also a moment in the show when the host got on a jeepney--a common mode of transportation in the country. He appreciated how the people inside the jeepney make room for other passengers without complaining a single bit. It's flattering when people get to appreciate these small things.

Next stop was the island of Camiguin. It is said to be the 'the island born of fire'. Some internet travel ads dub it as the Hawaii in Asia. The island is small enough to be explored in just two hours.

The show went to the famous sunken cemetery first. It was the first time I learned of its origins. Apparently, the cemetery was located in the mountains and got washed up during the volcanic eruption in the Spanish era. It saddening to find out that all but one of the tombstones were gone. I also found out that the cemetery is best visited during sunset because of its picturesque view.

They also went to the white island of Camiguin. It is a very small mass of land which is all white sand. The island changes landscape four times a year depending upon the oceanic currents.

The last part of the show was about life in the province. The narrator got his first taste of fresh buko juice. It was mostly about simple living. It reminded me of the place where I grew up, it almost makes me want to go home.

Because of the show, I ended up sleeping at 3 o'clock in the morning. It was kind of tiring but it was worth it. I'm certainly listing the White Island in my itinerary after I graduate. Haha!