by Fratri Edson Silva

I find that the first stop of any trip often sets the tone for the trip as a whole; i.e., if you start off on the wrong foot, you’re going to have a bad time. Conversely, if you start your trip on the right foot, you’re going to have a great time. Our trip to Camiguin was no exception to this self-imposed rule.

Camiguin, located southeast of Bohol in Northern Mindanao, is the second smallest province in the country (after Batanes). Tag-lined as the Island Born of Fire because of its many – mostly dormant – volcanoes, it’s been must-visit tourist destination for years.

Our first stop in our three-day escapade was the Giant Clam Sanctuary in Guinsiliban; this was the first step on the right foot of a memorable trip.

The sanctuary was a humble outdoor affair, facing the Bohol Sea. Several vats of seawater are scattered on the beach front, filled with various aquatic life, such as sea cucumbers, tilapia, sea urchins, and, of course, giant clams.

Signs hung amongst the posts and trees, reminding visitors to clean up after themselves and to “take nothing but memories.” In one corner, they set up a little memorial for deceased giant clams that were killed during typhoon Pablo in 2012.

After a quick walking tour of the wildlife by one of the tour guides (the biggest takeaway from the tour? In the guide’s words, “Clams have lots of natural predators, but their worst predators are people”), we went ahead and rented snorkeling gear to see the giant clams in their natural habitat.

I have never gone snorkeling, and I’m not a strong swimmer to begin with. So I was both very nervous but also very excited. They assigned a guide, who was three years younger than us, to look after us as we swam around the coastal area.

Up until that point, I’d never seen so many colors underwater – coral, fish, sponges, a snake at one point, and, of course, the giant clams.

I loved every second of it.

I think it’s a great exercise in being human to step out of your comfort zone. I did when I put on that snorkel and learned how to breathe as effectively as I could. And I was rewarded with spectacular underwater views, wildlife I’d only ever seen in pictures, seeing a turtle’s nest for the first time, and an appreciation for Mother Nature and all of her children.

It was an incredible first stop in an amazing trip.

The Giant Clam Sanctuary is located at Cantaan white beach, Guinsiliban, 9102 Camiguin. You can contact them at 0909 931 5681.