Discover Caohagan Island
In quest for a perfect place where we can unwind, divert our drained minds and over strained eyes for a very laborious and strenuous week, we headed to the one of the most captivating group of islands in the Northern part of Cebu near Mactan, yet to discover one of the hidden paradise in this region, the Caohagan Island.
As we set our very first step in this island, we were amazed by the beauty that lies in this serene place which offers a grandiose relaxation for its crystal clear water, white sand on its seemingly endless shoreline, the breathtaking view of sunset that we all dreamed of capturing perfectly and of course, the warm and welcoming smiles of the locals who until now are doing their very best preserving the island’s radiance. Indeed, a perfect place for a quick get away from the crowded city life.
Blog Category: Travel Photography
Destination: Caohagan Island, Cebu
Photography: Jones Silva Creatives
Katsuhiko Sakiyama, father of Caohagan Island with his wife, Junko Yoshikawa.
Love For Nature
Our adventure is yet to unfold as our curiosity deepened into the level of asking who discovered this island? Our queries were answered the moment we met Katsuhiko Sakiyama, a Japanese man who is known to be the father of Caohagan island. Because of his love of nature, he bought the island and made it a paradise known to tourists both local and foreign.
Together with his wife Junko Yoshikawa, they preserved the island that provides a good and sustainable livelihood to the local islanders living in the place. We as Cebu photographers who are passionately searching for a perfect place both for photography and videography, are just so lucky to discover this picturesque haven.
Of course, all these wonders wouldn’t be known if not for this lovely couple whose love for nature is as great as this island, so we took this rare opportunity to capture their genuine smiles to inspire Cebuanos to come and visit this pristine island.
CAOHAGAN
The Islander
Caohagan island has an estimated population of more than 700 inhabitants who are widely known for their hospitality. The locals can also speak Japanese which is not that surprising because of the island’s father who was mentioned previously is a Japanese man.
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Their source of living is very simple, selling freshly caught fish, crabs, lobsters, sea urchins and also make very nice and unique souvenirs like bags, hand made quilts and crafts with very reasonable price.
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Let us support local products. If you have the chance to visit the island you might as well buy their locally-made products. Well, after all, it is not just about buying but in a very simple way you can support, promote and give livelihood to the community.
Jones Silva interviewing a local fisherman in Caohagan Island.
Quilting is one of the livelihood of people in Caohagan.
Quilts of Caohagan
The island has a growing community and it includes talented and artistic quilters. Quilt making is the bread and butter for some islanders just to make ends meet. The product of their artistry was exhibited and sold abroad which led them to fame internationally. Driven by their passion and love of craftsmanship, quilters create vibrant, unique, and majestic designs that shows how sophisticated they are in quilt-making. As simple as it might seem, quilting is not an easy thing to do, it takes almost three months to finish and it has a long process which includes soaking and drying the quilt. After all the taxing process, the admiration and compliments they get from the tourists buying their unique products paid off.
Something Tasty
What makes the adventure interesting is its local food. The island is abundant with seafood which invites tourists, both local and foreign to visit the place. Who can resist the delicious fish, crab and various seafood dishes freshly caught from the sea by the locals themselves which are also surprisingly cheaper than what we can get from the market?
Our irresistible and succulent seafood meal experience was complemented by the freshly picked tangy mangoes that the island is boasting about.
Of course, for us not to miss and regret not trying some of the island’s exotic food, we took the chance to try every dish. Yes, every exotic food the island has to offer! Never thought they’ll be all tasty and mouth refreshing- perfect for seafood lovers! Which among these have you tried before?
Cebu travel photographer, Jones Silva, enjoying the sunset after the island photowalk.
Caohagan Sunset View
Exactly eight hours since we set foot for our adventure in this paradise-like island. A very short span of time but we already fell in love with the place, the food, the people and the very simple but genuine way of living, and the idea of discovering the whole island in just a day despite our busy city lives. Lucky enough to experience the beauty of the Earth and its wonders.
The light was slowly fading, reminding us that a day has ended. The team, looking very exhausted but excitedly checking their own cameras with their different shots, aerial drone photos and all possible subjects that Mactan photographers are searching for.
We surely can enjoy various things with Mr. Sun shining proudly above but we can never deny the fact that the most awaited part before we say goodbye to him is the sunset. The sunset which symbolizes darkness but also a renewal. May it remind us how blessed we are by the gift that God has given us. It is such a blessing for humanity to be able to see all these amazing things that we can store in our memories forever. We, Cebu photographers, always dreamed of capturing all these perfections that we can share not only in Cebu City but in the whole world.
‘’Caohagan is more than just a beautiful island, it has a story of its own waiting to be captured.''
One of the best part of the day? Sunset!
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By A&A
Creative Writer
March 20, 2021
Blog Category: Travel Photography
Destination: Caohagan Island, Cebu
Photography: Jones Silva Creatives
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