Camiguin – Competition for the Via Crucis

The Via Crucis or the Sations of the Cross  also known as Way of Sorrows or Via Crucis, refers to a series of images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion and accompanying prayers. The stations grew out of imitations of Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem which is believed to the be the actual path Jesus walked to Mount Calvary. The object of the stations is to help the faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage through contemplation of the Passion of Christ.

One of the best known Via Crucis in the Philippines climbs Vulcan Daan or Old Volcano on Camiguin island. Every year several thousand Catholic pilgrims mainly from Mindanao and the southern Visayas come to Camiguin during the Holy Week. The climax of the religious festivities are the processions around the island and the  climb of Mount Vulcan, one of the seven volcanic edifices on the island. The walkway on Mount Vulcan Daan is where people pray and recite the Stations of the Cross along the lifesize statue’s depiction of the Passion of Christ.

The first part of the Via Crucis in Camiguin is built of concrete steps in a rather fresh forest.	The view from above is breath taking.

Photos courtesy of www.s1expeditions.com

This year Camiguin has gotten a really strong competitor. Over in Misamis Oriental, a bit east of Balingoan, the Sipaka islet attracts pilgrims from Mindanao with a new Via Crucis. For over a decade now, local tourists have been flocking to this site during the Holy Week and numbers of trekkers have been increasing each year. But with the overhauled way and the permanent traffic jam in the port of Balingoan, even tourists from far may stay in mainland Mindanao. The only big problem over there is the lack of resorts, inns and hotels.

The Sipaka Via Crucis offers a wonderful view over the Bohol sea and Camiguin	The Sipaka Via Crucis’ stations of the cross are not as impressive as the ones in Camiguin

Photos courtesy of www.cdodev.com
Via Crucis – Camiguin or Sipaka?

The “Panaad” in Camiguin and the “Pamalandong sa Sipaka” will both be celebrated next week from March 23 to March 27. The big run in Camiguin is always the night from Thursday to Friday, when people walk the 64 kilometres around the island. It is therefore possible to do both ways during next week. You may climb Sipaka on Wednesday and then take the ferry to Camiguin, or you go first to Camiguin and walk up Sipaka on your way home on Saturday or Sunday.

Weather forecast

Easter is always excellent weather in the region. It will be awfully hot with about 33°C (91°F) and the sun will burn without mercilessly.  Take light clothes and good shoes with you. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a lot of water are mandatory.

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