Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross, Camiguin

The Island of Camiguin known as the "TROPICAL PARADISE OF ASIA CONTINENT" is best known for its Pastel (a Spanish bun-cake with a sweet caramel inside), Pristine White Island, Hot and Cold Springs, Volcanoes and even its Lanzones Festival which celebrates every 3rd and/or 4th week of the month of October. Furthermore, the Island as well is famous of its own pilgrimage site for the Roman Catholics known as the Walkway to Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross especially during the Lenten Season.

Walkway to Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross is an 8 kilometer path with 14 human-sized stations situated at Mt. Vulcan in Barangay Bonbon, Catarman. The spot is actually one of the famous tourist destination in Camiguin Island especially during the Lenten Season as it serves as a pilgrimage site to Roman Catholic devotees.

As one traveler connotes, you do not need of Christian religion to admire the uniqueness of the pilgrimage site: The Via Crucis or most commonly known as the walkway to the Old Volcano and Station of the Cross.

FAST FACTS:

Every holy week especially on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, the locals of Camiguin especially the devotees observes its annual festival of Panaad or in the most common tongue, "Promise" as they walk going up to the 8 kilometer path of Stations of the Cross. The holy activity is being observed as an expression of penitence, and renewal of ones spirit.

The locals connoted the walkway as the hundred steps of the history of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Everytime I go to Camiguin Island, i always include this spot as part of my spiritual enrichment and luckily, I started to fulfill my dream of walking all the way to the top and the last Station of the Cross having a grandeur experience while seeing the breath-taking view of the Coastline of the Island during my Tour with the Floresca Family. I myself was being surprised that I realized that dream of climbing up without a bottle of water to refresh my thirst plus the burning of the sun which sets at 12 noon. I guess perseverance  and dedication drove me to fulfill that dream.

Please be informed that the pavement of the first 4 Stations of the Cross are cemented and had been shaded by bigger trees. However, upon reaching to the next pavement, you will be welcomed by path that's not cemented with the absence of trees to cover you from the direct rays of the sun. Still, the completion of the 14 Stations of the Cross, the scenic view from the top is breath-taking which will surely offers a real panorama to all devotees, tourists and trekkers.

A panoramic view from the Top of the Old Volcano.

Also, please be informed that according to some, the stations are not exactly alike to the traditional stations as portrayed:

1. Jesus is condemned to death

2. Jesus receives the cross

3. Jesus falls the first time

4. Jesus meets His Mother

5. Simon of Cyrene carries the cross

6. Veronica wipes Jesus' face with her veil

7. Jesus falls the second time

8. Jesus meets the daughters of Jerusalem

9. Jesus falls the third time

10. Jesus is stripped of His garments

11. Crucifixion: Jesus is nailed to the cross

12. Jesus dies on the cross

13. Jesus' body is removed from the cross (Pieta)

14. Jesus is laid in the tomb and covered in incense.

Nevertheless, a sense of gratification and completeness can be received upon the completion of the 14 Stations of the Cross.

Ms Ruth Jimenez, acted like she's helping Jesus Christ on lifting the Cross.

I'm almost there! :)

Yes, that is the peak of the Old Volcano and it's about kilometers from the area in which I captured this picture.

It's a great achievement for me to complete all the Stations of the Cross and experience
an on-hand trekking up the Old Volcano without the aid of water under the scorching
heat of the Sun. Luckily, I survived! :)

Alas! I already complete my Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross for the first time.