October 11, 2008

• Caohagan, Lapulapu's Secret

  Travel

  

  Quilting is an art that may not be common among us Filipinos, but in an island off the coast of Lapulapu City, this is the source of livelihood for its women.

  Costing around P7,000 to P15,000 per piece,depending on its size, one can’t help but appreciate the hardwork spent and theintricacy of the stitches worked into the quilt. Indeed each quilt is amasterpiece and the time devoted for finishing each art-piece (approximatelythree months) and the creativity that goes with every work is worth everycentavo being asked for.

  Caohagan Island, up until 14 years ago, was a quitevillage whose main source of livelihood was fishing. And although the men stillthrive on the bounty of the sea, the women now contributes widely to thefamily’s income, thanks to their productive pastime.

  The transformation happened when JapaneseKatsuhiko Sakiyama decided to adopt the island putting up the Kaohagan IslandClub, Inc. His wife, Jongko, taught the women the art of quilting. Most of thefinished products are imported to Japan where it is sold twice thelocal selling price.

  “We benefit a lot from this project because asidefrom getting a share of the earnings, part of the proceed would go to a fundthat will be used to sponsor deserving high school graduates to pursue theiruniversity studies and also for the hospitalization of any resident who fallsill,” said Helen Samson in Cebuano, a quilter of 14 years.

  The materials are provided for free by theisland’s benefactor, including the cloth, needles, and thread. “We don’t spendanything, just our time,” said Samson in Cebuano. “And we are not forced towork everyday. Everything goes according to our pace.”

  At present there are 80 women involved inthe project and more than 200 families who benefited.

  Aside from quilting, Caohagan is alsoblessed with a rich supply of seafood, although the prices are not as blissfulfor a local tourist.

  Soft-shelled lobsters, locally known as mantaha, would cost around P300 perpiece, while local abalones would cost P3000 per container, each containerhaving close to a dozen pieces of abalone. Baby octopuses (known as tabugok), clams, and other shellfish areavailable by vats at P300. Of course cooking these fares is part of what you’llbe paying, and they will cook it broiled, grilled, boiled, or sautéed invinegar and soy sauce. Whatever your fancy you can always give instructions tothe cook.

  However, I would not advice coming to thisisland paradise if seafood is the only reason for coming. The 45-minute travel issimply not worth it, besides the prices of live seafood in Caohagan are comparableto that of local suppliers in mainland Cebu.However, the peaceful atmosphere and the feeling of seclusion and exclusivitymay sound attractive to the solitude seeker.

  An overnight stay would also prove to betaxing. Aside from the P70 entrance fee collected upon stepping on the pristineshores of the island, each cottage would cost a lofty sum of P1,900 for oneperson or if there are two of you P1,700 each. And don’t even ask about thecost if you want your meals to be included in the package (spoiler: P2,300 perperson for three meals).

  The island has no electricity but at nightthey would turn on a communal generator which would light up several commonstructures. The generator is available from 5PM to 11PM, so it would be anearly night’s rest for you.

  Should you choose to stay for a brief period,cottages are available at P100. And if you feel like you want to be serenaded,there are groups who might render a few classic hits for a fee.

  Caohagan Islandcan be reached by boat from Marigondon port (fare: P30) or at Dapdap port (nearVista Mar). Should you wish to rent one, youcan arrange it with the boat-operator at the dock of Punta Engaño for P2,500 (20-seaterboat) or P3,500 (60-seater boat).

  Published in The Freeman. Photos courtesy of iNeed Magazine.
  

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