Caohagan, Lapu-Lapu’s Secret

Caohagan Island, up until 14 years ago, was a quiet village whose main source of livelihood was fishing. Although the men still thrive on the bounty of the sea, the women now contribute widely to the family’s income, thanks to their productive pastime.

Quilting is an art that may not be common among us Filipinos, but in an island off the coast of Lapu-Lapu 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 hard work spent and the intricacy of the stitches worked into the quilt. Indeed, each quilt is a masterpiece and the time devoted for finishing each art-piece (approximately three months) and the creativity that goes with every work is worth every centavo being asked for.

Caohagan Island, up until 14 years ago, was a quiet village whose main source of livelihood was fishing. Although the men still thrive on the bounty of the sea, the women now contribute widely to the family’s income, thanks to their productive pastime.

The transformation happened when Japanese Katsuhiko Sakiyama decided to adopt the island, putting up the Caohagan Island Club, Inc. His wife, Jongko, taught the women the art of quilting. Most of the finished products are exported to Japan where it is sold twice the local selling price.

“We benefit a lot from this project because aside from getting a share of the earnings, part of the proceeds would go to a fund that will be used to sponsor deserving high school graduates to pursue their university studies and also for the hospitalization of any resident who falls ill,” said Helen Samson, a quilter for 14 years.

The materials are provided for free by the island’s benefactor, including the cloth, needles and thread. “We don’t spend anything, just our time,” said Samson. “We are not forced to work everyday. Everything goes according to our pace.”

At present, there are 80 women involved in the project and more than 200 families benefit from it.

Aside from quilting, Caohagan is also blessed with a rich supply of seafood, although the prices are not as blissful for a local tourist.

Soft-shelled lobsters, locally known as mantaha, would cost around P300 per piece, while local abalones would cost P3,000 per container, each container having close to a dozen pieces of abalone. Baby octopuses, locally known as tabugok, clams and other shellfish are available by vats at P300. Of course, cooking these fares is part of what you’ll be paying, and they will cook it broiled, grilled, boiled or sautéed in vinegar and soy sauce. Those who have special cooking preferences can always give instructions to the cook.

However, I would not advise coming to this island paradise if seafood is the only reason. The 45-minute travel is simply not worth it, besides the prices of live seafood in Caohagan are comparable to that of local suppliers in mainland Cebu. However, the peaceful atmosphere and the feeling of seclusion and exclusivity may sound attractive to the solitude seeker.

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

The island has no electricity but at night they would turn on a communal generator which would light up several common structures. The generator is available from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., so it would be an early 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 Island can be reached by boat from Marigondon port (fare: P30) or at Dapdap port (near Vista Mar). Should you wish to rent one, you can arrange it with the boat-operator at the dock of Punta Engaño for P2,500 (20-seater boat) or P3,500 (60-seater boat).