Camotes islands consists of four islands in the Visayas Central Philippines near Cebu, Leyte and Bohol.

Two hours by boat from Danao pier, Camotes is one of the nearest paradise islands to Cebu.

The four small islands of Camotes are Poro, Ponson, Pacijan and Tulang Diot.

Some people call these islands, islands of enchantment offering unexplored natural beauty and refreshing rural sceneries.

A whole day tour of the islands may take you to some of its magnificent caves, beautiful white sand beaches, old churches, lakes, waterfalls and other tropical sites.

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One of the places we visited on our island tour is lake Danao
It is in the island of Pacijan and Tulang Diot near the town of San Francisco.
 
 

It is one of the most popular tourist spots.
 
 

A boardwalk offers view of the serene lake. Kids fishing at sunset.
 
 

Floating rafts with tables are available for rent.
 
 

Old trees and mangroves line the lake and offer shade.
 
 

 
 

Boats and kayaks are available for rent. This lake is also a source of fresh water fishes such as tilapia.
 
 

kayaking on the lake…
 
 

 
 

horse riding in lake Danao
 
 

Nipa huts and shaded tables…
 
 

Food and drinks can be ordered from the bar. Sizzling tilapia, squid, sisig, beef, barbecued pork and more are served hot and delicious!
 
 

Tables and chairs on the grounds beneath old trees…
 
 

Merriam, the photographer watching out for the magic hour to shoot photos.
 
 

 
 

the “sakayan” a native boat docked on one of the boardwalks…

 
 

Lake Danao, Camotes Islands, Cebu Philippines
 
 

I will be posting more places we visited as I find time in the next few days.
Thank you for your visit.

Last Sunday afternoon we had a half day tour of Camotes Island. Our first stop was this magnificent cave, the Bukilat Cave.

Coming from Santiago Bay Beach Resort, it took us about 1.5 hours to get there by car.

 
 

Tourists and visitors usually take the habal-habal (motorbikes) to reach Bukilat Cave.
 
 

Here’s what is written on the sign above:

Bukilat Cave is an underground cave located at Barangay Mc-Arthur which was formerly known as the Village of Mandayang.

It is 6 kilometers away from the town proper traversing along the provincial road and then forked left traversing along a 0.250 km. barangay road.

It was named after the person who first inhabited the area and was believed to have come from Bohol. It used to be the hiding place of the inhabitants during the Battle of the Japanese Armada and the American Navy between Camotes and Leyte Sea.

Through the efforts of the late Rev. Fr. Joseph M. H. Wiertz, MSC, Bukilat Cave was developed in the 70’s.

Students from Immaculate Conception Institute (ICI) (a secondqary school founded by said parish priest in 1963) used to have their YCAP at Bukilat Cave to clean and beautify the place.

It was during his time as Parish Priest that masses and other sacraments were also celebrated in the cave.

The cave has interesting formations, the stalagmites and water dripping from the stalactites.

It is unique for its seven natural windows that allow light to seep through to brighten the cave naturally.

A pool of brackish water rises when the tide is high and ebbs when the tide is low and believed to have healing effects. It invites spelunckers and tourists for a refreshing dip.

-Tag-Anito Cultural Heritage and Tourism Council

 
 

Like a grand cathedral, the stalactites form arch entrances to underground hallways dramatically lighted from openings to the sky above.

Stalactites are cylindrical or conical mineral deposits projecting downward from the roof of a cave or cavern, gradually formed by the dripping of water saturated with minerals. They usually consist of calcite but can also consist of other minerals

 
 

Like sculptured figures rising from the ground, the stalagmites habitate this cave like an an underground art exhibit grouped in islets of elevated platforms, mirrored on the clear waters.
 
 

Stalagmites are cylindrical or conical mineral deposit, similar to a stalactite but built up from the floor of a cave or cavern. Stalagmites are typically broader than stalactites. The two formations are often, but not always, paired, and they sometimes join at a midpoint to form a pillar.
 
More photos of Bukilat Cave:

 
 

This natural wonder is not to be missed when you visit Camotes Island. It is well worth the trip and the time.

Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,
And the light around me will be night,”
Even the darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are alike to You.
-Psalm 139:7-12

It is so serene and the sun comes out magnificently lighting up the beach with its warm golden rays.
 
 

Fishermen arrive on the beach after a whole night at sea.
 
 
Here’s a painting I did on these fishermen in Bantayan Island on the beach.

Title: Fishermen at Sta. Fe
Size: 34″ x 34″
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Artist: Lyn Deutsch
Year: 2010
Status: Original painting is available for sale.
Please click on the image if you wish to purchase this painting.

 
 

Vendors meet them to buy fresh fish to sell in the island.
 
 

We also buy directly from these fishermen…
 
 

Fresh fish and seafoods on the grill for lunch
 
 

I painted the following small paintings while on the beach.
 
 

While each painting can be displayed on its own,

Title: Sta. Fe Pier
Size: 8″ x 8″
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Artist: Lyn Deutsch
Year: 2010
Status: SOLD
Visit Lyn Deutsch Fine Art Gallery
 
 

Title: Boat on the Beach
Size: 8″ x 8″
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Artist: Lyn Deutsch
Year: 2010
Status: SOLD
Visit Lyn Deutsch Fine Art Gallery
 
 

Title: Stilts at Sea
Size: 8″ x 8″
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Artist: Lyn Deutsch
Year: 2010
Status: SOLD
Visit Lyn Deutsch Fine Art Gallery
 
 

It’s actually a triptych, the three paintings can be placed together for a panoramic view of thebeach, the sea and the skies. Yesterday, they all got sold to one buyer and thought of making this post.

 
 
 
HOW TO GET TO STA. FE, BANTAYAN ISLAND FROM CEBU CITY

You maybe coming from Mactan International Airport or somewhere in Cebu City. The best is to take a taxi to North Bus Terminal.

There are buses going every hour from 4:30AM-2:30PM to Hagnaya and you can choose either aircon or non-aircon. Bus fare is P150 (aircon). The drive can take three to three and a half hours to Hagnaya Port where you can take the ferry to Sta. Fe. It is best to leave in the morning.

The ferry ride cost Php180 and the trip takes approximately one and a half hours.

In Sta Fe, the pedicab is the main means of transport. It is a bicycle and a side cart for P20 per person to go anywhere in the island. Motorbikes are also available for rent.
 
 
Thank you for your visit.
Have a beautiful and blessed day!

 
 

Inspired by the beautiful islands we have here in the Philippines, these traditional nipa huts still exist on islands and beaches and along coastal areas.
 
 

They are built from bamboo, nipa palm leaves, wood, rattan, and other homegrown plants and locally made materials.
 
 

 

These eco friendly miniatures have been created to resemble as close as possible to the real houses using indigenous, natural, sustainable, and recycled components.
 
 

Meticulously handcrafted from bamboo, palm leaves, roots, coconut shells, grass tubes, wood and plywood scraps, and recycled household items such as abaca placemats and buli mats.
 
 

The miniature house measures approximately from 5-6″ x 5-7″. Heights vary.
 
 

Groups of houses are connected by intricate bamboo bridges and ladders firmly tied together with thin natural abaca ropes.
 
 

The detachable roof accommodate easy installation of LED lights. These amazing tiny LED lights discreetly emit beautiful warm illumination that dramatically enhances the exquisite details of the miniatures and allow magical reflections on the water or a mirrored base.
 
 

Windows and doors can be opened and closed. The houses can open up to stunning views of nature with porches and decks welcoming breeze and winds to cool the tropical sunshine throughout the day.
 
 

Miniature coconut trees tower over the houses to offer shade. They are made from twigs and buri recycled from placemats. The sway of the palm leaves can be adjusted to any direction.
 
 

Talisay trees in miniature are fitted with flickering LED lights as well.
 
 

And to complete the scene, we made miniatures of local boats ‘sakayan’, and the vinta sailboats. The sails are handpainted artworks.
 
 

Every miniature take long painstaking hours, days and even weeks to make. Individually handcrafted and artist-enhanced with subtle shades of acrylic paints and pearlized powder. Not one house, tree, or boat will ever be exactly the same as another.
 
 

They are a joy to make and a delight to behold when done.
 
 

The miniature village is a magical and absolutely beautiful lighting fixture.
 
 

Environment friendly LED lights are cost-efficient and offers much longer service life. Each miniature house can be wired separately or as a village. Why LEDs?
 
 

These Philippine miniature houses are excellent accents to create Edenic tropical ambiance in any space.
 
 

These miniatures are waterproofed and thus can be used as accents for water features such as aquariums and ponds. The high stilts can be submerged and the boats float. Here, placed in a glass with swimming tiny fishes.
 
 

Come home to a divine miniature paradise and be transported to serene dream hideaways that calm the spirit giving refuge to body and soul.
(The sunset is an 8′ x 10′ mural I painted and set as a backdrop.)
 
 

Christmas In Paradise
This Christmas Village was exhibited at Parkmall, Cebu City last December 2012- January 2013.
 
 
All the miniatures featured in this site are designed by Lyn Deutsch.
All Rights Reserved.
For orders and more details please contact us.

Here are some images of how we made, assembled and installed this beautiful little shop.

This resort shop measures 3 meters x 2 meters only. Surprisingly, it can display quite a lot of items. Beach dresses, shorts, tops and blouses, swimsuits, scarves, pareos, souvenirs, one-of-a kind bags and purses, handcrafted necklaces, bracelets and bangles, earrings from natural and indigenous materials, hats, sun oils and lotions are some of what we sell here.
 
 
Here are some images of our newly opened lyndeutsch.com beach shop!

 
 

When in Camotes Island, may I invite you to come visit Santiago Beach Resort, browse at our little shop and enjoy a wonderful vacation and shopping in paradise!

“O sing to the Lord a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.”
-Psalm 98:1

Danielle got the 2nd Honors and Best in Computer Literacy for 2nd year High School.

“And in that day you will say, “Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; Make them remember that His name is exalted.”
-Isaiah 12:4″

We are so thankful to God for this school, to Grace & Laverne Valdez, the teachers and for God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives!
 
 
Here are some more photos of this event.

Congratulations to all the graduates!
 

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
-Jeremiah 29:11-13

Title: Boracay Sunset
Size: 12″ x 16″
Medium: oil on canvas
Artist: Lyn Deutsch
Year Painted: 2008
Status: Original painting just got sold!
Visit Lyn Deutsch Fine Art Gallery
I accept commissions for murals and any painting.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.”
- Psalm 105:1

I thank and praise the Lord for such blessing! Thank you also to my buyer who just emailed me that he received the painting and said “It looks beautiful!”
 
And thank you for reading this post.
 

Have a blessed day!

Used boards and cardboards, milk cans, cans from sardines and corned beef, mineral water bottles, plastic bottles from cooking oil and juices, old banig, scrap wood and plywood … possible?
 
 

Yes, with a helper I started to design, create, and organize the available recyclable materials.

The miniature castle taking shape and structure…

I just needed glue, puncher, cutter, masking tapes, floral foams, and spray paints…
 
 

Roofs are made from used boards made into cones held by masking tapes…

Whew… I didn’t realize this is quite a lot of work!
 
 

After 20 hours of non-stop intense handcrafting… the Emerald Castle!
The castle measures 12″depth x 24″width x 38″ height.
 
 

The miniature castle on a hill with yellow brick road. Trees are from twigs and branches and the colorful trees are made of cotton.
 
 

What do you think?
 
 

My son Mark getting away with his castle, maybe the only castle I could afford to build for him.
 
 

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
-John 14:1-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.”
-Proverbs 3:5-6

These kids are just amazing – smart, confident, joyful and full of enthusiasm!
 
 

We toured our small place and settled at the roof deck where I actually work.
 
 

It was sunny and hot but the kids and even the teachers got their hands on with canvasses, paints, and brushes.
 
 

Snack time…
 
 

We had a real fun day!
My appreciation to the Aparche Christian School for such a wonderful visit!
 
 
More photos…

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
-Proverbs 22:6

God bless your day!