Morning had just broken when we began our journey from our accommodation in Camiguin back to Benoni Port. Though our stay in the Island Born of Fire was brief, the weight of the memories we gathered far outweighed the hours we spent there. Visiting the second-smallest island province of the Philippines was a core memory unlocked and one that we intend to keep. 

We returned to mainland Mindanao via the Port of Balingoan at around 08:15 AM and headed straight for the town of Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental. Our first stop was Halseyle Hill Garden Resort, a privately owned sanctuary that offers a vantage point high enough to relax, take a dip, or simply admire the Misamis Oriental skyline. 

Founded in 2021 by former Sugbongcogon Mayor Jerome P. Lagbas, the resort draws its name from the Halsey Lemon, a breed of gamefowl central to the mayor’s legacy that harkens back to a storied three-cock derby victory in 1999. Far from being a gamefowl farm, the resort is a well-landscaped hillside haven featuring a restaurant, a bar, an infinity pool, and a well-situated view deck.

We began our exploration at the infinity pool area. The cool morning breeze provided a perfect atmosphere to look out beyond the horizon, where the island of Camiguin was faintly visible in the distance. It was a compelling sight of continuity, reminding us that the beauty of Northern Mindanao encompasses both the seas and the ridges, unbound.

The infinity pool of Halseyle Hill with Camiguin at a distance.

From the pool, we passed through the lobby, where taxidermied animal heads mounted on the wall offered an arresting sight. The resort is an eclectic mix of the curated and the wild: from the stoic silhouettes in the lobby to the vibrant rhythm of the koi pond and a white cockatoo that seemed to study us as closely as it mimicked the sounds we made. 

Kingdom Animalia in death and in life.

We continued our exploration by climbing the paved hillside paths. Beyond the meticulous landscaping, we paused periodically to appreciate the view as our altitude increased, making use of the view decks tiered along the slope. 

The ascent was deceptive; before we knew it, we had reached the peak. The resort’s cafe sits at the summit, just before the main view deck, offering a breathtaking panorama of the Misamis Oriental skyline. Adding to the charm of the top deck was a singular chair, referred to by locals as the love chair, a popular spot for marriage proposals given its elevated, commanding view. 

The love chair is more like the throne at the top of Misamis Oriental for us.

What we do best together: fooling around.

We spent a few moments on the top deck, taking in the beauty of the Northern Mindanao expanse we intended to conquer. It was a refreshing experience, the first morning dew atop the landscaped hill of Halseyle recharging our bodies after the early morning ferry ride, providing the corporal and mental strength we would need for the day ahead. 

As we descended back from the peak, the early morning haze began to burn off, revealing even more of the jagged, verdant coastline that awaited us. Halseyle Hill provided the perfect prologue to our mainland adventure, a vantage point that didn’t just show us the map, but enticed us to travel it. We came seeking a quiet morning view, but we left with a hunger for what lay further inland. Camiguin had turned into a memory on the horizon, but the expansive province of Misamis Oriental was waiting. This was only our first step, and the road—rugged, winding, and entirely our own—was just beginning.