ISLA DE FUEGO
Siquijor is the magical and mystical island of the Philippines used to be part of Negros Oriental and it was at that time called Island of Fire.
Siquijor is said to have tales of witchcrafts, magic potions, shamans, sorcerers and supernatural phenomenon. A lot of Filipinos will not try to visit on this island because of this superstition.
In my childhood days, I heard a lot of stories about magic potions, curses and shamans since I found out that my relatives on my mother side are from Siquijor. I remember my Lolo always gave us bracelet with herbs and oil inside. The bracelets are supposed to act as repellent against evil spirits. My Lolo told me that the bracelet will get detached once the person wearing it gets anywhere near a 'Mangkukulam', a sort of an early warning device. He told us stories about his experiences with Aswang, White Lady and Tikbalang. There are things that we can't explain but from then on I always wonder what will I feel if I step to the mystical place called Siquijor.
Unfortunately, the reason of our visit in Siquijor is to see my Lola who is suffering at that time of Breast Cancer and she just visit Siquijor to look for a healer. My mom haven't seen my Lola for 5 years. Actually, its a last minute decision to add Siquijor in our itinerary with my mom, tito bill (my step father), my brother (Jansen)and my sister (Janice).
It took 6 hours travel from Cebu - Siquijor via OCEAN JET since they will have a stop over both in Tagbilaran and Dumaguete. We arrived in Siquijor around 8:30 pm and had a reservation at Coral Cay Resort. I can't contain my excitement when I saw my relatives and my Lola waiting at the resort. After we check in, we went to the cottage and had a long talk over a cup of hot choco :)
You can also check some of the resorts stated below: (Surprisingly, most owner of the resorts are foreigner)
Coco Grove Beach Resort - http://www.cocogrovebeachresort.com/gettingthere
Kiwi Dive Beach Resort - http://kiwidiveresort.com/kiwidiveresort.com/www/
John Lea Beach Resort - http://johnlheabeachresort.com/
Isla Del Fuego Beach Resort - http://www.isladelfuego.com/
The Danish Lagoon - http://thedanishlagoon.com/index.html
Princesa Bulakna Resort and Nature Park - http://www.princesabulakna.com/
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| Map of Siquijor |
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| Kayaking @ Coral Cay Resort |
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| Restaurant |
We woke up early for our day tour and plan to have a family bonding with my relatives. We had our breakfast at the resort where I enjoyed their pancakes a lot with so many flavors to choose.
We roam around the shoreline, took some pictures and talk some local people and staff in the resort.
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| Sweet naman ng mom ko and ni tito bill hehehe (my step dad)... They made me smile every time they act lovey-dovey infront of us heheheh |
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| Our Jeepney Tour |
Our first stop in our itinerary is Church and Bell Tower of St. Francis of Assisi. It was built in 1870 and it is made up mostly of corals. The church is located in the town of Siquijor, Siquijor near the local pier. It was intentionally positioned there to give the guests and travelers a grand Siquijodnon welcome with blessings and goodwill upon arrival at the Siquijor Pier. The church has its own watch tower or bell tower built to protect and forewarn the island folks of approaching pirates and other adversaries.
My mom is very religious. She always remind us that every time you visit a place especially if its your first time, you have to look first for a church or chapel to thank God and ask for protection always.
Next stop ..... Cambugahay Falls. Once you have reached the destination, you will have to walk down 135 stone steps without any railings. There are two vendors in the area who will offer refreshments when you get back. No Entrance Fee for the falls.
The water comes from natural springs and watersheds from the rain forest up above the mountains and ends downstream where it goes out into the Lazi Bay. Can't help but take a dip eventhough the water is cold.
Photo taken below with mom, tito bill, Janice and Tita Sena. Siyempre dapat may solo pic rin ako :P hehehehe
Tito Bill and Jansen surely enjoyed the jump towards the smaller lagoon.
We took our Lunch at Salag Doong Beach located in Maria. There are two beaches separated by bizarre rock formations. The resort offers a hotel, several bungalows, a restaurant, bar and disco. Its a popular hang-out for the locals especially on weekends.
We stayed few hours at the beach resort for my mom and my lola have time to talk. Due to health condition of my Lola, we decided not to pursue our plans to vist Cantabon Cave, San Juan De Capilay Lake and Old Enchanted Balete Tree. We just hop on the jeepney and continue our road trip within the island of Siquijor.
We arrive at the resort before sunset. Can't help but mesmerize the beauty of sunset in Siquijor.
Still, I'm not satisfied that my day will end at the resort. So I asked my Tita Sen if we can sneak out. One of my concern is that it is hard to get transportation especially at night. You have to rent a motorcycle or jeepney. Good thing she knew someone who has a motorcycle. *Lucky* :P Well, as we hit the road ..... it was so DARK!!! I only saw few houses as we passed by and it take 20 mins before we arrived the town. I just bought snacks and had a chance to meet some of my relatives. I asked where I could buy the bracelet. As we arrived at the house / store.... shocks.... some foreigner bought almost all her stuff. Buti na lang kilala ng tita ko so she decided na gawan ako ng dalawang dosena.
Well, I bought about a dozen bracelets as 'Pasalubong' for friends back in Manila, although I seriously doubt if they will use it for intended purpose. But what the heck...they sure look cute on girls. After the shopping spree, we decided to go back to continue our horror stories at the cottage with my Lola, my cousin Anne and my siblings. Tito Bill and Mom enjoyed their moment at the Spa Salon.
On our last day, we took the morning schedule of the ferry back to Cebu for us to catch up of our flight back to Davao. I see Siquijor as an island of faith and mystique. Local people may believe in healers and 'Mangkukulam' but still they have so much faith in God and catholic beliefs. The real mystery is that from the island's magnificent beaches waiting to be discovered, why is it that only foreigners are bold enough to see it?
On our last day, we took the morning schedule of the ferry back to Cebu for us to catch up of our flight back to Davao. I see Siquijor as an island of faith and mystique. Local people may believe in healers and 'Mangkukulam' but still they have so much faith in God and catholic beliefs. The real mystery is that from the island's magnificent beaches waiting to be discovered, why is it that only foreigners are bold enough to see it?
