Siquijor's Hidden Treasure
by Michelle Erica Fernandez

            Siquijor is one of the places in the Philippines that is just enveloped in mystery, yet one that is so blessed with natural beauty. It is a place where healers are very much heard of. In fact, the island is so associated with mystic traditions that the tourism industry in the island capitalizes on that fact.

            During the Spanish colonial times, the island was called “Isla del Fuego” or Island of Fire. It is the third smallest province in the Philippines, but you wouldn’t know just because of the many attractions that dots the place.

            For me this province is the best who wants a peaceful with a stunning beauty that you can’t resist. This is where my mother live back at time. That’s why I had a chance to visit her hometown. She said that the stories behind are real. Like the witches (mangkukulam), magic  potions (gayuma) and sorcerers etc. I think these are the things that made me want to visit and explore the mystery and the hidden treasure of this place.

With that said, here are the beautiful tourist attractions you shouldn’t miss in Siquijor:

1.   St. Francis de Assisi Church

The first thing you notice once you get out of the Siquijor Pier is the old stone church of St. Francis de Assisi. It just looms over the town plaza. Fronting the church is the belltower that in the past served as a watch tower to warn residents from sea raiders.

The construction of the church started In 1793 and was completed in 1831. It is a structure built during the colonial times in the Philippines, and just like the other structures built during this period, it was mostly made of coral stone.

2. Cambugahay Falls

Before you reach the falls, you have to take a couple of steps down. The waterfalls is just very serene. It is surrounded by lush vegetation. The water that greets you is a shade of turquoise. However, when you visit there after having rained the previous day, don’t be surprised of the water is moss green. The falls are multi-level cascades.

3. Mt. Bandilaan National Park

If you’re a lover of nature and outdoor-related activities, you will love the Mt. Bandilaan National Park. It’s nature at its best. The forest is filled with towering trees and anahaw – which is the national leaf of the Philippines. The best activity for the place is trekking. Get all the way to the top for a truly incredible experience.

4. Lazi Convent and San Isidro Labrador Church

The church complex of San Isidro Labrador is comprised of the church and the convent. Like most of the structures in the country, this one was constructed during colonial times. It was built by the Augustinian Recollects in the latter half of the 19th century. And just like the structures of old, coral stone was used in its construction.

5. Salagdoong Beach

Although it has undergone some development, Salagdoong Beach has retained its natural charm. The key for it retaining its natural beauty is the gorgeous combination of cobalt, turquoise and green waters.

There are cottages that you can rent. Slides are built on the rock formations too. If you’re a bit adventurous, you can head up the cliff and go for a jump.

 

6. Sta. Maria Church

The Sta. Maria Church is the home of a structure called the Black Maria, which is an Italian lady saint. It is a popular because it is an icon that is eerie-looking. The icon, Santa Rita de Cascia, is a patroness of all hardship. The icon is dressed in black and carries a human skull in one hand and a cross on another.

These are the resort you can stay while you’re having a vacation in Siquijor Island

Affordable hotel (Php 971.00)

Palm tree Guesthouse

Have fun with various entertaining facilities for you and the whole family at the  Palm tree Guesthouse, a wonderful accommodation for your family n holiday.

It is located in area of Larena.

Middle class Hotel (Php 5,118.27)

Gold Sky Seaview Guesthouse

This resort is the spot for you who desire a serene and peaceful gateway, far away from the crowds.

It is located at San Juan. And it is near the following San Isidro Labrador Church.

High Class Hotel (Php 12,954.47)

White Villas Hotel

This resort is splendid service together with wide range of facilities provided will make you complain for nothing during tour stay.

It is located in area at San Juan City and their plenty of tourist attraction such as San Isidro Labrador Church.

                Siquijor Province is a small separated island between Visayas and Mindanao. Neighboring Cebu and Bohol in the north, it is nearest to Negros Oriental Province, being only 30 kilometers away, and 565 kilometers away from Manila. Here is the map that will guide you back and forth from Mnaila to Siquijor vice versa.

This made me realize that everything is a mystery but when we look the other side it’s the beauty that makes it real.- Michelle Erica Fernandez