Siquijor

What could I say? “You’re a real beauty, oh beloved Siquijor!”

When I was a kid, my grandma used to tell me stories of the place she came from—a place of mystic and magic. Stories about a creepy place in Central Visayas where most Filipino long ago would not dare to go. Too afraid of the darkness that they say lies within. Imaginations be told for which only a curious mind and a strong spirit dares to unfold.

Siquijor has a long-time reputation of being the place of sorcery which both attracts and repulses visitors—but it’s mostly the latter. Their festivals mostly focus on healing rituals where incantations are sung while the old folks make potions out of herbs, roots, insects, tree barks and etc. Hearsay, locals share a story or two about folk legends pointing to the existence of witchcraft and witches on the island. As far as I know, they are also known for making effective love potions. Ohh.. intriguing isn't it?

Siquijor is the 3rd smallest province in the country. Long ago, it was part of Negros Oriental. An interisting fact from Wikipedia says that the Spaniards called the island “Isla del Fuego” or "Island of Fire", because the island gave off an eerie glow, which came from the great swarms of fireflies that gathered in the numerous molave trees on the island.

I never told any of my family members that I will be going to Siquijor. My mom would certainly freak out if she knew I will be heading to that coast. But, never in doubt, I wanted to see and know if the stories and the legends are really true. If setting a foot on that place would make a difference. So without much ado, I bought the plane ticket a year advance (much cheaper - since I came from Mindanao), head straight to the airport (on the day), rode a bus (to Dumaguete) and bwalah... Siquijor, your a foot away already.

I could say, the whole planning and travelling won’t be that easy if not for my friend who had lived long enough in Dumaguete. Siquijor is just southwest of Dumaguete. She planned the itinerary for the whole eight days length vacation: two days in Siquijor, four days in Dumaguete, a day in Cebu and the other day was spent inside the plane and transport vehicles. Quite tiring to think but I tell you, it’s really worth every muscle ache and penny.

We are a group of 8 from Dumaguete. We left Dumaguete port at 8:00 AM in the morning and after an hour and a half boat ride, we reached Siquijor at 10:30 AM for a fare ride of PHP 115.00 only.

Before reaching Siquijor, we already managed to contact Kuya Dennis, our #driver #guide #storyteller #professional photographer during our whole stay in the island. It costs us Php 1,800.00 whole day rental fee to and fro any destinations we visited.

At the port, we were greeted by the local drivers and (I guess) the local tourism officers who offered a ride/tour within the island for a price ranging from 600 to 1800 depending on the capacity of the vehicle. They also gave us copies of the map and list of hotel accommodations with numbers.

Kuya Dennis assisted us by showing us the detailed map of the whole island and let us point the sequence of places which was on our bucket list. After the brief discussion, we went to our first stop, St. Francis Church. (photos below are the sequence of places we went.)

Day 1: August 25, 2016 (Thursday)

St. Francis of Asisi Church, Siquijor, Siquijor

I was shocked at first why we are walking and not riding away from the pier for about two minutes since we got there. Well, here's to why... our first stop is few steps away from the port says "Welcomes to Siquijor."

"Welcome to Siquijor" just outside St. Francis of Asisi Church

Guiwanon Spring Resort

Guiwanon Spring Resort/Tulapos Marine Sanctuary

Before going to our next destination, we stopped by at Jo's Inato for a quick lunch.

Cang-Isok House, Enrique Villanueva

This reminds me of my grandma's old house at the farm. Here in the Philippines most houses in the province are made out of raw materials mostly from trees and grasses readily available in the field. Below is a typical huge "Nipa" hut in the province. But what's unique to this house is that it's a century old and still standing amidst natural unfriendly weather it has surpassed.

a century old house - one of the oldest in the Philippines 

Just me across the road to Salagdoong...

 

Salagdoon Beach Resort at Maria, Siquijor

you can jump by the ciff... 

St. Isidore Church at Lazi, Siquijor

St. Isidore de Labrador Church, Lazi, Siquijor 

Church of wooden flooring (inside St Isidore Church at Lazi) 

Just across the street is this beautiful "ancient looking" convent 

Cambugahay Falls

this is the place for tarzan jump shots people!!! 

Century Old Balete Tree

ready to get the taste of toe-tickling kisses of fishes just beneath this century old Balete Tree... 

Tori's Paradise Resort

After a long day of riding, jump shotting, eating, trekking, swimming and jumping in the middle of nowhere, you can enjoy a good view and comfortable sleep at Tori's. Since Siquijor is not yet too much crowded with tourists, most of its resorts are semi-exclusive (for me). Good view of the horizon makes you wish that the day would never end (sigh).

exclusive resort, ain't eh?! 

dip into this saltwater pool 

(warm and soothing for an evening swim) 

Day 2: August 26, 2016 (Friday)

I intend to wake up early, have an early walk and witness the natural changing hues of dawn to sunrise but sad to say, I was not able to catch a glimpse of that particular moment. But here's a photo of the sun high above the horizon which appears to be in the color of sunset (too yellow)--which is odd for me.

The photo below is raw and unedited but since my camera auto balances the light effects it still appears bright in the register. Just well, the sun is still beautiful no matter how bright it is.

Tori's Paradise Resort at sunrise,, beautiful ain't it?

just look at the powdery white sand, kissed by the early waves

savor the exclusive view and the kissed of the morning sun in this semi-deserted island 

(just the place I need...) 

Bandilaan Nature Park

Mt. Bandilaan Nature Park is the well - known hotspot of the Siquijor Province being the highest peak of the Island towering with 557 meters above sea level (MASL).

just... ah... ah... great view, fresh air and feels like I'm on top of the world! 

carefully watch your step as you descend 

Cantabon Cave, Siquijor, Siquijor

want a sip? it's cold and refreshing... 

The whole Siquijor trip only cost me roughly Php 1,800.00 which includes food, transportation (land and sea) and accommodation. The only setback of the trip was the boat ride going back to Dumaguete. I've never been seasick my entire life, but that ride made me dizzy, really!!! Locals said that the time of the day we chose to ride the fastcraft was really time for heavy waves out in the sea. Feels like the boat is somersaulting--gush my head was aching while I hear noises of someone vomited behind my back.

Needless to say, Siquijor is a flaunting riches in natural beauty. Many of its attractions are the powdery white sand beaches which outlines the 102 kilometer coastline, caves, waterfalls, and many more. It's an awesome place that makes you rethink what you have usually believe in the first place. MAGIC? Yes, it is! I'm totally bewitched by its beauty. LOVE POTION? Dude, it's true! You will be magnificently inlove with it too.

Baguio City, Philippines

We head up to Baguio from Villasis, Pangasinan at around 07:30 in the morning. A little bit of dizzy from a lack of sleep the night before, I wanted to take a nap. But my wandering mind is telling me to "Take photos dude!!!" So snap, snap and snap... exactly an hour of tireless journey, I notice were nearing our destination. With a gust of excitement building from the pit of my stomach as we passed by one trees to another, I just shouted, "It's so you, Baguio!" 

Strawberry Farm

Our very first stop. You can harvest your own strawberry and take four baskets of it for only 500 PHP plus unlimited picture taking. Not only were the fresh strawberries were up for sale in the Strawberry Farm of La Trinidad, Benguit but also processed jams, jelly, strawberry ice cream, strawberry flavored "taho" and local made wines out of wild berries by the Igorot's which smells good and tastes sweet.

Mine's View

A spectacular view of the beautiful Cordillera Mountains will surely take your breath away. I remembered when I was in high school, I went to my friend's house and saw a picture of a six-year-old her riding a pink phony and her mom telling me the happy story of their trip to Baguio that day. Never have I imagined, I could actually see a similar phony and have a photo with it on the same spot.

You could also see lots of potted plants up for sale in this area. Some of them are very beautiful and I'm not familiar with. You can also rent out an Igorot costume for Php 20.00 only and wear it all throughout your stay in the park.

You can buy wholesale souvenir items outside Mine's View from keychains, word carvings, dangling dream catchers, sweater and lots more.

 

Baguio Musuem

Just outside Mine's View, beside Island Souvenir Shop is Baguio's Museum. There's no mandatory entrance fee but you can freely donate any amount of cash or buy some souvenir items there. 

Inside the museum, you can see various handicrafts and woodcarvings. They also have different sizes of dream catchers in here. The place was small but I would rather say it was full of facts and history of all Baguio's ancestral natives.

Good Shepherd

They are know for their delicious and of good quality jams that range from a minimum of 250.00 depending on the size of their containers. One of the best sellers is the Ube and Strawberry jams.




Not only were their jam was famous, but they also have one of the most beautiful viewing deck of the Cordillera mountains.

Botanical Garden

Just outside the Botanical Garden is a bunch of locals who would be willing to take picture with you. As you say 1,2,3.... click! tada they would be most willing to have the wackiest post they've got.

Wright Park

The Mansion

Just outside the tall gate... Oops I think I got something on my forehead... Lemme see.. "Welcome to America". Haha... kidding aside. I'm just thinking I was driven way too far out the country not recognizing similar building anywhere in the Philippines.



Burnham Park

You can ride a both for Php200 per hour and row in their huge man-made lake while talking to someone. It's perfect for a date if you want to have an intimate talk with someone.



Aside from the boat ride, you could also rent a bike and do some circles to and fro within the area, take some pictures with the pine trees and etc.



PMA

Never have I imagine that I would be able to step on Philippine Military Academy campus. It was a very clean, peaceful, organized place and I guess the most disciplines campus I've ever been in the entire Philippines. Well, just the name rings a bell?



There's a whole lot more interesting things to see and experience in Baguio. But I just happen to drop by the places I mentioned above. I don't know when could I get back, but I do hope so. Ajah! Until then, sayonara!

Regards,

Shi E La

Ilocos Region

A year of saving will pay its worth especially when you came all the way from the South just to visit the North. Everything you heard and dream of Ilocos will be a perfect reality! Me and my friends had a blast during our weekend tour, thanks to Triple 8 Travel and Tours and to our driver slash guide Kuya Randy for the great company. Pictures speak more than a thousand words. So here's a sneak pick. Enjoy!

Vigan's Heritage Village



Every January 25, Vigan commemorates the fiest of St. Paul the Apostle. The town's celebration is more commonly known to locals as the Vigan Longanisa Festival. Vigan longganisa is a native version of Mexican salami which has a distinct garlic taste and has become one of Filipino favorates.

Not only, has Vigan been known for its longganisa but also for its Empanada made flavored with the famous longganisa which taste good when matched with their special vinegar and soy sauce.

Elegantly at night, you could stroll the beautiful town's antique inspired buildings and the plaza where you will enjoy the colorful dazzling lights and water fountain as it jazzed with the music for an hour.



Bantay Church and Bell Tower 

Paburnayan (Jar Making)



Subli-Subli Resort



Marcos Museum & Photo Gallery



Paoay Church



Malacanang Ti Maianan






Laoag Sand Dunes

Ride an ATV for only P500 per head at Laoag Sand Dunes and enjoy sand surfing activities for free. Steep slopes will surely bring your happiness to the extremes and the vast ocean will surely mesmerized you.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Kapurpurawan mean "Kaputi-putian" as per the local tour guide, the place used to be part of the ocean but as time passed by, it transformed into a beautiful landscape. 

Bangui Windmills

Blue Lagoon

Ilocos tides are strong by nature. Here in blue lagoon, white and powdery sand beaches will surely greet you. You could take a swim and have some relax time. Nearby coffee shops, hotels and themed parks are also available approximately 10 m from shoreline.

The Zipline Deck 

There are still many places to go in Ilocos that I haven't enumerated in here. So guys, stay tuned and enthusiastic about travel. Don't stop to discover. 

Till then, Shiela.

How to plan and save for a trip

I remembered a friend asking me to go on a group trip, but all the planning went on until the idea just died down into bubbles of imagination. Funny but I think most of us do. Don't just seat and daydream about it but think! 

1. Research

First things first is to have an end in mind. Plan on your itinerary, budget and schedule. If you want to go on a road trip of your own, research, read some blogs, see local tourism infos and discussion of the place you wanted to visit to check on exciting things you can do in that area. But if you prefer to go on a package tour, inquire ahead of time for schedule of departure (for your flight schedule), itinerary (so you'll have the slightest idea on the food and etc), how much would it cost (for your budget) and other things you wanted to ask.

 

Going solo would be a lot easier to plan but somehow could end up boring especially if you will join a group tour. One thing to do is ask who are committed to go with you. This way you'll pay less on package tours, a happy trip and have someone look after travel tickets for you.

2. Funds

Many would say, a trip is too costly especially if you desire to go miles and miles away from home. But beat you! We did it. Horay! For our Ilocandia group tour, we started amortizing P200 every payday since December 2014 till Novermber of 2015. We invested the money to a cooperative to gain extra cash while saving for our own trip allowance.

3. Tickets

Plane tickets are certainly costly. One way to save on tickets is buy it ahead of time. If you already have the plan and a few bucks, all you need is a promo. 

Local airlines offer promos especially on holidays, weekends, midnights and etc. Follow them on twitter, Facebook, subscribe on newsletters or enroll to sale alerts.

4. Travel 

Adversities might test you but remember that beating the odds will answer every 'what ifs'. So, have fun while you're still young. Travel if you can!

A Long Time Ago in Sugbu, Cebu City

 

In most of my travels, I love to experience what it feels like to be at home in that foreign land to see what in the world was I missing. So, I live, transport, communicate, and entertain like a regular citizen.

"Yeah, I was home!" but I felt lost because I was missing a faraway home.

It feels as though the past five months were just yesterday. Recalling how I was packing my things, preparing documents I needed for my exam, the series of brownouts that tormented me during my thesis proposals and defenses, sleepless nights spent on my designs, the earthquake that destroyed some of Cebu and Bohol's historical places and the unexpected typhoon "YOLANDA" that raged through Visayas Regions on the same day of our flight to Cebu.

That cancellation was the reason my classmate lost his license to an airport officer for driving without head gears on a motorcycle. A piece of advice? Do not panic in the event of unintentional flight cancellation.

And who would forget those series of unfortunate events? Well, that was just a piece of icing on the cake, if you just let Cebu speak.

Sinulog Festival

Sinulog Festival falls in the third week of January in honor of Sto. Nino. During Sinulog, most of the houses, small-scale businesses, and establishments in town would play festive sounds of "Viva Pit Senor!".

Vibrant and colorful decorations hang around the corners. Several local artists joined the parade on their booths waving to millions of expectorates. Different schools, colleges, and barangays participated in the street dancing competition.

Expect the downtown roads to be closed and you can have all the streets to walk until your feet are sore. I'm kidding about having the streets to your own. Be warned that you'll have to deal with a throng of people coming from different directions. Actually, expect a million people dear buddy to join your party. Never forget to bring along a hat or you can buy one along the street when you go out for a stroll and lots of bottled water enough to quench your thirst for the whole day.

Along Fuente Circle, lots of young artists offer henna tattoos ranging from P10 - P20 depending on the design, t-shirt printings in less than an hour for only P150 (t-shirt is for free), freehand face painting for P10 - P20 and sometimes even for free, a man who let you hold his pet snake (almost take my breath away) and the night street party wherein people will hug, shake hands, greet you a happy Sinulog and lastly would be the grand fireworks display to most of the city's malls.

Street food

I remembered seeing some street vendors selling sea shells on sticks. Not for adornment but as street food. I was not a fan of exotic food but it is worth a try. Deep the luscious seafood into "sukang pinakurat" (home-made vinegar with a variety of spices) would make your mouth really water. Well, it really tastes good.

Another peculiar thing about their street food is to have tasted chicken "balut" (boiled unhatched chicken embryo). Most baluts back home are from ducks but I don't know why they have chicken. One of my all-time favorites is Carcar's chicaron made out of whole porkchop.

Flea Market

Every Tuesday and Friday after class, me and my friends would walk the narrow streets of Colon where various street peddlers sells goods from P5 and up of various sorts of blouses, toys, shorts undies and etc. Vendors uses different styles of promoting and marketing their goods. Some vendors employ their recorded voices shouting "tag-byente, tag-byente na lang kini!" repetitively on the radio which somehow I find amusing.

We were very busy wandering off the streets until we came to a curve of dark alleys. Slightly surprised when we saw sellers of gadgets lying free on torn-out tarpaulins or mats laid down on the streets at cheap deals. Just kidding. Well, the night market and a little bit of imagination were fun for first-time visitors like me.

Strong Faith

What I admire most about Cebu is that despite its advanced metro lifestyle, the culture was preserved and people's faith is very strong in this place.

One time, I went to the mall to buy something when all of a sudden in the middle of walking, I noticed everybody stood still, rooted in their positions. I was feeling very weird, looking side to side and searching for eye contact from people but to no avail. I was really missing something before I realized what was playing on the intercom, the 6:00 o'clock prayer. I was so embarrassed for not noticing it earlier and so I bent my head down until I heard Amen.

There are still many places to explore in Cebu City like temples, churches, malls, diving sites, and other tourist attractions. But during my visit, typhoons and the quakes most likely destroy some of these historical places so I don't have much of it to share.

Till then Cebu!