Kim's Quest #40: Tales of Siquijor (Isla del Fuego) - Part I

Hello Hiveians!

Let me pick up from where I stopped in the previous edition of this series. In Kim's Quest #39, I chronicled our way to Siquijor Island in which the highlight was Rizal Boulevard of Dumaguete City. We were in transit that time to Siquijor and the trip felt nostalgic as it was closer to home - the place where I was born. The rest of the story can be found here:

As I've said in that post, it was summer two years ago when we decided to spend the Holy Week at our friend's house in Lazi. I would say it was one of the most chill and relaxing summer I had. If you know me, almost all of my posts are about the thrill and adventure in the mountains or the dizzying boat ride in the between the many spectacular islands here in the Philippines. This time it's different. I only had a few of this kind of vacation.

This series will not be in a chronological order as we visited them. It will purely be about the place and the stories I had with them. One thing sure is that we visited almost all of these places within the first two days we were there. The remaining three days were spent mostly chilling, eating, and hearing stories about Siquijor coming from my friend's grandmother.

I already gave you a glimpse of the first place Siquijor has to offer. Let me start with that place.

Located in Sta. Fe St., in the Municipality of Siquijor, Siquijor, St. Francis de Assisi Church or simply called Siquijor Church is just a few meters from the local port so you wouldn't miss this historical landmark. It literally greets you as you enter the island province of Siquijor. The church was constructed in 1783, making it the oldest church in the whole island.

For the Catholics, it means that the spirituality of the people of Siquijor runs deep which is in stark contrast with what the image of Siquijor was for the outsiders. When the whole island is known to have some animistic practices that goes against the basic teachings of the church, the image of Siquijor Church made me believe that both practices are incorporated in the lives of the people.

For the people who loved history like me, the church is a living and standing testament of Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The church was strategically located in a hilly place and the bell tower served as a lookout from pirates and marauders in the past. The convent is also said to be a sanctuary and a hiding place for the people when the marauders attacked.

We wanted to explore the church, but it was closed for the preparations of the Holy Week. I'm sure we could have peeked inside, but the petite structure was enough to be marveled outside. It's both a bearer and witness of history which to me will always be fascinating.

Map Coordinates: [//]:# (!pinmapple 9.215017 lat 123.513917 long d3scr)

Located in the Municipality of San Juan, it's one of the best beaches in Siquijor. Most of the accommodations are located in the main road that's just walking distance to the beach. Those glistening white sands and towering coconut trees are just perfect for an afternoon view. Because it's located west side of the island, it boasts a spectacular sunset view.

We went there early afternoon, so the sun was still higher up in the sky. We didn't go swimming. We just wanted to explore the beach, feel the sand, and chill under those coconut trees. It was one of the moments when I just want to sit down somewhere in the shade and watch the subtle changes of the scenery as time passes by. That time, I just wanted to be immersed and be one with the place which was perfect for our much needed break.

The tourist scene in Paliton Beach made me question if I was in the Philippines that time. I barely saw a few locals and the rest were foreigners, mostly Caucasians. I had two similar situations in my travels and those were in Boracay Island and Panglao Island. Because most of the Filipinos, specially the boomers, are afraid of the notoriety of the island based on the stories handed down for generations, they are missing out the beauty in their own backyard.

Map Coordinates: [//]:# (!pinmapple 9.178047 lat 123.461568 long d3scr)

Located in Siquijor Circumferential Road in the Municipality of Lazi, that 400-year old balete tree deserves all the respect it never demanded. A balete tree is one of the many species of fig tree that grows here in the Philippines. Balete trees are also known as strangler figs because they grow beside another tree that will serve as it host and then eventually strangle it with its roots until that host tree will die. That Balete tree in Lazi is the oldest and the biggest in the province of Siquijor.

Aside from being a silent witness of history, what makes the tree famous to tourists is because it has a spring in its base that also serves a fish spa. So the spring feeds the pool where the fishes swim and they will nibble your feet if you submerge them in the water. A few minutes after, those unwanted and dead skin cells in your feet are gone.

I have seen some places here in the Philippines where there are springs at base of balete trees. Locals find them mystical as to where the water came from and no one would dare to cut the tree as they were afraid that the spring will dry up if tree is gone. Many revered the tree as they believed it provides them clean water.

Now, Siquijor being known for witchcraft and faith healing, it made sense that the old balete tree would be featured in many travel blogs about the island. Myths surrounding that old balete tree and almost all of balete trees is that it is home to many mythical creatures like fairies, elves, and many other creatures of the night.

Souvenir shops are lined near the tree and they sell a lot of items that showcase Siquijor's mysticism. Love potions, anitos, agimats, voodoo dolls, and many other trinkets can be bought from there.

Map Coordinates: [//]:# (!pinmapple 9.121056 lat 123.575390 long d3scr)

I guess that's all for this part. Stay tuned for another places we visited in the next part. See you, folks!

_{Note: Some of the photos were taken by @legendarryll.}

Kim Ybañez

_{Welcome to Kim's small corner in Hive. He is a chemical engineer by profession, but a blogger by passion. He is a wanderlust and an adventure seeker. Join his quests as he visits secluded destinations, climbs mountains, tries new and exotic dishes, and explores his country (The Philippines) and the rest of the world even if he's still a poor corporate slave with tons of bills to pay and two siblings to support in college.}

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