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Siquijor Images 13 images Created 28 Feb 2014

Siquijor's reputation as a place of spooky magic attracts visitors - and keeps some away. In reality, Siquijor is an attractive island province the Central Visayas of the Philippines and the third smallest province in the country. During the Spanish colonial period it was called the Island of Fire or Isla del Fuego. Siquijor is commonly associated with mystic traditions that the island's growing tourism industry encourages and capitalizes on. Yet its real attractions are white sandy beaches, coral reefs and a very friendly and relaxed population.
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  • Salagdoong Beach is one of  the most popular beaches on Siquijor Island. This white sand beach located near the town of Maria is enclosed by a rocky hill and boulders that give it a grotto like appearance.
    salagdoong-beach-1.jpg
  • Capilay spring is a spring and swimming pool in the town of San Juan, Siqujior.  Many Locals use the fresh, cold water for a swim or enjoy the shade of the spring park for a picnic.  The town of San Juan in Siquijor is known for its fine beaches.  The spring park is made up of one very long natural pool and turned into a public recreation area.  The flowing water spills out into the nearby bay of San Juan, to be replaced by fresher spring water according to its flow cycle.
    capilay-springs-2.jpg
  • Roots, twigs and tree barks soaked in liquid are the essential ingredients in Siquijor potions.  Drinking or rubbing such concoctions on the body are for the sake of healing or to solve life's woes.  There are potions for fever, headache, backpains, skin allergies, eyesight problems, and other physical maladies. Some magic potions in Siquijor need a specific time of day to prepare.  Siquijor love potions are also available.  Once the love potions are mixed in the drink or worn on clothes, a sip or sniff by love targets will turn targets in favor of the user.
    herbal-healing-oil-1.jpg
  • Built in 1884 by Augustinian Recollects, San Isidro Labrador Convent  was constructed of coral stone and hardwood. It has two pulpits but is best characterized by its hardwood flooring.  In 2001 the church and convent were declared a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines.
    san-isidro-labrador-2.jpg
  • Triad is a cafe on the hill overlooking Larena Town and the islands of Cebu and Negros.  The dome architecture was selected for its unique ability to deflect strong winds which occur on the hilltop.
    triad-dome-cafe-1.jpg
  • Guiwanon Tree House and Mangroves, officially Guiwanon Spring Park, known for its natural spring and mangroves.  Shallow waters feed the fertile mangroves, a preserve and marine habitat.  Originally, Guiwanon was developed as a nursery to grow seedlings of mangroves. Later construction of tree houses and a pavilion over water was built.
    Guiwanon-2.jpg
  • Vernacular Filipino architecture on the island of Siquijor often includes gingerbread details carved into the eaves or window frames.  Though evocative architecture is rare in most towns in the Philippines, other than UNESCO protected sites, it is commonly found nearly everywhere, though poorly maintained by locals who normally do not appreciate its inherent beauty.
    siquijor-architecture-3.jpg
  • Siquijor Beach - Although Siquijor may be most famous for its faith healers, bolo bolo, and its annual sorcerer festival, it is quickly becoming an international hot spot for its white sand beaches, coral reefs and relaxed, laid back atmosphere.
    siquijor-beach-1.jpg
  • Augustinian Recollects built San Isidro Labrador Church in 1884.  It was made of coral stone and hardwood.  The church and convent were declared a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines in 2001.
    san-isidro-labrador-3.jpg
  • A 400 year old balete tree in  Lazi, Siquijor is unusual in that the spring that emanates from the base of the tree then flows straight into a pool. The Balete tree is from the  Ficus family (or strangler figs) that grow hanging roots that eventually  encircle and suffocate the host tree.   In some areas of the Philippines people believe that balete trees are dwelling places for supernatural beings.
    balete-tree-3.jpg
  • St Francis of Assisi Siquijor - A Spanish period church made of stone, cruciform and nipa roof, while the adjoining convent is also made of stone. The bell tower stands separately from the church across the plaza, serving as a watchtower against raiders from the sea.
    siquijor-belltower-1.jpg
  • Folk healing is common in many places around the world. The Philippines is well known in this department  because of the highland peoples who resisted Spanish colonization.  Modern medical care is beyond the reach of the average islander who survives on fishing and farming which explains healers continued popularity.  In these healing sessions there are no incantations.  The "therapy" consists of filling a clear jar with fresh water. The "bolo bolo" practitioner places the jar and starts to blow through a metal straw into the water.  Moving the jar over the head, continuing to blow.  After a few minutes of this, the bolo bolo practitioner checks the clarity of the water.  If it has turned brown then fresh water is put into the jar and another round is done until the water is clear. Bad spirits are removed by the rock in the water and the bubbles.  Once the water is clear after 3 or 4 passes, it means a clean bill of health.
    bolo-bolo-1.jpg
  • A Debut is a traditional Filipino coming-of-age celebration for young women of the age of 18th birthday.  Filipino men mark their own debut on their 21st birthday with less formal celebrations or none at all.  On their 18th birthday, Filipinos customarily throw a large party, where the debutante wears an extravagant gown during the day.  Feasting and dancing are part of the celebration.
    filipina-debut-1.jpg