The Plum: Archive

Summer Love: Siquijor

When you’re working for a TV Network, particularly the News Department, you have to wholeheartedly accept that you don’t have holidays and summer breaks. You have to be at work because news is non-ending, it doesn’t give you the luxury of “pause”. You are a part of an industry that doesn’t sleep and will always go on air no matter what. Basically, we are the people who go towards a phenomenon where obviously people are fleeing from just to hand the public the information they need to know.

The only time of the year that we get to enjoy a break from work is the Lenten Season. Actually, it’s just a three-day break which is already huge. However, I always spend that season at home. So how the hell did i get to Siquijor? I faced the consequences of course — salary deduction for 2 days of absence at work.

Can’t blame me, every person deserves a nice summer vacay. A STRESS-FREE one, so i had mine.. and it was worth it. :)

Siquijor is known to be a place of voodoos, “aswang“ and moving paper dolls which scare most people. However, that didn’t keep us from exploring its beauty — and that is its past so move on people!! The residents are nicer than you think plus, there are a lot of tourists visiting the area. The only thing that will make you shiver is its one of a kind scenery and ambiance.

From Manila to Dumaguete to finally, Siquijor. I was astonished by the view that welcomed my arrival. The port itself (for someone like me who lives in a place like Manila) is a tourist spot already. Its obviously clean and clear water makes you want to jump from the boat and start swimming already. If the port is this beautiful, imagine the beaches! *faints*

If you’re looking for a nice and quiet place to stay, i recommend Coral Cay Resort. Not crowded — you can fully enjoy your privacy and it’s very peaceful to the eyes and ears. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery made up of white fine sand and clear water. It costs P2,995.00/night (Nipa hut with an airconditioned room, artsy bathroom, hammock, use of swimming pool, kayak and all..only food and drinks are excluded.)

One of the things that this resort provides is it’s breathtaking sunset view. The splashes of colors in the sky stunned me and made me not want to get off the kayak. It’s like i just wanna stay there longer, lie on it and admire the view as the sea carries me on a lullaby.

Another in my list of Things to Do’s is to visit old churches in the province and get high in their vintage beauty.

Lazi Church and Convent. This is a century old church dedicated to St. Isidore Labradore and is considered as one of the few remaining Baroque Churches in the country.

What i like most: it’s authentic wooden floors and aging doors.

Church of St. Francis of Assisi is located in the capital town of Siquijor just outside the port.

What i like most: it’s made mostly of coral stones.

Sta Maria Church is built in 1880 and isdedicated to Nuestra Señora de Providencia (Our Lady of Divine Providence).

What i like most: its painted pillars and the oddness of The Black Magic Mary.

And of course, my favorite…Cambugahay Falls!! This challenged my stamina (cause I get easily exhausted..sucks i know). It’s located down-south so you have to go down some steps before reaching the area. It has a layered structure, so if you want to get some alone time with it i suggest you climb higher. :D It’ll take a few minutes since the gaps between the layers aren’t so far from each other.

Way to Salagdoong Beach..beautiful.

Salagdoong is known for its crystal clear water. It’s so clear that you can see pretty little fishes (striped ones, black ones, white ones) swim with you. However, it’s crowded in here since entrance fee is only P10.00. The activity that people go here for is cliff (-ish) diving. I attempted to try, but its high and I got scared. hahahaha!

Anyhoo here’s a tip, since it’s crowded it’s hard to find a spot. However, we found a place where we can fully enjoy the wonders of Salagdoong’s arms. We went to the very corner away from the people, passing through the unfinished cemented floor and went down the abandoned-looking stairs— In there we found quiet paradise entrapped by sharp beautiful rocks. The water is so clear that you can see corals and fishes beneath you. If you’re able to find this spot, please be careful on what you step on ( we dont wanna inflict damage on their homes) and i strongly recommend that you bring goggles!!!

BONUS:

THE FOOD! When you get here, DEVOUR.

Must: Kilawin