The Giant Balete Tree of Siquijor

When we hear the word Balete, most of us would readily associate it with the enchanted and the supernatural beings like “kapre” and “tikbalang” (that’s “tayhu” to the Ilonggos), or where sorcery rituals are usually performed, and if we are superstitious then most probably we would avoid getting near this tree. However, this is not the case with the giant Balete Tree in Barangay Campalanas, in Lazi town of Siquijor. Instead of being a thing to be avoided by people, it is one of the island’s popular tourist attractions. 

Why a travel blog from someone who is a self-professed reluctant traveler?

I must admit that I hate traveling but I also hate being confined too long at home. When boredom sets in I also get the itch to travel as long as the budget permits, of course. When this happens, there are three things that I readily put in my day pack: my notebook and pen (I consider them as a 2-in-1 item because one is not complete without the other), and my camera.

Siquijor, Siquijor (Part II): Parish Church of St. Francis of Assisi

This is the old stone church of Siquijor, Siquijor, which founded by the Franciscan priests on February 1, 1783. The construction of the stone church was started by Father Setten, a secular priest, and was under the supervision of Father Alonso de los Dolores from 1795-1831. Its adjoining convent was similarly built of stones, too. Its belfry is a separate building located at the plaza. It was also intended as a watchtower for pirates who frequently raid the shores. The church is not as big nor as grand as the other old churches found in various towns of Panay and Negros, but it shows its own quaint character.

Plants cling on to der life on the church facade and on the rooftops

The church is not as big or as grand as the other
old churches found in various towns of Panay
 and Negros, but it shows its own quaint character.

They use ropes as curtains on every door of the church. This is to ward off the
 “angry birds” that do not hesitate to bombard the interior of the church with their droppings. 

This plaque details in Tagalog the history of the parish church

The church belfry stands separately on the further left of the church, near the shore. It served as a lookout of the villagers against sea pirates who occasionally raided the town.

Siquijor, Siquijor (Part I)

The weather was all bright and sunny during our trip to Siquijor, so we enjoyed the boat ride very much, or at least I did. I occasionally glance at my other companions, they seem to have fallen asleep, or more likely pretending to sleep most of that time like what I was doing. Anyhow, no one got seasick, which was good since we needed the energy to cover everything in a short time. 

Siquijor Via Dumaguete

Early this December, my sister and I went along with our cousins and their girlfriends to Dumaguete. One of my cousin’s girlfriend was to attend a wedding there, and the rest of us went along to check out the place. The plan of the group was to just roam around, enjoy the place, food and whatever experiences that Dumaguete has to offer. Then suddenly someone remembered that Siquijor is just nearby, in fact it’s less than an hour away from Dumaguete City by boat. So then it was by unanimous decision that Siquijor was to be included in our itinerary.