The San Isidro Labrador Parish Church at Lazi

The San Isidro Labrador Church

As inscribed in a plaque found on the church's front wall, the parish of Lazi was established by the Augustinian priests in honor of San Isidro Labrador in 1857. Its church, which was constructed under the supervision of Father Toribio Sanchez, was finished by native artisans in 1884 and the belfry a year later. The San Isidro Labrador Church is another picturesque building in Siquijor. Its façade is a combination of coral stones and wood planks. The front entrance is covered with fishing net. I suppose it serves the same purpose as the rope curtain of the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church. The church looks so simple outside, but inside it’s a different thing.

Cambugahay Falls

Cambugahay Falls is located amidst a flourishing forest on an elevated area about two kilometers north of Lazi town, Siquijor. Our multi-cab was almost spurting as we reach this destination. There were eight of us in our group, plus our guide and the driver, and our cumulative weight appeared to test the engine of our vehicle. Nevertheless, we arrived in our destination safe and sound.

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.