Witchcraft, “kulam”, and news about “aswang” are some of the different issues that made her image negative in the society. Issues that still needs to be proved. But she just ignored these; instead she remained calm, silent, humble and untouched. These issues also made her kept her stunning beauty for a long time that could outshine others and could bring her to fame. Everything from head to toe was perfect about her. But whenever she introduces her name, people would tremble and would also loss his or her interest to explore her. I’m talking about my beautiful friend in the name of Siquijor. The island where God showered His blessings for her to be use and nurture. Now, got to know her deeper and have a road travel in her. What does she have and why she was called “a potential Philippine paradise”?
First, Siquijor has a very accessible location. Indeed, it is the smallest province in the Central Visayas region. It is situated 30 km southeast of Negros Island, south of Cebu, southeast of Bohol, and north of mainland Mindanao. From one of these islands surrounding Siquijor, one may ride a fast-ferry or a motorized boat to reach the island in less time. But if you want to save money and prefer a cheaper one, you can have the ship but would take you approximately five hours to reach the island. Of course while boarding the ship, you may witness the rich blue sea of Siquijor and if you’re lucky enough, dolphins may swim with the ship bound for Siquijor.
Another asset of Siquijor was the whiter sand filling her coastline. Her 102 km coastline were all filled with white sand that made different beach resorts to sprout along the island’s shores. One of the beautiful resorts was the Salagdoong beach resort. The resort’s shore was actually white small pebbles that make its water still clear though you stepped to it many times. Also, vast coral reefs surround Siquijor that is best for scuba diving and snorkeling. In addition, fishes and other marine creatures also dwell near the shore which you can clearly see from a 3-feet deep water. One may also try boating to see beautiful cottages and big ancestral houses owned by elite families.
Finally, rich culture and tradition was preserved in the island. There are some areas in the island in which people practices primitive herbal healing. They also make potions out of herbal leaves and roots which others said as witchcraft. But when these people doing those things were asked if it is witchcraft, some of them answers no while others just stare at you and would just be silent. Also, Spanish colonization still marks in the island through the different ancestral houses standing all over the island. Century old churches were also constructed such as the St. Francis of Assisi Church built in 1870 and the St. Isidore Labradore Parish Church and Convent in Lazi. Spanish colonizers were also the people that left great impact on their traditions and cultures that they continuously practice today.
Truly, Siquijor’s potential for the tourism market is very big. Why not give her a chance? In fact, by helping her, we can also help the people dwelling there to have a living. Her characteristics, values and personality are some of the good things that would bring her to success. Let’s not limit ourselves with the vacation spots that a lot of people are visiting. Try something different and explore the 7, 107 islands of the Philippines such as Siquijor where you can also find white sand beaches and hospitable people. With all these, a beautiful island like Siquijor will soon be the most famous tourist’s destination in the Philippines. After all, one can share his or her experience having a vacation in an island feared by many and chosen by few. The charm Siquijor possessed will be like a spell cast to you that would make you smile and remember her for the rest of your life.
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