Island Hopping - Siquijor

I am just enjoying my stay in the island though at times I felt bored having no work and income, yet, the laid-back life in the island & its simplicity makes me feel so at home.

BEWITCHING SIQUIJOR

Blog absent for a while. Lots of things happened during the previous days, I attended a wedding which I was appointed as Wedding Coordinator.
Visited a Language Center around Bangkok, I just met Sir Howie Severino from GMA-7 at the Emporium Mall. Of course, we had a picture taking after a short talking. Failed to celebrate and witness the Loi Khra Tong (a Thai- Halloween celebration)..too bad, just stayed at home watched TV.
Well, I have nothing much to say this time but I just saw this blogsite of Ferdz, promoting the Photography Workshop which would be held in the place I called home Siquijor. I am happy Ferdz initiated that and he chose my place. How I wish I could join this workshop and be their tour guide around the island.
Check it out at: Backpack Photography website


UPDATED: Bewitching Siquijor Workshop March 2011

Bewitching Siquijor

UPDATED (October 31, 2010) A 2-day Photo Tour and Workshop. Go beyond the myths and superstitions and explore this beautiful island of warm people, uncrowded white sand beaches, mangrove sanctuaries, caves, charming churches and mystical healers.

Course Outline

Preparing for an outdoor and travel shoot
Light and Exposure
Utilizing Filters for better exposure
People and Environmental Portraits
Shooting Architecture
Photo Critique

Workshop Details

Skill Level: Should have Basic Knowledge of Photography

For whom this is for: Participants who are willing to learn more about Travel and Outdoor Photography.

Date: March 18-20, 2011

Venue: Siquijor

Workshop Fee:

Php 10,000 (exclusive of airfare)
*Booking dates should be March 18, 2011 morning flights Manila to Dumaguete and March 20, 2010 afternoon flights Dumaguete to Manila

Inclusive of

Accommodations for 4days/3nights
Meals, packed lunches, buffet dinners (8main meals)
Transportation
Course Materials
Travel Insurance
Requirements:

Any camera that has Manual Controls
Must already have basic knowledge of Photography and knows how to set the controls of their cameras
Sturdy tripod
Compass
Flashlight or headlamp
Recommended:

Filters (ND8, Graduated Neutral Density Filters, Circular Polarizer)
Remote or Shutter Release for long exposure
Register Here.

Registration deadline is on February 15, 2011. LIMITED to 15 slots only!

OLD PHOTOGRAHS AND PLACES

The smile of the sun is getting fierce and painful. The wind blows luke-warmly uncomfortable, and you start sweating like a hell. It's already summer, the class is over- meaning it's time to rejoice, worry-free from exhausting class, stressful students, and a bit of tedious dullness of the subject as well. This is my first summer vacation away from home...Everything is first and I'm a sort of novice-migrant to a country that I never dreamt of. Back in the Philippines, summer vacation is considered a holiday of sort by the Filipinos. When the sun starts to strike its scorching heat, hitting out to the beach or splashing out to some famous and known swimming pools around the country were the most fave destination of every Filipinos. That's exactly the simple fun Filipinos did every summer vacation. It is also a gathering of every family, friends- where everyone plans for the retreat, visiting places outside the busyness of the city. Among the provinces in the Philippines that I love to spend my summer is the island of Siquijor It's the home province of my mother, a province where I first saw the beauty and the ugliness side of the world. I did spend my early childhood there too, so as staying there for some time when life in the city was getting congestive and crammed. The best place for exhaling pure and clean air. I’ve always dreamt of a life in the beautiful countryside of this island, a house of my own, with a wide meadow, sipping wine on my terrace enjoying a view of the rolling fields. Living there is more of the notion of leaving behind life’s baggage, moving on, and finding what you really want in life that speaks my mind. I remember my father used to bring me to the farm and accompanied him tending the cows..our piece of the farm there relates to the beauty of Life... it's close to nature, where valleys and plains added beauty to the simplicity of the area. An overview of a not so far-off sea, blending with the whistles of the wind and chirping of the larks. I remember my first time to see our farm – it was magically surreal. Fields of corns, peanuts, beautiful greeneries, and the tranquility of the countryside. Sunset over the fields reminds me of how Life feels when you find Love – rosy, warm, and blissful. It made me feel like I was in my dream, a dream that I’ll never wake up to. I have never been home on the island for so long of years now that old photographs and places I always remember..every now and then. My parents decided to settle there because of the peaceful and simplicity of the island that it offers...which life is where it’s at for some quality rest and relaxation. Now here I am in Thailand.. and through all of this, I haven't regretted once the decision to pack up life move abroad. I miss my parents and family, but I have no regrets what so ever in making this life-changing decision. Leaving me many avenues here to explore and who knows when or if I will be ready to return to the place of my birth.

Yesterday I felt the wind blowing 'round my shoulder Feel like I'm getting older Still I can't forget your face Separated by a million miles of ocean My heart still feels emotion Even in this lonely place Old photographs and places I remember Just like a dying ember That's burned into my soul Even though we walk the diamond-studded highways It's the country lanes and byways That makes us long for home Lately I just find my mind has turned to dreamin' Making plans and scheming How I'm gonna get back home But deep down inside I know its really hopeless This road I'm on is endless We climb our mountains all alone

SIQUIJOR- A MUST SEE DESTINATION

Summer is a perfect season for a backpacking adventure, visiting different places in the country is an ideal travel tip to escape the hustle & bustle of the city. if it's summer here in the Philippines, truly the heat is scorching, that something to expect. Since it's summer here, the sun is calling out once again, signaling us with a warm of dark tans, calming sunsets, warm wind that touches your cheeks. As a provincial starve vacationer, Siquijor is one of the top 5's I recommended since I was born there & spent some of my early innocent days. It's the home province of my mother which an uncharted territory in the central Visayas. Because of its urban legend "sorcery", the more exciting your travel fancy that surely thrilled your heart. Siquijor is the smallest island among the 3 biggies in Central Visayas (Cebu, Bohol, Negros) but the most peaceful, laid-back, and inexpensive. At the same time, Siquijor invokes a sense of adventure and exploration. One thing that you can't do in the city is stargazing, the sky is so clear that you can visibly see millions of stars at night. Fireflies lighted the trees are the usual enchanting background that you can pictorially see some. You can honestly demand your privacy there if you want to which is very hard to get nowadays. Siquijor is a place with no traffic, no pollution, far from the nuisance of the metropolitan, fresh air, and no beggars to say the least. Progress there has been so slow, there's no mall, movie houses and no fast-food chain but there's a lot of stores and restaurants around (the)towns. Blogger friends such as Ferdz and Oggie are amongst the Manilenyo backpackers who just visited and uncovered the mystery of the island. Their cameras will tell you how tempting Siquijor is for an escapade of the cosmopolitans intrigue and an urgency stressful works in the city. Pictures below are the snapshots of shreds of evidence of the hush and the serene setting of Siquijor. I don't want to go on more elaborately, bragging about the island but hoping the pictures below would do the talking more. Thanks to Ferdz and Oggie for these breathtaking shots they took about the island of Fire. (pictures courtesy of www.oggieblog.blogspot.com) (pictures courtesy of www.ironwulf.net)

SIQUIJOR FEATURED IN SEAIR IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE

When we hear the word Siquijor;black magic,witch craft,monster,etc and other evil forms would suddenly come up to our minds.You'll suddenly feel goosebumps when you hear telltales about the island.They don't know that it is one of the Philippine prides,which the island promotes among one of the finest beaches in the country.
I was born in this island,but I spent much of my teeny boopers in Olongapo city,yet,I still considered the island as home.
The island was featured not only on local TV programs but even on blogs and on an airline magazine.Once again,the island was featured in the In-Flight Magazine owned by Seairline.

Siquijor is one of the Philippines gorgeous islands. It is located in the Central Visayas Region close to the islands of Bohol, Cebu and Negros. The island is the third smallest province in the country both in terms of population and land area.
Siquijor is mostly made up of limestone materials and fringed with mangrove trees, fine and white sand beaches, and coral reefs. The highest point of the island is Mt. Bandilaan, which rises at approximately 557 meters above sea level.
Dubbed as the next Boracay, the island is known for its scenic beauty and archaic churches. It is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers because of its numerous caves, springs and rivers. The coral reefs sorrounding the island are attractions to diving enthusiasts from all over.

PAGSANJAN RAPIDS

The Jewel of Southern Laguna,Pagsanjan Falls.


There can be no pleasurable days in my life but to experience of being a visitant among the pride of the Philippines.
Since elementary,usual oft repeated phrases of our teachers that Philippines is rich in tourist attraction, and one of them is Pagsanjan Falls at Southern part of Laguna.
I can't imagine how thrilled it was to see the rapids of Pagsanjan Falls.At last,I can proudly say that I have been to places where you can only see at postcards.


On the way to the falls was filled with untouched forest....High and panting cliff covered with lushful grass and trees.



Amidst of the turbid water, countless kids and other adults enjoying their swimming in the river just to refresh their selves from the excruciating heat of summer.


Yours truly at Pagsanjan falls at my back.....just see how rapids and beautiful Pagsanjan in personal.I can't believe that I got the chance to visit the falls..but I am looking forward of visiting Pagsanjan again.


On the way to Pagsanjan..with our boatmen.One at the front and the other at the back...the way to Pagsanjan wasn't easy yet,ecstaticly thrilling.I can feel the agony of our boatmen how they go through of this kind of job with three passengers.


Colorful boats for rent at 650.00 per person.But don't just go on directly to those fixers at the road calling tourists for boating..they will charge you high.


Our Korean students on their way to the cascading falls of Pagsanjan.Koreans and Chinese tourists were the usual visitors who came just to see how beautiful Pagsanjan is.

ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES

Just found this lines from another blog...and I feel like posting them here because of it's possible reality happens only in the Philippines.
I would like to give acknowledge to the person who originally posted this..Mr. Xavier


50. Where the most happening places are not where the party is. Instead it is where gang wars happen or where the people overthrow a president.

49. Where even doctors, lawyers and engineers are unemployed.

48. Where everyone has his personal ghost story and superstition

47. Where mountains like Makiling and Banahaw are considered holy places.

46. Where everything can be forged.

45. Where school is considered the second home and the mall considered the third.

44. Where Starbucks coffee is more expensive than gas.

43. Where every street has a basketball court and every town only has one public school.

42. Where all kinds of animals are edible.

41. Where people speak all kinds of languages, and still call it Tagalog and where it is fast becoming unfashionable to speak English.

40. Where students pay more money than they will earn after graduation.

39. Where telemarketer and call-center employees earn more money than teachers and nurses.

38. Where driving 4 kms in the capital city can take as much as four hours.

37. Where flyovers bring you from the freeway to the side streets.

36. Where the tourist spots are where Filipinos can not or do not go to.

35. Where the personal computer is mainly used for games, chatting and friendster.

34. Where 13-year-olds are alcoholic.

33. Where colonial mentality is dishonestly denied.

32. Where the squatters have more to complain (even if they do not pay their tax) ---- than those employed and have their tax automatically deducted from their salaries.

31. Where people can pay to defy the law.

30. Where everything and everyone is spoofed.

29. Where even the poorest of the poor have television sets and air conditioning but do not have food on the table and can not send their kids to school.

28. Where the honking of car horns is a way of life.

27. Where being called a bum is acceptable and never offensive.

26. Where floodwaters take up more than 90 percent of the streets during the rainy season.

25. Where everyone has a relative abroad who keeps them alive.

24. Where crossing the street involves running for your dear life.

23. Where you can get killed if your singing sucks at a karaoke bar.

22. Where billiards is a sport, darts is a bar game and where boxing is almost becoming the national sport.

21. Where even the poverty-stricken have the latest cell phones (that are stolen from those who can afford.)

20. Where insurance does not work.

19. Where water can only be classified as tap and dirty - clean water is for sale (35 pesos per gallon).

18. Where the church governs the people and where the government makes the people pray for miracles.

17. Where University of the Philippines is where all the weird people go. Ateneo is where all the nerds go. La Salle is where all the Chinese go. College of Saint Benilde is where all the dumb La Sallians go.

16. Where fast food is a diet meal.

15. Where traffic signs are merely suggestions, not regulations.

14. Where mostly people with influence and power can make it big in showbiz. No talent required.

13. Where being held up is normal. It happens to everyone.

12. Where kids dream of becoming pilots, doctors and basketball players but never get to live it.

11. Where rodents and cockroaches are normal house pets.

10. Where the definition of traffic is the "non-movement" of vehicles.

9. Where the fighter planes of the 1940s are used for military engagements, and the new fighter planes are displayed in museums.

8. Where Nora Aunor is an acclaimed actress, Boy Abunda is the best talk show host and Manny Pacquiao is a hero... Where the population knows more their showbiz stars better than their national heroes and past presidents, knows more of showbiz gossips than their national history and current events. And where candidates for senator and president use celebrities to win the national elections.

7. Where cigarettes and alcohol are a necessity, and where the lottery is a commodity.

6. Where soap operas tell the realities of life and where the news provides the drama.

5. Where actors make the rules and where politicians provide the entertainment.

4. Where finding a deer on the road will be a phenomenon. A dog? It's normal.

3. Where people can get away with stealing trillions of pesos, but not for a thousand.

2. Where being an hour late is still considered punctual.

1. And finally... where everybody wants to leave the country!!!






These following pictures courtesy of Tahanan Books

AN OPPRESIVELY HOT LENTEN

I don't celebrate nor believe on Lenten...my church had clearly explained the doctrinal views that this kind of celebration or let say belief is not Biblically based but a custom being practice by most of the inhabitants in this world.The Holy Scripture evidently tells us that one way of cleansing and repenting our sins is not by way of following the pagans do which hurting ourselves physically but the holistic preaching of Christ.
Those who observe it are not mainly to be knowledgeable about the holy writings unless their church would proclaim reverently what exactly the Bible has to say.The Bible clearly says " Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit:, yet, some have seriously injured themselves by beating thru the traditional wiper.Well, that is their convictions or customary just as what the Spaniards had introduced to us that fallaciously swayed most of the Filipinos.
So much for that, I went home this lenten in Olongapo to spend a much needed vacation with my kins.There is no great substitute on a relish holiday period with your common proginator.That is true, which you can laugh and do all things with gusto.Everytime I get the chance to go home, childhood recollections mellifluously brings back the motion pictures of the yesteryears.Oftentimes, my feet induce me to places I used to hang-out to.I simply called them landmarks of memories.
It is nice to look back the trails that you had just left during your childhood days...refreshing back is most likely what we usually do to satisfy our missingness back then.
I can't truly understand why we have this kind of emotions of flashing back the haapy bygone specially during solitude moment.....
Well,I guess these are the usual feelings of a man trying to tract back of his/her childhood good days....it is also a worth sharing to your children and grandchild if ever times permit.

SIQUIJOR - THE MYSTIC ISLAND

SIQUIJOR - THE MYSTIC ISLAND One of the latest movies right now, tells about Siquijor. This is the island where I was born..the province of my great mother. I have not seen the movie but I used to see it in newspaper movie columns. As I was studying the picture of the movie...it's like proclaiming the island negatively about its witchcraft practices. The face of a man in the movie poster, annoyingly speaks how spooky and dreadfully scary Siquijor is. I think... it's not what the picture should have to be about the island.....I've grown up on the island too but I have never seen nor encounter a medium nor witch or what? The said movie is not promoting the beauty of the island but selfishly destroying the image of Siquijor. Honestly, I felt insulted and belittle base on the poster made by the Producer.....Haven't they asked nor study how safe and peaceful the place Siquijor is? It is honestly the best escapade place from the hustle-bustle of the polluted suburbans... 

I have these clippings taken from yehey.com, about the complaint of Cong.Fua against the movie: 

Will ‘Siquijor’ finally get to see the light? By: Ricky T. Gallardo | The Manila Times 13 March 2007 | 12:53 PM All is set for the nationwide screening of the controversial film Siquijor tomorrow unless an unexpected last-minute hitch comes along. Already given a high B rating from the Cinema Evaluation Board, the film’s showing is highly anticipated by the country’s movie buffs not just because they want to see on screen what they’ve always been hearing about this mystic island but because it gathers what is possibly the best creative team and the most credible new generation of actors in the Philippines today. The film has been in the can for several months now, it's showing delayed several times because of a hundred and one glitches. The most controversial of which was the complaint filed by Governor Orlando B. Fua Sr. of Siquijor, with the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, to restrain the exhibition of the movie Siquijor: Mystic Island because it allegedly paints a negative image of the province. The people behind the movie have already formalized their reply and have sought the assistance of MTRCB Chairman Consolacion Laguardia. In response, Laguardia asked the producers to submit to MTRCB the answer print of Siquijor for review before it can act on the request. She also clarified that the board has no power to stop a film based on a party’s complaint and reiterated that the MTRCB merely classifies films according to age suitability. The film was given a PG-13 rating, without cuts.