PART 1: Siquijor: Demystified

 An island known for its myth on witchcraft and strange rituals. It is said that this island is the home of some witches who plays havoc on passing ships bound to Cebu or any neighboring islands. This is also known as Isla Del Fuego (Island Of fire) by the Spaniards during the colonial period due to the abundance of fireflies in this region. 

Our ride 

We were amazed to know that this small beautiful island has a lot of old churches and convents. We traveled the whole island by a "motorela" and strangely we discovered that the people in this place are very religious contrary to what most of us believe. We passed by a lot of churches, in fact, three of which really caught my attention - The St. Francis of Assisi Church in Siquijor, The San Isidro Labrador Church and Convent found in Lazi, and The Church of Divine Providence in Maria.

The St. Francis of Assisi Church was originally built by the Spaniards and has been preserved for centuries by the local people. And similar to other old infrastructure in the country, this church is mostly made of coral stones and timber with an equally old bell tower as if beckoning the passengers from the pier. This church is really hard to miss upon arrival since it sits well in front of Siquijor pier.  

St Francis of Assisi church

St Francis of Assisi church bell tower

The San Isidro Labrador Church and Convent which is the oldest convent in Asia. This was another remembrance of the Spanish influence in the province; it's built by the Augustinian priests' in the 19th century. The church walls are made of corals and the floor is made of wood. I have been to a lot of old churches before, but this church feels different, I have this eerie feeling as soon as I step into its gigantic doors, perhaps due to its deafening silence or I'm just not use to the feeling of tranquility the place offers.   

San Isidro Labrador Church side view

 San Isidro Labrador Church main door 

San Isidro Labrador Church coral walls

San Isidro Labrador Church altar 

San Isidro Labrador Church roof 

On the other hand, the convent fronting the church is bursting with life. Some of its rooms are now being converted as a school building. It also holds a museum that showcases some century old relics and clerical clothing way back the Spanish era.   

Museum entrance: PhP 20

The Church Of Divine Providence, located in the municipality of Maria.  This is the home of Sta. Rita de Cascia, the patron saint of the abused wives and mourning women. She is carrying a skull and a crucifix which makes her very unique. 

Beside the church entrance

The bell tower 

The replica of Sta. Rita 

Accordingly, the original statue was almost stolen so the Archbishop decided to hide it for safe keeping.  

NOTE: 
* Please dress appropriately
* Observe silence;  turn your cellphones to silent mode 
* Follow church rules specially when they conduct services

Check part II of our Siquijor adventure for the rest of the island's must-see places.