Msytical Siquijor

Siquijor is an island off the coast of Dumaguete.
It is said to be an enchanting and mystical place due to its reputation as a haven of supernatural things.
On the contrary i found Siquijor to be very much the opposite.
Perhaps the reason why such stories exists about this island is because they wanted Siquijor to remain unexploited and serene as it is right now.

I went to Siquijor last summer to explore the area and to disprove the superstitious tall tales that is attached to the place.
I was very much surprised how beautiful the island is.
What i saw in Siquijor were pristine beaches with crytal clear waters and fine white sand.
It is a peaceful and laid back island that one may opt to consider it as the getaway place that will make you keep on coming back.

The people in Siquijor are also very kind and welcoming.
There is no shortage of honest smiles and laughter in this place.

Here are a few shots from my Siquijor visit.

Enjoy!


Church of San Isidro Labrador, Lazi (Siquijor)
The church is formerly called Tigbawan, Lazi.
It was made a parish, independent of Siquijor on 8 August 1857 with the advocacy of San Isidro Labrador.
The church was made of original stones and mortar with a design that is very much different from the baroque architechture of most Spanish era churches.
From a distance the church looks like a humongous barn with wooden walls and roofs.


The Lazi church interior
The flooring is made from wooden planks that us quite unusual for a church since most spanish influenced church has floors that were made of concrete or marble.


The crying Saint statue inside Lazi church
I took this shot out of impulse because i fancy the face of this statue.
It's like faith and serenity molded into one.


The Lazi Convent
This Convent is located totally infront of the Lazi church.
Priests and laymen still lives here until now.



A colorful outrigger docked in Larena beach


While driving a motorcylcle along the scenic road of Siquijor i noticed these two mangrove trees just lazing on the clear blue waters. The sun was up since it was around noontime, i was thinking the sun will not give justice to my shot, but it did and it was beautiful.



A concept shot in between the trunk of a Molave tree.
This is one of the roads in Siquijor that is covered with huge trees adding a mystical aura to the place.


The highways in Siquijor are always deserted sans for occasional jeepneys and habal-habal.



Lines in the Sand.
Taken during my early morning walk at the beach of Larena.


The crosses of Mt. Bandilaan
Every holyweek pilgrims from neighboring towns and even from mainland Dumaguete go to this place as part of their yearly "panata' or religious devotion.


Aother concept shot of a dried tree shot between the thorny shrubs at the seashore of Larena.


Outrigger boat loaded with nets.


This is a diver's boat docked near Larena beach.
The orange hue effect was caused by the setting sun.


Larena Beach


Cambugahay Falls
A small three layered waterfalls that is famous in the island.

Kayak

Fishermen hauling the day'scatch

Out in the shallows

Sunbaked smiles and playful frowns

Reflection of end of day

How to go there, man? :

Siquijor is reachable via Ferries from Dumaguete City. These Ferries ply the route of Dumaguete - Siquijor ports and Dumaguete - Larena ports. Upon reaching Suquijor the modes of transportation varies from Habal-habal to tricycles, multicabs and jeepneys with regulated local fares. There are also motorcycles for rent in Siquijor, if you are comfortable in riding and driving one this is the best option to explore the island. There is no equivalent in the freedom one can get in exploring an island on a motorcycle. Just make sure to get advise from the locals about the terrains and road condition if you are not familiar yet with the place.

ILOCOS NORTE : The heritage of the north

Ilocos is rich in heritage and culture as seen in the old churches and spanish houses that can still be found all over the place.

I went to Ilocos for a photoshoot and i was amazed how picturesque the place is.
From landscape to seascapes and even nightscapesall these are possible in Ilocos.
Vigan itself is an old city yet is also a busy and happening one as it welcomes the changes of time.

Here are a few shots from the trip.

Paoay Church, one of the oldest church in Ilocos that still maintains

its original Baroque architechture.



Kapurpurawan rock formations.


Huge boulders molded by the raging waves and strong winds

adorns this coastline of Kapurpurawan.


Sunset in Pagudpud


A fisherman"s net hanged out to dry



Cape Bejeador's Lighthouse
The design is still very much influenced by Spanish colonial architechture.


The writings on the wall from Marcos Museum





Calle Crisologo
One of the oldest streets in Vigan, the pavement is made from original cobblestones laid by Spanish and Filipino masons during the colonial period.
The houses on this street has maintained it's original Spanish structure one may feel as if it was frozen in time. The cables for electricity are even hidden in order to give the impression that the place is still how it looks like way back during the Spanish era.




Bangui Windmills.
These gigantic wind turbines supplies electriciy to most part of Ilocos.


Interior of St William's Cahedral.
The design and relics are very much influenced by Spanish catholic religion


Kabigan Falls
One of the tourist attraction in Ilocos.


A dip at the clear and a bit cold water will refresh you from the long hike towards this falls.


Ilocos transportation is a mix of modern cars and jeepneys as well as Calesas such as this one.


Pagudpud scenic beach.


St. Williams Cathedral


Sunset at the beach

Holy Grounds

I am always fascinated with churches specially the very old ones. I guess deep within me i still have that thing for my faith.
Perhaps i could trace it from my upbringing or probably from the schools i went to in my youth. Nevertheless it has always been my greatest pleasure to capture the aura and enigma of these holy grounds.

So here are a few mono shots of churches in Camarines Sur plus a couple from Siquijor island.


Church of Bombon in Camarines Sur



Leaning tower of Bombon
This bell tower is slowly sinking because of the soft grounds beneath it.



The Famous Metropolitan Cathedral in Naga City
One of the oldest church in Naga.





Church of Quipayo in Camarines Sur
The white tower on the right is being used every Easter Sunday.
It is localy called "tuntunan" where little children dress in an angel/cherubin outfits are slowly being lowered to the ground signifying the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.





Church of Sangay, Camarines Sur


This shot was taken inside the church of Manguiring.
The white crosses painted on the pews caught my fancy.


This is the marble altar of Manguiring church.


Church of Manguiring, Camarines Sur.


Just a simple church gate that was illuminated by the afternoon sun creating interesting shadows and patterns.


This one was taken in Siquijor.
Crosses of Lazi church, one of the oldest church in Siquijor.


This one is also from Siquijor.
I forgot the name of this church but this is the first church that you will see upon arriving in Siquijor. It is located just outside the port of Siquijor.

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Originally uploaded by RomulusRueda

buzzing like flies

buzzing like flies
Originally uploaded by RomulusRueda