TRAVEL: Siquijor Island, Philippines

As I walked up the hill–onto the centre of the Healing Festival–I was surprised to see nothing. People were gathered in small groups, vendors stationed their dried-leaf potions on the sides, and signs were put up advertising for hilot (massage). Nothing in this would differ from a typical probinsya fiesta. There were even horses you can ride for 10 pesos and live music by a local guitarista. 

I was at the Bandilaan Mountain Park in Siquijor, Negros Oriental. That day was Good Friday and my friends (Nelia, Rachel, Mya) and I trekked up the mountains for the Healing Festival. The signage said:

The Healing Festival is a showcase of healers and herbalists gathered together to perform their rituals, traditional healing practices, the renewal of their healing powers and the preparation of the medicanal potions believed to cure a variety of ailments.

I positioned myself in front of the small huts and patiently observed the healers. One man who had been working with an elder lady, did something I've never seen before: he blew bubbles in a round glass filled with water and one blue ball. He'd then chant prayers on a side, in front of a single white candle. I didn't think much of this until a 15-something girl approached him. He blew the bubbles, as usual, but sent her away immediately. "You're OK, nothing's wrong. You can leave," he said quietly.

I was able to observe this because I tried the traditional healing myself. I walked up to an elder lady dressed in white. Since I don't speak Bisaya, I just gestured and said, "Ako din po. Gusto ko din." (I'd like to try that too). To start, she massaged my head with oil from a small, roll-on container. It hurt. Then she would press parts of my chest and arm that made me wince. "Ate, bakit masakit? (Why is it hurting?), I asked. "Kasi masakit ulo, mo diba?" (Because your head hurts, right?). I did have an oncoming headache at the moment. 


After a few minutes of doing that to parts of my leg, she rubbed me with lana. As I understood, it's their version of homemade massage oil. I saw that hers had bits of leaves in it. To give respect, I didn't shower until the next day to let whatever she did (including the chanting and blowing) absorb fully.

Turns out, this wasn't your typical fiesta.

Love potions | Siquijor, Philippines

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Being in Siquijor to me, felt like a refreshing probinsya. No malls, no big stores, a few cars–heck, zero phone reception. The town is incredibly slow and quiet. I was delighted to see houses made in either nipa (a material made from a palm tree common in Pacific islands) or bare hollow blocks. It was so simple, so different from what I've seen in Cavite, California or even rural parts of Cebu. 

But then you'd get pockets of luxury like U Story. Owned by a Frenchwoman and her Filipino chef husband, together they built this Bali-inspired resto, lounge area and guest house. The woman owner designed the furniture herself and had it custom-built. I appreciate that attention to details–it made the place texture-rich yet cohesive. My friends and I had dinner there on Maundy Thursday and came back the next day to enjoy the views in daylight. 

Starting from back left: Tony, Mel, Crystal (author), Nelia, Mya and Rachel

Meet my new friend, 10-year old Mya! I hope to someday introduce her to my sister, Ace.

Good Friday lounging at U Story

Bali-inspired decor

Holy week spent well with these girls

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I'm back to Cebu now, after three-days and two nights in Siquijor. I'm happy to get WiFi and sleep in an air-conditioned room again, but I was so glad to have done the trip. 

Rachel and her daughter, Mya 

First of all, I'm thankful to have met new friends–Rachel and Mya Roberts–both so kind and game. I have a kindred with explorer personality types, ones that don't care about mosquitoes, bumpy tricycle rides, and backpacking-style travel. As expected, vendors and drivers raised their prices on us (sometimes double) as we're a foreign group. But we knew better and negotiated to the bones. The total cost for my trip was barely Php 3,000. 

Nelia (left) and Mel (right) at the Danish Lagoon

I'm also thankful for Nelia Monet, my colleague at JFDI and new-found travel buddy. We've only known each other for a month but she's tagged me along Malaspascua and Siquijor already. On this trip, I also met her sister, Melanie. 






At the end of the Healing Festival, I had my palms read. I also tried card reading, just to see what psychic would say about my upcoming wedding. In general, they were all positive readings–with a few reflective points. I immediately typed them on my phone, so I won't forget. However, no details will be revealed in this blog. ;-) 

That's it, Siquijor–I can't wait to explore more Philippine islands.

-C.

Author's sunset shot at the Santander Express Port

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