“TARA! Let’s travel San Juan!”

                        “Travelling is fun but travelling unexpectedly is much more exciting.”

San Juan is a vibrant municipality with hospitable people sited in the mystical island of Siquijor located in Visayas and was filled with tourist destinations and distance about 15.9 km from Siquijor. With its majestic beach resorts, splendid bar and restaurants, wonderful cafes, remarkable merchandizing souvenir shops and others are quite a picture that lures both local travellers and foreign trippers. Famous activities such as scuba diving and mountain biking gave tourists an exciting and fun adventure while staying. 

                

                 A very beautiful weather welcomed us in our trip to San Juan. We rode a motorcycle and then stopped at the gas station, ready to begin our journey. Just after the boundary with Siquijor town we took the detour from the main highway to Paliton Beach. We noticed a signboard that indicated Paliton is also a marine sanctuary yet we have gone straight to the sea. The approach of the wind was refreshing and made us forget the blistering heat of the sun on our way to our first stop, the Paliton Beach located in Tambisan, San Juan, Siquijor and was just recently discovered because of a resort’s owner who brought the land for an extension for his industry. Paliton beach is one of the most dazzling beaches in the island of Siquijor which is known for its tranquil beauty since it has pretty white sand with cool crystal- clear waters and clean surroundings. Its view on the right side of the beach is rounded by beautiful mass of corals and a stunning sight with the same white sand and glassy waters but line by a long stretch of palm trees or much more recognized in the island as coconut tress which also gave the place even more wonderful and alive as it is called “Mini Boracay”. Beyond the mass of coral rocks was a palm- lined-beach as still part of Paliton where we can spot several dock fishing boats. Unlike San Juan’s other beaches there were no resorts as it was only on beautiful piece of paradise. The sand is blindingly white, fine and soft on the feet- almost like a Boracay’s.

            As we have enjoyed our sightseeing, we took some pictures and videos for us remember the amazing place we’ve ever visit and seen. Multiple of tourists were also there savouring the moment. It’s hard to leave scenery like we have seen in the said beach, hopefully Paliton Beach will remain in its pristine state for others to enjoy.

On our way back to continue our journey, we stopped on Paliton Marine Santuary where the total area is 6.5 hectares in which one individual can enjoy scuba diving but there were fees established and penalties were also executed. As a marine sanctuary, Paliton is a divers dream with three submarine caves where divers can spot sleeping reef sharks and plenty of other marine life. The best diving at Siquijor is apparently along the sea wall that runs south from Paliton down to Tubod Beach. A small fishing village marked by a line of parked outrigger boats is situated here but it blended so effortlessly with the landscape.

 When we started dipping into its shallow waters we immediately spotted corals in crystal- clear water lying not too far from the beach, some sea urchins and several fishes darting out of our path. Reef fishes such as scolopsis billineatus, plectorhinchus lineatus and corals like branching coral, table coral especially macro-invertebrates for example sponge, feather star and giant clam were there to be found and discover as well. We also entered and saw the attractive private dream house, a unique and very creative style of establishment near the Paliton Beach since the management permitted us. In addition we received a compliment from the foreign owner for the reason that we spoke good English.

            As we go on to the next route, we saw uncountable magnificent resorts, bar and restaurants yet the clouds started to darken. We stopped and walked toward the resort which was actually not too far from Paliton Beach to discover its astonishing place. We were associated with the resorts’ staff and asked them if we could scroll around the beach and took some pictures for we wanted to feature there place because of fine, powdery white sand, shallow and calm crystal- clear waters with sea grass scattered everywhere and coconut palms lining the shore. But sadly, they asked a letter signed by the teacher as a formal permission and evidence if our sayings were true. So we continually rode on the motorcycle despite of the unpleasant weather condition. 

Travelling to our next destination, we suddenly discontinue our trip and stopped for awhile in a souvenir shop that was recently founded by Arden Manginsay called “ba-Yane’s Angel store” derived from the Filipino word “bayani” meaning hero and the name of his two children.  An extremely resourceful and artistic style of business that was totally affordable. Their products were natively made in accordance to the mystic island. We were incredibly amused by the ornaments made by bamboo, trees, clay, thread, shells, nito and more that was customized into fabulous one. Stuffs like wind chime; bracelet, fridge magnet, coaster, placemat, chopstick, hat and mask were some of the greatest objects to see. As we roamed all over the place, something have caught our attention under the European masks, we found the famous potion in Siquijor known as “lumay” or love potion that was made from 20 kinds of herbal medicines, known to have magical power and can bring good luck charm to people and gave good fortune that was also good in starting business and can be also used as perfume or cologne. But there was a reminder that one should not bring the potion to funeral wake or cemetery.

 The management even joked around when he saw us looking at those bottles, the love potion. Since the owner and the people who managed the business allowed us to try and wore their products, we were happy to oblige. Joy rested in our hearts as we freely wore and took pictures on their commodities. We also had a picture with the owner of the store. We stayed for almost an hour enchanted by the plenty merchandises they have offered. We even sat on the old gargantuan wheel chair in front of the house and took some photos. 

                  On our way to Maite we happened to pass by Capilay Spring Park which was just beside the road located in Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor. Although this destination is often a long travel or locally- arranged one- day tours, we had already decided to visit the place before coming. The concrete- lined pool, chairs and benches were just too attractive to in which the locals benefit a lot from taking a bath in its waters. We have observed that the other side of the pool is strictly prohibited. A lot of people were enjoying their holiday and some students were a filming movie.

               There were tables and benches as well as cottages that we can sit and relax. Since we do not have enough money, we haven’t tried the Capilay’s Cuisine like Pork Adobo, Capilay’s Combo Meal, Lomi and Sinuglaw, Seafood Tinola, Shrimp Gambas, Fish Kinilaw and more. We saw the variety of activities in Capilay Spring Cuisine and Leisure Park offered such as wall climbing, bumper boats, paddle boats and walking waterball. However, we haven’t tried even at least one since there was a charge per activity. What a great experience we were having. A real clean natural body of water is present. It’s a good place to just relax and not spend anything. Capilay Spring Park was a unique and lovely spot in which it was situated near the Church in San Juan which would take 55 series of steps before reaching the church. Snaking up to the top going to the church one individual can see the good view of the park. Walking toward the church we have discovered that Saint Agustin Dehippo was their Patron. 

                  The Church was renovated years ago and someone told us that it was just a “tabik” long before meaning giant rock before it was turned into a building that was used for religious activities. We would like to know more about the church since it was quite interesting yet upon gathering some information and ask someone about it, we are fooled, disappointment came across our faces. So we decided to have a lunch since it was almost 12 noon. We asked for directions where was place to sit and eat by the students who were walking near the Capilay Spring Park for the municipality of San Juan was foreign to us and they gladly fulfill our desire.

                Heading to the place where we can have a meal and take a break to fill our empty stomach, a long flowing river with women washing their garments instantly caught our attention. It was situated at the center of the town where we have witnessed a river with glassy water. It was unusual; it was like a traditional style of washing one’s clothing. The residents living in place would freely get some water for other purposes aside from drinking; took a bath, clean their clothes and others to the river. It was really a hub of the community. There was no fee existing as one individual can swam freely but it was near the highway and lowly fenced so passer might see someone doing there with different purposes publicly. It was called “Suba”, we would like to ask some information about it but our stomach was rumbling. And we found the place told by the students, it was the cheapest yet reliable place to eat. After fixing ourselves since we are done eating, we continued our journey.

Unexpectedly, past one kilometer from the town we came to a busy spot along the road of Maite- the ethical Baha Ba’r, it lies about 8 kilometers from Siquijor Port and 1 kilometer from San Juan town proper. In which it was one of the most impressive places we have visited which was build last December 2014 in Maite, San Juan, Siquijor. As we have entered the place the management welcomed us with a warm smile plastered on their faces. Our first impression of Baha Ba’r was terrific. Its lively meeting place for travellers from different parts of the world mostly from diversed places like Poland, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, England, China and more. Yet it was a relaxing and convenient place like a home. Its wooden design and breezy open- air lounge perfectly blend with the rustic, laidback atmosphere of the island. All over the place, there are pieces of native furniture, paintings, and photographs. There was a book of shelves and an instrument where one individual can pick up anytime to enjoy the moment with friends. We have observed on the one side of the bar, there was an extended area called the Kusina Bar , another comfy space designated for smoking guests. As we took the stairs to the second floor, we got reminded of the old house. The rules were simple: shoes and slippers must be left at the doorstep. And the wooden floor must be spanking clean. Darlyn, one of the staff, led and tour us around for us to see how beautiful it is. 

We later learned which made us amazed that the Baha Ba’r, a one of a kind establishment was actually designed to enrich the idea of an old ancestral house called Cang- isok’s house, a 200- year old stilt house at the eastern side of Siquijor. The Baha Ba’r was derived from the word “Baha” that in both Spanish and Visayan language means flood or low area. The land in which the bar was built was said to be a typically flooded area several times in a year and was always underwater in times of typhoon until an extensive flood drainage project was completed, the owner intentionally took that as the name of the business. That made the tilt house concept very prone for its story. The proprietor, born out an idea to create a bar/restaurant that would appeal to both Filipinos and Westerners. They have incredible dishes such as Filipino favourites, Asian favourites, North American and European staples, Baha Ba’r Signature Dishes etc. They offered different astounding wines like Iniiskillin Ice Wine, Greywacke Riesting, Genesis Gran Reserva Syrah and more. Aside from the various dishes and drinks, Baha Ba’r have activities such as Mountain Bike Tours and Subwing which was the first subwing in the Philippines, a snorkelling glide underwater like a dolphin that was never done before in which the travellers would actually enjoy.

 In addition, Baha Ba’r have a weekly enthralling bunch of performances such as movie night, locals night, acoustic live band, fire dancing and drums, lechon + fish night, acoustic live music and reggae night, fire dancing. Darlyn, the manager, showed us around their property, and made us amused that Baha Ba’r is more than a bar- restaurant that there were other things to love about Baha Ba’r. We were incredibly stunned since they had a garden, boutique, kusina bar and a farm situated right across the street near the Ceasars. Recently, there was a new dinner place shaded the “sunset deck” overlooking to the ocean where individuals could enjoy. Since we don’t have enough time, we swiftly thank the management and bid our goodbyes. It was a very luxurious experience we have encountered.

Overall, the place is best for the tired traveller who wants to chill in the company of friends, good music, and families. Sunset deck- grabs a cold bottle of San Miguel and watch the beautiful San Juan sunset. What else can we ask for; Baha ba’r is a must- visit place because it has great food and good people. 

 Another unexpected episode of our trip happened as we go on travelling; we were fascinated to the attractive huge shells designed outside the Marielle’s Underwater Marine Museum that made us suddenly stopped in our trip. We could still remember the very enjoyable and informative visit at Marelle’s. The sign “Underwater Marine Museum” caught our attention since we have expected that there was a huge aquarium inside with hundreds of various fishes of all kinds yet it was far from our anticipation.  Since we have seen the bluish reflection outside, we were curious of what the museum looked alike. As we have entered the place, we saw organized table filled with uncountable underwater wonders from around the Philippines and the world. The stamp collection was also quite impressive. 

It was totally startling to see lots of amazing, colourful, sharp, round, smooth, small and big different kinds of shelled sea creatures. We concluded that there were more than a thousand displays. We had one great guide who took us around the display and answered all our questions. So Marelle’s was a combination from the proprietor’s name Mark and Eljie.  It was been a collection of shells for almost 5 years but it the place was newly opened last 19^th day of March 2016. Currently, the owner of the place plans to have an extension for his business. Unlike other industries, the purpose of museum is not purely earning or business but because they loved it, they love collecting, discovering shells all over the world which was very incredibly unique. It was such an exquisite place right on the main road. We happened to knew that the shells were organized according to their scientific names/species, but there was a lot more than shells, crabs and starfish can be also found there too. It was so comforting especially the ambiance, the décor and the staff who was very hospitable. 

The museum was located at Tubod, San Juan, Siquijor Philippines which was opened everyday from 8 o’clock in the morning until 5 o’clock in the afternoon. The place was brand new one and the décor is very well made with super lighting to put all the displays in value. Since it was a collection of seashells, we were surprised to visit that an underwater museum without any aquariums and alive creatures. It was good supplemental attraction on the tour of the island. Mostly interesting for shell collectors! The newly opened museum boasts of different shells from the Philippines. It was just superb experience, highly extraordinary from what we have encountered before. We have learned that even the tiniest type of shell as a value, we also acquired that there were poisonous shells that one individual must be aware of.

Getting any of those places we have visited means passing through those marvellous resorts or through private property, another unexpected chapter of our said trip was visiting the U.Story Guest House right next to the another establishment called The Legends. One of the personnel welcomed us as we entered the place with his lips curved upward in a semblance with a smile.  Passing through the bamboo arches and seeing those pleasant flowers gave the warm afternoon suitably nice and wonderful adjective to describe along with the lined dwarf coconut trees and sandy trail to the place. Arriving and walking through the small bridge, we have observed that there were different kinds of plants which gave shadows on the place. It was simply cool and quite refreshing. The setting, designs and decorations were in between the modern and traditional style. We just cannot describe how amazing the place was, the nipa hut, and the beautifully creative nice tables for dining; the piece of furniture facing the sea in which a vacationer would feel the ambiance, the well designed sun bathing pool for couples and the windy atmosphere that added beauty. U.Story was uniquely derived from the name of the proprietor who married a Filipino man. It was opened last 2012 and it had the purpose of respecting the nature. Tourists all over the world are accepted especially locals. We enjoyed ourselves and roamed all over the place, took some pictures and swiftly thank the management and bid our goodbyes since we are running out time.

          
  Another unexpected and marvellously awesome visit in our last and final stop as we have come across to the ethical island resort in the beautiful province of Siquijor called “Salamangka” which is a Visayan term meaning magic for the reason that it is named after the mystical island of Siquijor located in Catulayan, San Juan, Siquijor and was fully built in the year 2014.The personnel especially the good-looking generous manager was very kind and warmly welcomed us in the place. Salamangka was very sparkling, fresh and clean; as we entered the gate we can already feel the ambiance and the good surrounding. They have equally featured outdoor pool, fitness center and beautifully landscaped gardens. They operates 24 hours frond desk and provides free internet access in the entire property. The best-rated location in Catulayan, Siquijor which also provides a stunning view for sunset; we freely enjoyed the bluish pool together with the spectacular benches and cottages beside the pool. They offered different services like massage, fitness exercise, diving and others. Roaming such a great place was a vast experience but since the clock is ticking we then thank the management and bid our goodbyes.

Such amazing experience we have encountered!

Members: 

Frecyl H. Egham

Norlyn Perlas

Kriztine Dongon

Jonnah Eve Magsayo

Honey Rose Patillano

Dandy Gongob