Shortly after Christmas in December 2025, we found ourselves on the shores of Siquijor Province. While many call it a rising star of Philippine tourism, for me, it was a study in spiritual resonance —the perfect way to close out the year.

 

As a Capuchin at heart, visiting the Franciscan-built Siquijor Church felt like a tropical echo of my time in Assisi back in 2024— the perfect alignment of my spiritual pilgrimage and this Philippine sojourn.

 

Standing there in the humid December air, I felt that same sense of peace I found in Italy… the spirit of St. Francis permeates this tropical island.

 

I’ve been to plenty of caves in the world but Sambulawan was my first time to go inside a cave filled with freshwater that all five of us had to wear

 

safety vests as we explored its cool and deep waters.

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We then enjoyed the refreshing sprays from the multi-tiered waterfalls of Cambugahay.

 

 

 

And plenty of laughs trying the viral fairy walk of Anne Curtis at Cambugahay Falls.

 

But we also had our very own Spiderman aka Skylerman…

And more fun at Hapitanan with the infamos “Broom shot”. My wife’s version sparked a flurry of “Elphaba” comparisons on FB. I thought the spooky days of Siquijor were long gone.

A bit of relaxation at the Balete Tree and Fish Spa…

But another defining moment for this pentagenarian was the challenge to jump off the Pitogo Cliffs, which I thought was only gonna be for chill photos. In the end, those crystal waters below lured me to conquer my fear and literally do that massive leap of faith. It was awesome!!!

Then on our last day before packing for our trip back to Cebu, we spent the morning at Salagdoong Beach through the picturesque Molave Tree Forest.

We stayed at the highly-recommended Gabayan Riviera in this three day sojourn in Siquijor Province.

…and we used various forms of transport including scooters, Tarzan swings and the good old broomsticks known locally as ‘silhig’.

                         

And off course we got to this island via ferry from Cebu so we were ready to go back the same way in the afternoon of the 3rd day but God had other plans for us. Check out my Negros Oriental blog to find out what happened.