SUB-TOTAL EXPENSES WITHOUT AIRFARE: 9,464 PESOS
AIRFARE: 2,189.84 PESOS
TOTAL EXPENSES: 11,653.84
My last destination in Guimaras was Guimaras Windfarm, with 27 gigantic wind turbines that harness electricity from the wind. The island is surrounded by the seas, so it’s a perfect location for renewable because of its sea breeze. According to Kuya Ken, the harnessed energy is transported to Ilo-Ilo City via cables submerged in the water. There’s a registration but no entrance fee. We also talked about the proposed bridge connecting Guimaras to Ilo-Ilo; however, it was rejected because it could damage living underwater creatures. By the way, Bangui Windmills is the most prominent wind farm in the Philippines, and it has attracted a lot of tourists to Ilocos Norte. Just recently, I featured the Tanay Windmills in Tanay, Rizal.
Tori's Backpackers Paradise is the cheapest place to stay in Siquijor. The receptionist greeted me at their small reception area with a genuine "Good Morning, Sir!" and a smile. At that very moment, I thought that this place was perfect. I only paid 350 pesos for an overnight stay, a great deal, right? This resort is backpackers friendly because of its low price, and they have a dormitory-type room where visitors can meet other visitors. I was just sad because my visit was off-season, and only three visitors were in the resort. If you want privacy, that's not a problem because they also have private rooms.
The Siquijor Church greets all the visitors as it is situated near the port. It was established in 1783 by the secular priests. It was built using coral stones, and cogon was initially used for roofing. What's unique about this church is the bell tower, which was built a few meters away. Like some other old churches in the Philippines, its convent served as the hiding place from the pirates and other invaders. Today, it is the centre of Catholicism in the province, but for a non-Catholic like me, this church is the living witness of the past survived by the province and its people.
I can't deny Salagdoong Beach has crystal clear waters with a fine white sand shoreline, but there are also sharp stones and corals. Want a more thrilling experience? This beach has two cliff jump stations that you can try. The ambience in the area is relaxing because of the man-made landscape, which is also picture-perfect. Your day will end with a stunning sunset with the cool sea breeze blowing. Also, this beach is a prominent destination in Siquijor, so tourists are expected to visit it.
The San Isidro Labrador Parish Church, commonly known as the Lazi Church, is one of the main tourist destinations in Siquijor. I was stunned by the appearance of this Church and its convent. The parish became independent in 1857, but the current stone structure, which is neoclassical art, was completed in 1884. It was built using the sea stones, coral stones and wood. In 1972, it was declared as a national cultural heritage. Today, it is newly renovated, with the walls covered with white.
The Century Old Balete Tree is one of the faces of Siquijor and must be visited in the province. It is a fig tree family or known as the "stranger tree" because it grows beside other trees and sometimes kills the host tree by strangling them. In Philippine folklore, balete is the house of the tikbalang (horse demon), dwende (elves) and diwata (fairies). Having said that, this old tree, according to stories, is mythical.