| Do
you believe in witches?
Is the study of herbology limited to just Harry Potter and
his friends?
A beautiful island paradise reputedly inhabited by witches
who can hex, heal and cast a spell – a movie or a book plot? Nuh-uh.
SIQUIJOR
The Philippine island of Siquijor is located in the Central
Visayas Region, about 30 kilometers southeast of Negros Island, south of Cebu and
Southeast of Bohol.
With pristine white sand beaches, clear waters and massive
acacia trees providing shade for people taking in the scenery offered by the shore, it can
be hard to believe how the island has become synonymous to all that is unearthly and
magickal.
Reputedly the realm of mambabarangs (witches) and
mananambals (healers), Siquijor, has tickled the interest and curiosity of many a traveler
to the country.
A little over an hour from Manila to Dumaguete by plane
followed by a 45-minute ferry ride, Siquijor beckons to the adventurous traveler with its
beautiful beaches and rich occult traditions.
Siquijor is surrounded with beaches, many of them remain
unexplored. The surrounding waters are ideal for leisurely swimming, scuba diving or
boating. Go inland to the surrounding hills and mountains and get the chance to go on a
challenging hiking or biking adventure.
Visitors who decide to schedule their visit during Holy
Week usually celebrated during the last week of March, become witness to what has come to
be known as the "Witches Festival."
During the main day of the festival, the Tangalap or potion
making ritual is held. Live insects and various herbs are thrown into a giant cauldron
filled with boiling water, while the participants gather around in a circle chanting their
incantations. They then dip flasks into the cauldron to get their share of
"potion" that is supposed to make the potions they concoct more effective. They
then proceed to exchange herbs and paraphernalia needed in their casting of magic and
faith healing.
Visitors could line up to have their futures told by
numerous fortunetellers. Those with amulets of their own could have them blessed and
chanted over by the "good witches," an act meant to protect the bearer from
harm.
Continued on Page 2 >
Visit the Beautiful Philippine Islands today! A great vacation for the entire
family... |
