Siquijor deemed must-visit underrated Lent destination

CEBU, Philippines - The mystical island of Siquijor in Central Visayas has been deemed as a must-visit but rather underrated destination during the Lenten season.

The island boasts of various destinations where tourists can mix rituals of faith with summer vacation.  Dubbed by the Spaniards as Isla del Fuego or ‘Island of Fire’, Siquijor is famed for its long stretch of pristine white-sand beaches and century-old churches, one of which is the St. Francis de Assisi Parish. The church also has the biggest convent in the country built way back 1884.

Moreover, according to real estate portal Myproperty, Siquijor also has a butterfly sanctuary and breathtaking waterfalls and springs. The province is also known for the alternative healing methods of the locals.

Cebu Association of Tour Operator Specialists (CATOS) president Alice Queblatin said that while accommodation facilities and packaged tours in Cebu and Bohol are already fully-booked for the Lenten season, tourists may consider other alternative destinations such as Siquijor.

Along with Siquijor, Tarlac and Cagayan Valley in Luzon, Zamboanga in Mindanao, and Iloilo in the Visayas have interesting come-ons for the Holy Week season.

Known as the Philippines version of the Holy Land, the province of Tarlac is also another destination that Filipinos or foreign tourists may consider this Lenten season.

Cagayan Valley, on the other hand, has other activities perfect for all especially for the season of Lent. Historic pilgrimage sites can also be found in this stunning province tucked in the quaint northern part of the Philippines.

One of the must-visit pilgrimage destinations in the country is the Calvary Hills in the town of Iguig. Life-size statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross and the old church of San Antonio de Galica built in the 1900s can be explored here. What’s best is its astonishing location atop a hill, which affords every visitor scenic views of the mighty Cagayan River.

Zamboanga City also has its own pilgrimage activity during Lent at Pulong Bato in Abong Abong Park, the Stations of the Cross commence at the foot of the mountain and end at the peak. Religious images are also scattered and carved into the mountainside.

Iloilo, meanwhile is famous for its interesting Visita Iglesia, with a trip to the century-old churches of the province is a must especially for Holy Week reflection. (FREEMAN)