Siquijor asked to capitalize on "mystic" niche year-round

CEBU, Philippines -  While Siquijor anticipates the influx of tourists during the Lenten season, former tourism regional director Patria Aurora "Dawnie" Roa said that tourism stakeholders in the island, from both the government and the private sector, should capitalize on the "Mystic Island" branding of Siquijor all year round.

Roa, who is now practicing consultancy on tourism marketing, said that players in Siquijor should introduce more programs and activities to push the tourism niche of Siquijor, not only during Holy Week but all throughout the year.

Aside from its sandy white beaches, Roa said Siquijor must capitalize on its niche as a mystic island, which can push Siquijor as one of the most attractive destinations in the region and in the country, not only for the domestic tourists, but also adventure travelers from all over the world.

Although, the impression of being known as the ‘witchcraft’ island is not entirely true, Roa said the province's ability to sustain its culture especially in alternative medicine, and presence of “faith healers” can be a good source of marketing magnet for tourists.

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 magical.

Reputedly the realm of “mambabarangs” (witches) and mananambals (healers), Siquijor, has tickled the interest and curiosity of many a traveler to the country.

During her stint as regional director of the Department of Tourism in Central Visayas, Roa said she was fighting to get a direct flight from Cebu to Siquijor, or Manila to Siquijor, in order to provide easier transportation access to tourists. However, the plan was not realized until she retired from the service last year.

She hopes that the current tourism players in the government and private sector will continue to fight to advocate for air access in Siquijor, since transportation is not yet that convenient to date.

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.

During Holy Week visitors could opt to 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.

According to Roa, this culture should be made as the main attraction for Siquijor, more than its beaches, and other natural attractions. And Siquijor should also reach out with Cebu, in order to make a stronger partnership in terms of boosting tourism. (FREEMAN)