Siquijor: My Place of Mystery

Siquijor is actually one of the places that tourists often visit.

Known as the center of mystic power, adventure, and magic that includes "gayuma and agimat", it made me hesitant to dare a travel with my friends, but because of their conviction, I was then motivated with no amount of reasons why, maybe because I was really destined to explore such a place being known as horrible despite my uncertainties of daring to.

with a heavy heart, I must affirm the invitation.

beyond expression can’t surmount the fear that I was owning at that very moment. The thought of ex ploring the place of the mystic was so eerie. I regained my confidence after all, realizing I was with people who, I knew, would not put me in danger. And there, we finally arrived at Siquijor!

believe that 'promises are meant to be broken?', my brain asked, for I had promised myself not to even take a footstep in the exact place where I was now.

panions chit-chatting with our tour guide, but I don’t have the zest to converse because of the nervousness I was feeling alone. Nevertheless, our journey had to begin.

Paliton Beach wherein swim ming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping in its famous falls are the common activities its people would enjoy doing. Dubbed as the "Little Boracay" of the Philippines, I was beginning to fall in love with the place because it had a calming effect on my mind, my nerve, and my body that I couldn’t explain. Our next destination had allowed us to walk for almost a

Labrador Parish Church', known as the 'Lazy Church' and one of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines. Big smiles on my face began to become obvious while capturing its amazing views.

Our last destination was at "Salagdoong Beach" where white pebbles and crystal-clear waters could be found. Its main attraction is cliff diving, which offers an astounding view. However, our courage and bravery will be tested because we had to jump on 20-foot and 35-foot platforms. We had so much fun until we finally arrived at Bermuda Triangle Bungalows, where we stayed. At 3:00 a.m., within my deepest slumber, the cold melodious singing of the wind, the roaring sound of splashing ocean, and the deafening silence of the dawn awakened me with a fang in my heart. That so-called self-realization made me crawl to a beach chair, relinquishing the thoughts competing inside my mind. Exactly, my nerve cells told me I was totally wrong. How can I have such huge negative thoughts in my mind? I forgot the mantra that states: "A positive mindset gives a positive outlook, and a positive outlook can have a positive result”.

Certainly, it is never really good to have a judgmental mind and be quick to believe ideas from other people because it will set limitations and boundaries that prevent us from experiencing life's wonders.

I suddenly felt warm water rolling in my face.I shed tears because I realized that Siquijor had given me something to live for, cherish, and share—the unforgettable experience of my lifetime.

Hence, a positive outlook of self-realization that the ticket to becoming a traveler is to conquer one’s self from the doom of negativities to the sizzling positivity of what the journey and a place could offer.

Most often than not, traveling is not about looking for comfort but about searching for your inner self and your inner strength.

Conquering one’s fear might sound as cliche' as it is, but believe me, it isn't. Once you do, it can be the most self-rewarding gift that you can give yourself.

I quote, "The best view comes after the hardest climb".

Many of us strive hard to impress the people that surrounds us especially our crushes in school. If you are having a hard time to at least impress them, consider some of these ways:

1. Get your brain and body ready to learn