Burned By the Blue

I was never really on terms with the color blue. Its bright facade pesters my eyes as it
strikes under the scorching light of the sun. The blue sea makes me want to dye it a tinge of
green with all the rising vile coming up my throat while it sways the ship.

I thought the boat stopping would ease the feeling of nausea but no, no, no… After I
stepped on solid ground, I was greeted with the impending wave of collapsing to the ground, but
the thrill of being somewhere new that’s worth coming to make up for it.

All I did was ask, why must Siquijor be an island? It is a province in Central Visayas that
holds scenic beauty as it’s the house of remarkable beaches, waterfalls and even caves; as well
as the people who are of superstitious belief, more known as witchcraft.

To roam around the island, we had to ride a tricycle that is famed in Siquijor and other
parts of Visayas for being longer and wider than the normal tricycle and can carry more than
four people. It has seats inside that you normally see but a wider seat behind the driver. As well
as a seat beside and behind the entrance of the sidecar.

As I stepped off the vehicle, I had come face to face with a balete tree, older as four of
my grandparents’ ages combined and is larger than the buildings surrounding it. Its mystical
vibe that emits as you look upon it is breathtaking, really setting the mood to what Siquijor is
known for. Under the tree's roots run a small stream, housing fish doctors that will nibble at your
feet’s dead skin if you decide to dip them in the cold inviting water.

Near the century old balete tree is the Cambaguhay falls.Take a short drive and what
you’ll see would be the embodiment of witchcraft. An overwhelming set of three falls; the water
is enchanting as it is an ombre of blue to blue green and despite the loud crashing of water
against each other, it feels like sounds of harmony of wind chimes as you fall entranced to the
general scenery it holds.

Now what would an island be without a beach? Paliton beach in Siquijor is lined with
palm trees and white glistening sands. Shells and rocks of different varieties come at you as you
enjoy a nice drink from the surrounding cafes and restos. As you let time pass, the sun would
set and a hazy orange sky, complemented by the colors pink and purple bids you goodnight and
then settle back to the dark blue skies.

I was never really on terms with the color blue. I myself do not like the feeling of being
blue, even under the scorching light of the sun as I experienced the bright facade Siquijor
offered me. It’s the feeling of as if I was burned by the blue.