Mysticism and Witchcraft of the Philippines Island of Siquijor
Travel and Visit Beautiful Philippines Today!

Written by: Debbie Salcedo
03/23/05

Title: Mysticism and Witchcraft: The Other Side of The Philippines
About: Travel and Tourism Philippines




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.

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