I Heart Travels

Bucafe: Where the Coffee's Small, the Views are Big, and the Rain is Always a Guest   Siquijor, you fickle mistress, you. One minute you're showering us with sunshine and smiles, the next you're unleashing a typhoon-fueled deluge. And on this particular day, you decided to unleash your fury upon us as we embarked on a pilgrimage to the legendary Bucafe.   Now, Bucafe is not your typical roadside diner. It's a bit of a trek, nestled in the hills about an hour's drive from the bustling center of town. We arrived, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, at 7:30 am, only to find the cafe closed with no sign of staff yet. The cafe, though humble and homey, boasts a view that's anything but. It's the kind of vista that makes you want to grab your phone and start snapping Instagram-worthy shots. The promise of a breathtaking panorama, a canvas of emerald green forest meeting the azure expanse of the Siquijor coastline, beckoned us forward.  

The Wet Tour: A Siquijor Day Drenched in Adventure (and Rain)   Day two in Siquijor was a testament to the island's unpredictable charm. We dubbed it "The Wet Tour" for good reason - the heavens opened up with a ferocity that would make Noah jealous. But let me tell you, even a torrential downpour couldn't dampen our spirits (pun intended).   Our day began with the usual suspects: sunrise, beach, and a healthy dose of caffeine. But the moment we stepped out of our hotel, the sky unleashed a deluge that would make even the most seasoned sailor reach for their life jackets. Undeterred, we hopped into our trusty jeepney, a rickety chariot that braved the onslaught with the gusto of a seasoned warrior.   First stop: Pitogo Cliff. The panoramic views were breathtaking, even through the misty rain. We braved the wind and the downpour, snapping photos with the gusto of a group of kids on a sugar rush. Our next destination, Cambugahay Falls

Siquijor: Where the Cross is Diamond... or Not   Siquijor. The name itself whispers of mystery, magic, and maybe a touch of the supernatural. It's a tiny island in the Philippines, known for its stunning beaches, lush forests, and a certain air of enchantment. We were there in 2024, armed with sunscreen, good intentions, and a healthy dose of skepticism, ready to soak up the island's charm.   One of our stops was the Lazi Convent and Church, a historical landmark perched atop a hill overlooking the town. We arrived, camera phones at the ready, eager to capture the beauty of this iconic structure. But alas, fate had other plans. The church was closed, a sign informing us of its temporary closure. Disappointment? Sure. But hey, we were in Siquijor, where even a closed church could be an adventure.   We circled the building, snapping pictures of the ornate facade, the imposing bell tower, and the surrounding grounds. Our tour guide, a jovial man

The Enchanted Balete Tree: Where Fish Nibble and Tourists Gamble   Siquijor. The name itself conjures images of mystical rituals, ancient magic, and perhaps even a touch of the uncanny. It's a place where folklore whispers of enchanted trees, where spirits dance in the moonlight, and where the air crackles with an energy that's both alluring and unsettling. So, naturally, when I found myself in Siquijor in 2024, a pilgrimage to the famed Enchanted Balete Tree was a must.   Now, I'm not one for spooky encounters, but I'm a sucker for a good story. And let's be honest, the Balete Tree is a bit of a legend. It's a behemoth of a tree, over 400 years old, with roots that sprawl like gnarled, ancient fingers, reaching into the clear pool at its base. It's a sight to behold, and the locals claim it's imbued with supernatural powers.   The entrance fee was a mere 50 pesos, a small price to pay for a glimpse into the mystical. As I walked

Siquijor 2024: A Journey Through Limestone and Sunshine (and a Little Bit of Rain)   Siquijor, the island of fire and magic, lived up to its reputation (at least partially) during our recent trip. While the remnants of a typhoon still lingered in the air, we, the "Sunshine Girls," were determined to soak up every bit of island charm, even if it meant a few splashes of rain.   Our next stop was Salagdoong Beach, a place that promised stunning limestone structures and a dose of adrenaline-pumping cliff jumping. But alas, the typhoon's aftershocks had other plans. The waves were a bit too rough for a dip, and even the most daring of us "Sunshine Girls" (a self-proclaimed group of positive energy emitters) weren't quite ready to tackle those churning waters.   The beach itself was a sight to behold, though. The limestone structures, towering like ancient guardians, were truly impressive. They gave the beach a unique, almost ot

Pitogo Cliff: Where the Waves Crash and the Sunshine Girls Shine   We, the Sunshine Girls, are blessed with a peculiar kind of magic. We attract sunshine like moths to a flame, and even the most formidable typhoons seem to bow to our optimistic spirit. So, when a storm threatened to dampen our Wet Tour Day 2 in Siquijor, we held onto our belief that the sun would eventually peek through the clouds. And, wouldn't you know it, our wish manifested!   After conquering the whimsical broomsticks of Hapitanan and the cascading beauty of Cambugahay Falls, we found ourselves at Pitogo Cliff, our first stop on the itinerary, but one we had to postpone due to the torrential downpour. As the rain subsided and the sun timidly emerged, we were greeted by a sight that was both awe-inspiring and a little bit terrifying.   Pitogo Cliff, with its 50-peso entrance fee, is a quirky and otherworldly place. The alien landscape, carved by the relentless force of th