Down some hundred steps from Lazi’s main road is a scenery as magical as Siquijor’s mystical reputation. The afternoon was steadily progressing on as we made our slow way down on stone steps leading to Siquijor’s famous three-tiered Cambugahay Falls. The treads were evenly made with natural stones, probably procured from the river that feeds the waterfall. The falls cascade all the way from a small rainforest above the mountains, some freshwater springs, and watersheds.
 |
| UNEVEN STONE STEPS TO CAMBUGAHAY FALLS |
A hint of light green waters, reminiscent of Palawan’s famed Kayangan Lake, springs into view in between the foliage as we made our ever downwards progress. And in less than five minutes, we were holding on to our jaws, lest it fall all the way downstream with the green gushing waters of Cambugahay Falls.
► SEE: SIQUJOR TRAVEL GUIDE
I T I N E R A R Y 
“You’re going off to Dumaguete? Don’t forget to try their sans rival and bring home some silvanas too!” That seems to be the tag line for someone off to see the Land of the Gentle People and we’re not exempted. I’m really not a lover of sweets but the fervor for this certain Sans Rival in Dumaguete was such that I was wont to try it, well, at least just once.
Opened in 1977 by Trinidad Teves Sagarbarria, Sans Rival has always been one of the most popular places to eat out in Dumaguete City. I cannot get past a forum discussing the city without its name getting mentioned. 
The city of Dumaguete has its own share of historic structures and one of these is the St. Catherine of Alexandria Church or more popularly known as the Dumaguete Cathedral.
Located far on the church’s left side is its old bell tower, the Campanario de Dumaguete, one of the four watchtowers that once dotted the city. It was once used as a warning device against marauding Moro invaders in the 1700’s. The circular tower is made of coral stones with a pentagonal bell house topped with a red dome. 
We got lost in Dumaguete looking for an oddly named food place. Qyosko which I gather is a play on the word kiosk is not the easiest thing to ask a tricycle driver to locate and we got dropped twice on the wrong restaurant. I guess third try’s a charm and we finally found the 24-hour diner tucked in one of the less busier part of the city.
There weren’t much people eating inside as we entered its yellow portal. We secured a colorful table near the entrance and proceeded towards the counter for our orders. This place is more of an eatery than a fancy restaurant so customers are expected to pay as they go.
I tried to peek out from our hotel window and the sky was frowning. It was drizzling and the heavens was painted in a dark shade of grey. Taking my chances, as I really have no other to catch a sunrise in Dumaguete City, I packed my cameras and went down the desolate streets. 
Named after the country’s National Hero, it was said that Jose Rizal briefly visited the shoreline of Dumaguete before proceeding to his exile in Dapitan. The stretch has now become a favorite hang-out of locals, especially since its proximity to the food places in the city. At night, a portion of the boulevard transforms into a streetfood mecca of sorts complete with chairs and tables.
Our base of operation in the City of Gentle People is a tall glitzy hotel building a few blocks away from the city’s endless Rizal Boulevard. 
I was actually surprised after seeing the photos of their quarters; it doesn’t look like a budget hotel at all. The design was modern and chic; clean cream walls punctuated with naturally finished cabinets and drawers, geometric dark trims, red fabric highlights on their soft bed and a fantastic looking toilet and bath. 
