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

The minutes quickly passed as our tricycle roared off into the humid streets of Siquijor. It was already two in the afternoon, and again, we disembarked and found ourselves staring right into a gnarly body of a huge centuries old Balete tree growing at the end of a shallow swimming pool.

VINES STRAGGLING DOWN THE SIQUIJOR BALETE TREE

The tree is said to be around 400 to 500 years old, depending on who you ask, and is definitely the biggest of its kind on the island. Balete or banyan trees are usually parasitic in nature, creeping up on unsuspecting healthy trees and wrapping itself around it until the host finally dies. This leaves a hollow core in the middle where one can enter if it becomes big enough.

► SEE: SIQUJOR TRAVEL GUIDE

We left Lazi Church still dazed from the musty oldness of its atmosphere, crossed the Acacia-lined plaza street and entered what was once considered as the largest convent in Asia.

Having an area of 2,500 square meters, Lazi Convent was considered a giant amongst its kind during its days. It was erected in 1887 in conjunction with the town church which was made thirty years earlier. Friars in those times used the structure as a resting place and a recreation area; I just can’t imagine what friars do for recreation.

Broad Acacia trees shade the street in front of Lazi’s old church giving an impression that we’re somewhere in the middle of a plaza instead of a road. On our right stands the massive barn-like appearance of the San Isidro Labrador Church and on our left is its complimentary convent.

Lazi Church indeed looks more like a barn in appearance than a church except for its belfry, made a year after the original structure, that sticks out on its left flank. Remove the said tower and you won’t even find a cross or icon that would tell you that what you are looking at is a temple of worship.