Siquijor

Mystical Mecca of the Visaya’s

The island of Siquijor is the mystical Mecca of the Visayas, a ‘Black Magic Island’ known for the voodoo-esque traditions of its witches. Locals will not readily tell you their secrets, but it is widely known that some residents follow hundreds of years of traditional folk medicine, while others, known to be witches, allegedly practice barang or hexing. Hexing involves the use of black magic and malevolent spells to cause its victim harm. On the other hand, there are the so-called mananambal, or folk healers, who use their powers for good. They use herbs, mantras and concoctions to sort out mental disorders, harmful spells, broken relationships and insect bites and other ills.

Visit the Anthropology Museum of Silliman University in Dumaguete for documents and evidence of the mananambal tradition. The Siquijor Folk Medicine Collection has artifacts used for sorcery, such as miniature wooden dolls and a miniature black coffin. Better still, visit Siquijor during the Holy Week, in time to witness the ‘Lenten Festival of Preparation’ attended by mambabarangs (black magic practitioners) from around the country who meet up to swap information and head

 nto the forests around San Antonio town to look for talismans and crucial ingredients for potions. In a series of private ceremonies, potions are prepared in a mishmash of Christian and indigenous rituals.

Check with the local government office which ritual proceedings are open to the public. Siquijor is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. Accommodation is easy to find, and resorts such as Casa.

Photo and Article Source: Inflight Magazine ( Seair )