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Isla del Fuego: Rituals of the Earth and Spirit

Siquijor is the third smallest province in the Philippines both in terms of population and land area, after Camiguin and Batanes in the Central Visayas region. Called Isla del Fuego or the "Island of Fire" by the Spanish in the 16th century because of the glow from a myriad of fireflies found in the mangroves. Siquijor is considered by many Filipinos to be a mystical island, full of sorcerers, shamans and witches.

If folklore is to be believed, the island has risen from beneath the sea after an immense storm. And as a result, the island boasts rare herbs and plants that are used for concocting magic potions.

Aside from the supernatural element of Siquijor, the island is home to travelers who chooses the road less travailed. Its stigma protects it from excessive commercialism for now, and revered as a sanctuary for tired souls.

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