In my previous post, I mentioned my long travel from my hometown to the Mystic Island of Siquijor. The moment you step on the Island of Siquijor, you can feel its magic - the approachable and smiling locals who will assure you of your destination, and the vibrant and cozy environment that will lift your spirits of being a wanderer.
There are a lot of beautiful and exciting places you could visit on the island of Siquijor. One place we visited and explored is the Lazi Convent and Church. From where we stayed, it took us 30 mins. to reach the destination but luckily going there was not that difficult. We started to waze the place using Google Maps. We do not know anybody in the place so we only rely on it and if we are not in our destined place, we ask locals along the way. We are lucky that locals are very friendly to tourists like us.
Without any doubt, we started our travel. Going there, this lovely view will capture your heart.
Its landscape along the road is full of greens and the atmosphere around feels so fresh. It was a winding road going up there so the driver must be careful while driving. There are also areas where roads are under construction so just take extra care in driving.
The Lazi Convent and Church
As we reached the place, we were amazed at the lovely trees surrounding the place. Big trees can be seen in the whole area. As we walk along, you will not worry about the sun hitting your face because the shadows of trees will make you feel safe.
We entered first at the Lazi Convent. Upon registration, you need to pay Php 20.00 as an environmental fee and that's it you can tour around the whole Heritage Church and Heritage Museum.
The lovely trees outside will surely add to your appreciation of the place and the peacefulness it gives to you as you look around.
Lazi Convent and the Church play a significant part in the life of the people in Siquijor. Its religious impact on the people is endless.
This Lazi Convent was built way back in 1887, under the supervision of an Augustinian Recollect Ministry named Father Toribio Sánchez. The convent is built in the tradition of Filipino Stone Houses or "Bahay na Bato". It has 2 floors, the ground floor being made purely with coral stones while the second floor is made of hardwood and iron. This convent is one of the biggest and oldest convents in Asia that was completed its construction in 1891.
You will see on the first floor the classy and elegant style which used to be the house of the friars who would say mass in the parish adjacent to the convent and the place for recreation area. On the ground floor, you can also see the arches that are lined up in the area which makes it look attractive.
Inside the place, you can see the old-style stairs going up to its second floor.
The traditional Capiz colorful windows are framed on the second floor connected to its carved wooden barandillas which makes the place more elegant to look at. Tourists will usually pose along the windows for their beautiful reflection will capture delightful results.
The second floor has a museum that houses old religious artifacts and paraphernalia. We are so lucky that tourists are allowed to get inside the old museum but with extra care. Using of flash camera is not allowed.
On the opposite side, you can see the neoclassical-style Lazi Church which was built in 1884 and also made up of coral stones and wood. It has its bell tower on the side. For me, seeing its design is very unique which makes it declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2001. And was also declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 1984. Its structure is still intact even after a lot of incidents that tried to destroy it.
Outside the church, you can see wide open space which occupies a large number of churchgoers and is good for families to have a family bonding after the mass.
These two majestic structures are some of the many structures that remain in the Philippines after the Spanish Colonization for more than 300 years. And I am very glad I made it here and experienced how great the place is.
How to get there?
By motorcycle/Private vehicle: If you are traveling with your private car/motorcycle you can use your Google Maps and set Lazi Convent.
By Commute: If you are on the Island for a tour or solo traveler, you can rent a jeepney or tricycle that will take you to the different tourist spots in the place. Just negotiate with the driver for the tour fee.
Realizations
Living life to the fullest is one of the best therapy you can give for yourself. Seeing these wonderful structures around us is another achievement unlocked for me as a first-time traveler outside my hometown. It's not yet too late to discover the places around us, we just need to set our goals and try to achieve them.
I hope you enjoy reading my blog and be amazed just like me. Have a nice day everyone. 😊
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