SIQUIJOR ISLAND - The Island of Fire and Magic

Siquijor is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. Its capital is the municipality also named Siquijor. To the northwest of Siquijor are Cebu and Negros, to the northeast is Bohol and to the south, across the Bohol Sea is Mindanao.


Siquijor is the third smallest province in the country both in terms of population and land area, after Camiguin and Batanes. For a time it was sub-province of Negros Oriental. Called Isla del Fuego or the “Island of Fire” by the Spanish before, Siquijor is considered by many Filipinos to be a mystical island, full of witches and other supernatural phenomena.


Siquijor's reputation as a place of magic and sorcery both attracts visitors and keeps them away.

LECHON KAWALI

Estimated cooking time: 50 minutes
Makes 2-4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 lbs pork liempo (pork belly)
•3 garlic cloves, crushed
•2 laurel leaves (bay leaves)
•1 teaspoon peppercorns or 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• salt
• water, for boiling
• oil (for frying)

PORK SISIG

Estimated cooking time: 3 to 4 hours
INGREDIENTS:
•1-1/2 lbs pork cheeks (or 2 lbs deboned pork hocks)
•1/2 lb beef or pork tongue
•1/2 lb beef or pork heart
•1/2 lb liver (pork, beef or chicken)
•2 cups water (for boiling)
•1 cup pineapple juice (for boiling)
•1 tsp whole black peppers (for boiling)