I was browsing through my Facebook timeline when I saw my friend, Mags Dizon, posting photos of her Siquijor trip. I was immediately taken and instantly remembered other friends who also went to the island a few months back. The idea of going to Siquijor for the holy week suddenly sprang in my mind. I messaged Mags where she stayed or if she could recommend one to me and she then shared with me about San Juan Community Development Cooperative (SJCDC).
Most of the resorts in Siquijor are quite pricey. So, when I heard that the rates in SJCDC are P750 (about USD 15.00) per non-aircon room and P950 (app. USD 20.00) in an air-conditioned room, I made it my top choice for our lodgings. Mags shared pictures of the place and it looked cozy and homey. Plus, it is located in the Poblacion of San Juan town, with the market across the SJCDC building.
The building was quite new. The ground floor is where their office and the reception area can be found. At the second floor were the rooms. There were still some construction activities that are needed to be done at the third floor and I was told that they are planning to use it as a venue for various occasions, as well as a place where the guests can dine.
The rooms are neat, including the toilet. They provide beddings, pillows, blankets, towels, toilet paper and a bath soap. There is also drinking water, hot or cold, available at the corridor. The second floor has a common area, like a terrace that overlooks the market.
Though right in front of SJCDC is the market, it was still quiet in the area. Right behind the market is the beach area, and there are even cottages located next to the market for those who want to come to the beachfront for some picnic.
Some restaurants are also near the place, like Eric the Vikings, which is in the market area, and Get Wrecked, where we would spend our afternoon snacks or dinner. There are also eateries that could be found near the highway, which can be reached on foot from SJCDC.
We just walked to the Capilay Spring Park (I’ve written about this in my post on Siquijor’s natural attractions) and the San Agustin Church (also featured in my 5 Heritage Landmarks of Siquijor post) from SJCDC. The laundry area of the Capilay Spring is also a few steps from our accommodations.
But the best part is that the staff of SJCDC are very friendly and helpful. They would ask if we already have a ride back to the port, or if we would need anything else. What really made me choose this one is that it is a cooperative, run by the local people themselves, so it is a way of helping the members, who come from different parts of Siquijor province. They built this place as a transient lodging for those who are visiting Siquijor, whether for vacation or something else. It is their way of serving those who travel to their island, seeking for an affordable place to stay, while staying at SJCDC is our way of helping the locals.
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