TheLoneRider
a seeker in search of Easter Eggs

Siquijor
Yoga classes in Siquijor

Country > Philippines > Siquijor Island > Lazi
Date > 2023 > Jan
Activity > Yoga

Yoga
1:4:2:3 Nadi Shodana Jan 26, 2023

1:4:2:3 Nadi Shodana

Location Google Map: Lazi, Siquijor Island, Philippines

Pushing the Breath Boundary
As I go deeper into my study of Hatha Yoga Pradipika, I learn about the importance of breathing ratios in pranayama. Before, I would simply hold my breath as long as I could while doing bandhas - to me, breath-hold is only a means to be established in bandhas. But now, I wanted to know if I was missing something by not strictly adhering to the ratios.

Metronome
First, I downloaded a metronome app, then I pushed my Nadi Shodhana limit to a 1:4:2:3 ratio with 5 seconds as one count, with maha bandha mudra engaged - this is as much as I can push it, still maintaining that I don't strain. This means I'm holding one breath for 45 seconds while engaging all the locks before the next breath. I would set my timer to 30 minutes.

1:4:2:3 Nadi Shodana
Pranayama on my balcony in the morning

Capping at 15 Minutes
When I begin my first round, I'm already on my limit. The more rounds, the more I struggle, keeping in mind that straining means I'm pushing it too far. At 15 minutes, I can't continue anymore. I can't help but gasp for the next breath. Should I shorten my count to 4 seconds instead? Should I simply remove the exhale-hold so that it's only 1:4:2 ratio? Hmmm. I have to find a way to keep the 5-sec count.

1:4:2:3 Nadi Shodana
Pranayama on the sea wall after sunset

Pre/Post Nadi Shodhana
To prolong my sustenance, I resorted to 2 rounds of Wim Hof breathing - 30 full breaths/round. Then I began my Nadi Shodhana. Still, at 15 minutes, I'm gasping for air. Instead of stopping, I simply transitioned the pranayama to a Kapalabhati. Interestingly, when I usually do Kapalabhati, I feel pain before the 1-minute threshold, causing me to stop. However, after doing the Nadi Shodhana, I could almost do Kapalabhati indefinitely. Still, I didn't push my limit.

Meditation
After all that breathing, especially after the last exhale, I immediately transition into meditation. This is perhaps the best way to commence a meditation practice. I find myself going into emptiness much quicker, as though I'm slipping fast into a drop-off. My meditation isn't very deep or long. It's enough that I can sink into awareness and reboot my system.

Ending Thoughts
The addition of the metronome to my pranayama makes my practice a lot more controlled, disciplined and challenging. There is no room for negotiating. I'm enslaved (in a good way) by the beat, in the same way a musician is enslaved by his beat. If I can uphold the suggested frequency of a pranayama practice (4x/day, 4am, noon, sunset and midnight), I could just imagine my nadis purified in a compressed time frame. Next after that? Hopefully, siddhis! I know, siddhi should never be the goal. But like a child burned by his own curiosity, I'm willing to take the risk.

Furthermore, by reading Hatha Yoga Pradipika, integrating, immersing and internalizing, I get to know and remain aware of yoga's many nuances...little details I didn't know exist, and answers to some sought-after questions. I started reading this book in Sep 2022 and it's already Jan 2023. I don't rush it. I want to make sure I know every chapter and that I've practiced it.

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
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More on Lazi:

Lazi Local Info
  1. Resorts - Lazi has some beach/dive resorts on its west coast - Gabayan Riviera, Lazi Beach Club, Bahura Dive Resort. However, the popular area for tourist resorts are in San Juan
  2. Transport - Lazi is the junction where the jeeps begin their clockwise route (Lazi-San Juan-Siquijor Port) or the counter clockwise route (Lazi-Maria-Larena Port). Because the jeeps are rare with about 2 to 3 trips/day only in the morning, it's practical to just have a motorcycle here in Siquijor. With its affordability (a brand new Rusi motorbike is as low as P45k), people just buy motorcycles...especially those who live up in the mountains.
  3. The Boulevard - Lazi's main draw is its seaside cobblestone promenade. When the sun goes down, people gather here for eats, drinks, open-air, harbor view and the sunset
  4. Lazi Port - Lazi just recently opened up its port with Kho Shipping plying the Iligan, Tagbilaran and Cebu routes.
Lazi >> Iligan City by boat

Lazi to Iligan City route by Kho Shipping was just opened up in early April 2023. Before, going to Iligan City meant going to Siquijor Port, 30 km away. This also meant that on the way back, you have to be in Siquijor before 2pm to catch the last jeep to Lazi. With this direct route, there is no 'last trip' to catch.

  1. Lazi Port - take Kho Shipping to Iligan City, Tu-Th-Sat, 6 hours, Lazi departure 5 am, arrival in Iligan City Port 11 am, economy P800, tourist P1100, tickets available at Lazi office 2pm-10pm M-Sat

    2. Lazi to Iligan City
Lazi >> Cagayan de Oro by boat

Lazi to Cagayan de Oro route by Kho Shipping was just opened up in early September 2023. Before, going to Davao meant going to Iligan first, then bus to CDO and then bus to Davao City. Now, Iligan can be completely bypassed saving about 3 hours on the trip.

  1. Lazi Port - take Kho Shipping to Cagayan de Oro, Tu-F-Sun, 6 hours, Lazi departure 6 am, arrival in Cagayan de Oro Port 12 noon, economy P1,100.00, tourist P1,400.00, tickets available at Lazi office 2pm-10pm M-Sat

    2. Lazi to Cagayan de Oro
Lazi >> Dumaguete by boat

Lazi to Dumaguete route by Kho Shipping was just opened up in early September 2023. Before, going to Dumaguete meant going to Siquijor Port, 30 km away. This also meant that on the way back, you have to be in Siquijor before 2pm to catch the last jeep to Lazi. With this direct route, there is no 'last trip' to catch.

  1. Lazi Port - take Kho Shipping to Dumaguete, M-Th-Sat, 3 hours, Lazi departure 1 am, arrival in Dumaguete Port 4 am, economy P300, tourist P500, tickets available at Lazi office 2pm-10pm M-Sat

    2. Lazi to Dumaguete
Lazi >> CDO >> Davao City by boat/bus

Lazi to Cagayan de Oro route by Kho Shipping was just opened up in early September 2023. Before, going to Davao meant going to Iligan first, then bus to CDO and then bus to Davao City. Now, Iligan can be completely bypassed saving about 3 hours on the trip.

  1. Lazi Port - take Kho Shipping to Cagayan de Oro, Tu-F-Sun, 6 hours, Lazi departure 6 am, arrival in Cagayan de Oro Port 12 noon, economy P1,100.00, tourist P1,400.00, tickets available at Lazi office 2pm-10pm M-Sat

    2. Lazi to Cagayan de Oro

  2. Cagayan de Oro Port - arrival 12 noon. Take a jeep to East Terminal (Agora) to catch the Davao-bound bus
  3. CDO East Terminal (Agora) - take bus going to Davao City, 8 hours, PHP 875. This terminal is open 24 hours and there is always a bus going to Davao - no need to pre-purchase tickets
  4. Davao Bus Terminal - you'll arrive at the Davao Bus Terminal, close to SM City. From there you can take a cab ride to your hotel. There are many jeeps that will also take you to the Poblacion town center, 15 mins, PHP 12
Lazi >> Tagbilaran >> Cebu by boat

Lazi to Cebu entails a stopover at Tagbilaran - you only pay for one ticket (I've broken down the individual trips in case you're boarding from Tagbilaran). From the 5pm boat departure from Lazi, it would cost PHP 1000 (it's odd that it's cheaper to pay for the individual trips rather than paying for both...PHP 845 vs 1000) and take about 10 hours.

  1. Lazi Port - take Kho Shipping to Tagbilaran, W-F-Sun, 4 hours, Lazi departure 1 am, arrival in Tagbilaran Port 5 am, economy P475, tourist P750, tickets available at Lazi office 2pm-10pm M-Sat

    2. Lazi to Tagbilaran to Cebu

  2. Tagbilaran Port - arrival 5 am, layover 1 hour, departure for Cebu 6am (5 hours), economy P370, tourist P520
  3. Cebu Port - arrival 11 am

More on Siquijor Island:

Siquijor Island Local Info

Jeeps - there are only 2 routes for jeeps within Siquijor Island - and they are rare. Most people have their own motorcycle transport.

  1. Siquijor Port to Lazi - last trip leaves at 3pm from station near market
  2. Lazi to Siquijor Port - jeeps depart from the Lazi Port area. 5 jeeps, the last trip at 12:30 pm. Lazi to San Juan, P50.
  3. Larena Port to Lazi - jeeps are unpredictable. As of this writing, there is only 1 jeep plying the Larena-Lazi route. This jeep leaves Larena for Lazi at 9:50am. After that, no more jeep. You'll have to take a tricycle to Siquijor Pob for jeeps going to Lazi
  4. Lazi to Larena Port - 6am (daily) and 9 am (M-Th)

Food - these were suggested by a local to me

  1. Lechon manok & liempo - roasted pork belly and chicken at Joel's in Siquijor Poblacion. I've tried this myself...yummy, even if the chicken was no longer hot
  2. Bibingka - sweetened rice cake by Fidy's Bibingka (P30) in Sawang, Maria. I've come back for this and I buy for other people as well as 'pasalubong' - they love this
  3. Siopao - at the Rosita store near Thrifty (P25) in Siquijor Poblacion
  4. Peanut butter - by Rene. Just ask around in Siquijor Poblacion. It's popular
  5. Torta - sweet cakish bread at the Thrifty story in Siquijor Poblacion
Siquijor Island Map
Siquijor
Siquijor - Dumaguete Boat Trips (as of Jan 2023)
  1. Montenegro Lines - at Siquijor Port, P234.00/pax, P169/bicycle, 7:30am/10:00am/2:00pm/4:30pm

    2. Montenegro Lines, Siquijor to Dumaguete

  2. Aleson Shipping - at Siquijor Port, 6 am and 6 pm daily, 1:30 pm M-Sat, Regular P200.00/pax, Aircon P250.00/pax

    3. Aleson Shipping, Dumaguete to Siquijor

  3. Ocean Jet - 40 mins,at Siquijor Port, 0919.066.5964, www.oceanjet.net, marketing@ocenajet.net, 6:00am/6:00pm, P350/pax (tourist/open air), P580/pax (business class)

    Ocean Jet

Siquijor - Tagbilaran - Cebu City Boat Trips (as of Jan 2023)

En route to Cebu City, the ferries usually make a stop-over to Tagbilaran (Bohol) to pick-up more passengers or unload.

  1. Ocean Jet - 2 hours, 8:20am, at Siquijor Port
    To Tagbilaran: P800/tourist & open air, P1200/business class
    To Cebu: ?
  2. Lite Ferries - at Larena Port,
    To Tagbilaran: T-Th-Sun, P475/standard, 7pm, 3 hours, PHP?
    To Cebu: T-Th-Sun, 7pm, 7 hours, PHP 650

Siquijor - Plaridel Boat Trips (as of Jan 2023)
  1. Lite Ferries - at Larena Port, T-Th-Sun, 2:00 am, 5 hours, PHP?

Siquijor - Cebu (Liloan) - Cebu City BUS Trip (as of Jan 2023)

There is only one bus plying this route - Sugbo Urban. Tourist class coach, a/c, comfortable, Sun-Fri (these dates keep changing). P420 for bus, P275 for ferry to Liloan. Larena Port around 5 am, makes a clockwise roundtrip around Siquijor Island - Larena, Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi (stops at Lazi market for breakfast and leaves 6:50 am), San Juan, Siquijor (arrives 8am, P50 from Lazi to Siquijor Poblacion) and catches the 1pm ferry at Larena Port (Sundays at 3 pm) for Liloan, Cebu and resumes its land route. Arrives Cebu City (South Bus Terminal) 10 pm.

Sugbo Urban is the cheapest and most convenient way because it goes around the island (clockwise) along the circumferential road, passing through - Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi, San Juan, Siquijor...and back to Larena where it takes the ferry at 1 pm. This saves you the hassle and high transport cost of a tricycle. Besides, it's a long trip from the other side of the island to be taking by tricycle.


Sugbo Urban

Sugbo Urban

Suggested Destinations After Siquijor Island

These are the nearest popular destinations from Siquijor by boat

  1. Bohol - Bohol is an island northeast Siquijor. Tourist attractions are Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Monkey, Loboc River Cruise, Beaches of Panglao, whale sharks (recent offering), freediving (recent offering)
  2. Cebu - Cebu City is the usual gateway into the Visayas. But in Cebu Island itself, there are many offerings - Whale Sharks of Oslob, sardine run at Moalboal,Thresher Shark of Malapascua
  3. Dapitan (Zamboanga del Norte) - I haven't been there but a lot of island ferries ply this port. There must be something here.
  4. Dumaguete - Dumaguete is a small charming progressive coastal town in Negros Oriental. Cafe and restaurants line the famous Boulevard Boardwalk. Tourist attractions include Japanese Shrine, Casaroro Falls, snorkeling along the southern coastline (Dauin, Masaplod Norte, etc), Balinsasayao Twin Lakes
  5. Plaridel (Misamis Occidental, Mindanao) - I haven't been there but a lot of island ferries ply this port. There must be something here.

Blogs

Siquijor Blogs
Siquijor Island
  1. Sep Snapshots: Fisherman, Granny, Pedicure, Big Fish, Garbage September 1-30, 2023
  2. Sep Food Hack: Ratatouille, Chayote Omelette, Flat Bread September 2023
  3. Together Forever Sep 11, 2023
  4. The Cigarette Talk Sep 1, 2023
  5. Siquijor Star Meditation Center Aug 31, 2023
  6. The Lost Dogs of Siquijor Aug 27, 2023
  7. Moving to a Bungalow! Aug 22, 2023
  8. Aug Chronicles: CDO produce August 31, 2023
  9. Aug Snapshots: Pan de Sal, Palpitate, Taho, Tuna, Pineapple August 1-31, 2023
    10. [an error occurred while processing this directive]
  10. July Chronicles July 31, 2023
  11. July Snapshots July 1-31, 2023
  12. Learning Cebuano: July July 1-31, 2023
  13. June Chronicles June 31, 2023
  14. June Snapshots June 1-31, 2023
  15. Learning Cebuano: June June 1-31, 2023
  16. May Chronicles May 31, 2023
  17. May Snapshots May 1-31, 2023
  18. Learning Cebuano May 1-31, 2023
  19. In Search of a Cool Climate May 25, 2023
  20. The 64 km Bike Ride May 16, 2023
  21. Lazi Fiesta May 15, 2023
  22. The Boulevard Opening May 5, 2023
  23. April Snapshots April 1-30, 2023
  24. Learning Cebuano...Again! April 1-30, 2023
  25. Kris Visits Siquijor Mar 17 - Apr 15, 2023
  26. Exploring Siquijor with Marky Mar 25 - Apr 11, 2023
  27. Siquijor Healing Festival April 5-8, 2023
  28. The Talk at United Church of Christ April 2, 2023
  29. Mar Snapshots Mar 1-31, 2023
  30. Vigil for the Ghost Ship of Siquijor March 31, 2023
  31. Judging an Essay on Gender Equality Mar 29, 2023
  32. The Thief, the Shaman, the Elves and the Police Mar 20, 2023
  33. Finally Acquiring the Motorbike Mar 18, 2023
  34. Bitcoin Blunder Mar 15, 2023
  35. Maria's Unsung Beaches Mar 11, 2023
  36. Lagaan Falls Mar 9, 2023
  37. Tibhong Spring Water Source Mar 8, 2023
  38. Bolo-Bolo Natural Spring Mar 2, 2023
  39. Reasons to Get a Wife March 1, 2023
  40. Feb Snapshots Feb 28, 2023
  41. Camagung-Ong Natural Spring Feb 28, 2023
  42. Heeeere's Johnnie! Feb 26, 2023
  43. Manifesting a Motorbike from Thin Air? Feb 18, 2023
  44. The 'Bad Guy' of Siquijor Feb 15, 2023
  45. Amazement from Drivers License Renewal in Siquijor Feb 15, 2023
  46. Locong Falls Feb 9, 2023
  47. Inguinal Hernia? Goodbye ABS! Feb 4, 2023
  48. Jan Snapshots Dec 31, 2022
  49. In Search of Tubod Cold Spring Jan 27, 2023
  50. 1:4:2:3 Nadi Shodana Jan 26, 2023
  51. Lazi's Boulevard Jan 22, 2023
  52. Lazi: A Monthly Stay Jan 21, 2023
  53. 7 Days in Maria, Siquijor Jan 14-21, 2023
  54. Capilay Spring Jan 17, 2023
  55. Siquijor: In Search of Resonance Jan 9-14, 2023
  56. Riding Around Siquijor's 86km Coastal Road Apr 3, 2012
  57. Exploring the Cantabon Cave of Siquijor Feb 23, 2012
  58. Jovee and Missy's Excellent Adventure Nov 6-7, 2010
  59. Freediving in Siquijor's Marine Sancturaries Apr 23-24, 2010
  60. Island Tour of Siquijor Apr 22, 2010
  61. Kram's Siquijor Wedding Apr 21, 2010

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