A cosmic pool? 3/22/2026

We installed our swimming pool about six years ago. Everything looked beautiful. Then about two years ago we noticed grey and dark clouds forming on the pool floor. At first we thought it was some kind of algae, but after several treatments and consultation with pool experts, we realized this was not the case. And no scrubbing or chemical treatments seemed to help. And it kept growing. Spreading across the pool floor in patterns similar to the sky above. And the best answer we found to its origin was that it was a mineral stain seeping up through the floor of the pool from somewhere below, or some mineral in the local water system mingling with the pool surface. We contemplated using pool paint to refinish the pool, but hesitated. Because as we watched the stains grow, we started to see beautiful images of cloud like phenomena evolving. As you can see from the photos, the light blue background of the pool and the darker stains have a similarity to the sky and clouds above. We also noticed that our occasional bouts with green algae stopped. The stain clouds appeared to be preventing their growth. And so we have now accepted the stains as a painting by nature, generated by we are not sure what, but we accept as being part of what our pool is. Our tests of the pool water continue to show it is balanced and healthy. If you have any clues as to the origin of our pool floor nature painting we would enjoy hearing them. For now, we enjoy the pool and the changing images on the floor below

Siquijor road construction and weather update 03/22/26

Our Island is in full swing regarding repaving the highway that runs around the island. Therefore there are frequent spots where you will run into one lane passages as you move around. It is also the height of the tourist season so there are many, many motorbikes and tour vans on the highway, plus the trucks carrying construction materials. So please drive carefully and remember the filipino advice: "henay, henay. Basta Kanunay." slowly, slowly reaches the goal.

At this time of year Siquijor is usually, hot sunny and dry. Well this year is a bit different. We continue to have some rainfall and the nights are quite cool. The plants love it and so therefore the countryside still retains its greenery instead of turning brown. And there are times the sun is out and bright. But for us locals, it is nice that there are more clouds and some cooling rain on occasion. For the past few years this time of year on Siquijor has been a scorcher, even causing some challenges with water sufficiency, brown outs because of the extra aircon usage, and heat waves that cancel school classes. But not so to date in 2026. So if you are on your way here expect sun and warmth, and clouds and rain and cool :)

House Rules? and Booking.com 3/22/26

Recently we were advised by Booking.com to consider having some house rules to help guests understand what is important to us as guestkeepers. We thought about it and came up with two. See what you think...

1. When there is something that is needed or troubling, either by guests or guestkeepers, we bring it up with each other and seek to resolve it directly to everyone's satisfaction. We recognize that there are situations where we may need to go to other authorities to resolve some issues, but we are committed to first seeking shared agreement and resolution whenever possible.

2. As a homestay, we are inviting you to share with us several spaces that are communal and shared with our family. We all recognize, even our children, that we must take care and keep clean the spaces for others use and enjoyment, respecting the space and well-being of all who are here.