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The festive sounds, burst of colors, and the infectious smiles were enough to get you into the rythm of the celebration. Everyone that you meet are in all smiles, intoxicated by the rythm. It was a festival where the smiles never fade, rain or shine. This is Bacolod City's Masskara Festival!  The City of Bacolod is sharing their smiles with the celebration of the Masskara Festival last October. The calm mornings along Lacson Street in Bacolod are complete opposite when the clock strikes at 2pm. The city buzzes in one beat as delegations from schools and barangays weave through the streets with their iconic masskara. The main events/competitions are held at the Bacolod City Plaza where the delegates outdance each other with their choreography and costume designs, and masskara. The festivities continue on through the night along Lacson Street where the sponsored street parties and concerts are held. If you find yourself in the middle of the Masskara Festivities or you are planning to join the fun next year, here are 5 things that you can do during that weekend. Catch the Street and Arena Masskara Dance Competition Nothing beats the fun of watching the main highlights of the festivities of the Masskara - the streetdance competition and Masskara competion! The two events are held on separate days with the schools taking the stage on the 4th Saturday and the barangays on the 4th Sunday of October.  Rain or shine, join in the fun of the Masskara Festival streedancing! The Masskara Streetdance is held along Araneta Street. The delegates dance to the year's theme as they make their way to the Bacolod City Plaza. There are judging areas along the route where they stop to showcase their colorful masks and choreography. We stationed ourselves at the judging station in front of Rizal Elementary School where we were treated with a fun and intoxicating street dancing.  The Bacolod City Plaza is the venue of the Masskara Arena Competition where schools and barangays show off their creativity and choreography. Both events culminate at the Bacolod City Plaza where the delegation showcases their 15-minute themed presentation, complete with dancing and colorful props. The "Masskara Arena" serves as the final judging area of the competition.  The Masskara Streetdancing competition runs along the length of Araneta Street. If you plan on watching the main showcase at the Bacolod City Plaza, you need to come in early as the place gets easily filled up. You also need to weather-proof yourself and your stuff from both the sun and the rain. Take photos of the colorful masskaras. Take a picture or, better yet, have a picture taken with the iconic image of the festival. Each delegation takes a lot of time and effort to create these colorful and festive masks. The designs change every year and part of the celebration is judging the best masskara design among the participants.  This is me trying out a masskara. I had fun taking pictures of their colorful masks and costumes. Most of the participants will gladly oblige to pose for the cameras to showcase their school or barangays creativity. So do not leave the festival without a nice capture of their masskara! Party at Lacson Street After all the street dancing and presentations, make your way to Lacson Street at the heart of the city and join the evening festivities. Be sure to be there early to catch the Electric Masskara where floats adorned with lights parade along the length of Lacson Street!  Evenings are fun with the different concert staging areas along Lacson Street. A significant section of Lacson Street is closed off to give way for festival sponsors to mount their gimmicks and concerts. Expect to have the usual food fairs that showcases Bacolodnon cuisine, especially inasal. You will also find a number of staging areas by major sponsors where most hold concerts featuring local artists and big names in the industry. Have fun checking out the booths and take home freebies from the sponsors.
The best time to enjoy the night parties is Saturday where most of the entertainment industry's big names take the stage. You can expect the crowd but they are not rowdy. Yes, you can drink alcohol but only on designated areas. Explore Bacolod City As most of the festivities happen in the afternoon, you can go around and explore Bacolod City in the morning. The city has a proud collection of interesting destinations that will give you a glimpse of its rich and colorful past.  Since most of the festivities happen in the afternoon until the evenings, you have the morning to explore the city. Go out and explore Bacolod City where you get to see the unique mix of colonial and local influences. Check out the Negros Occidental Capitol Building and get awed by its American-inspired architecture, complete with its sprawling park and lagoon. You can also check out the Negros Museum where you get a glimpse of the old days of the province.
Offer a prayer of thanksgiving at the San Sebastian Cathedral and catch a glimpse of the old bells of the church. The cathedral also gives you a preview of the Spanish influence in the city. Then cap it off with a quick tour of the Bacolod City Plaza before the festivities begin. If you can afford to wake up early then drop by the neighboring cities of Talisay and Silay. The Ruins in Talisay City will impress on you the lavish lifestyle of the sugar barons of Negros while you get to enjoy walking back in time along the streets of Silay with its well-preserved heritage houses. Check out my previous blog entry here for a quick Bacolod-Talisay-Silay itineraries. Bacolod City Food Spotting Bacolod City is, no doubt, a food haven. It is one city where everyday is a cheat day and there is always a reason to get your tummy filled up to the brim. Thus, food spotting in this city is a definite must when you join the festivities of the Masskara!  Bacolod City is a city that one can never go hungry! First on the list is Bacolod's famous dish - the inasal. A trip to the city is never complete without getting your hands into this delectable grilled chicken and the best place to get an authentic chicken inasal fill is Aida's. The restaurant, located in Manokan Country near SM City Bacolod, is the most popular go to place by both locals and tourists so you can expect the place to be crowded by diners during lunch and dinner hours but diner turnaround is pretty fast. And the wait is really worth it. They also have other grilled dishes in their menu that complements their inasal. The best dish that go very well with inasal is their Kansi. If you are up for a good fix of baby back ribs, Lord Byron is the place to head off to. Their sweet barbecued ribs are so tender that the meat melts in your mouth. The restaurants also have other menu offerings and their steak became an easy favorite for me.
Desserts are heavenly in Bacolod City. Calea is the cafe that comes to mind first for people who loves desserts. There cake selections will make you drop all your diet plans. My personal favorite is their mudpie. Alternatively, you can also try Bob's Cafe for their own brand of cakes. Bob's also have its own restaurant that also serves Bacolodnon cuisine. It goes without saying that the celebratory mood of the Masskara Festival and the gastronomic delights of the city make it a perfect combination that would pit a hige smile on the faces of locals and its guests. POST TRAVEL NOTES Bacolod City's Masskara Festival is the most vibrant festival in the country. The colors, moves, creativity, and, more importantly, the smiles are infectious that one could not help but join in its rythm. The presentations will loosen one up and make you sway to the beat of the streetdancers. In the end, you simply get into the vibe of the festivities and, unknowingly, smile under the heat of the afternoon sun or under a heavy downpour.  Get ready for another interesting off-beat destination on my next travel blog. The Philippines is not only a nation composed of 7, 641 beautiful islands but it is also the home of the most colorful and exciting festivals. Masskara is not an exception. In fact, t is more than a festival. It is a story. It is a celebration of hope that lives in the heart of every Bacolodnon that through the toughest times, the biggest smiles emerge. Dali na sa Bacolod! Getting There: The streetdance and arena competition of the Masskara Festival is held on the last weekend of October. The school competition is held on the Saturday while the barangay level is held on the Sunday at the Bacolod City Public Plaza. All major airlines in the Philippines have daily flights to Bacolod City from Manila and key cities of the country.
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Iloilo is one of the oldest provinces in the country. It is home to a lot of heritage houses, churches, and structures that date back to the Spanish period. Its gateway, Iloilo City, is one of the most exciting destinations in the Visayas. It gives a treat that can satisfy your cravings visually, mentally, and gastronomically.  Iloilo is a province that if full of culture and history. Beyond the sights, sounds, and taste of the city are numerous destinations that is worth exploring that gives the province a different accent. We are all too familiar with Miag-ao Church, a UNESCO Heritage site, an hour and a half south of the city. This part of the province probably comes close to second as the most visited destination because of this Spanish-period church. But there is more history to immerse into in Iloilo. This time Asher and I headed inland to discover the rich cultural heritage of the province that remains off-beat. We re-lived history and enjoyed the laidback provincial vibe of Janiuay, Cabatuan, and Sta. Barbara. Janiuay Cemetery Janiuay is an old municipality in Iloilo that was created in 1769 and is home to two heritage structures that dates back to the Spanish period. One of these heritage structures is the Janiuay Cemetery dubbed as the most artistic cemetery in the country.  Janiuay Cemetery is dubbed as the most artistic cemetery in the Philippines with its three grand staircases.
Situated on a slope, it took 9 years for its construction to be completed that started in 1874. Its main feature is the grand staircases that leads up to the grand arched gates of the cemetery. Its perimeters are bounded by a brick fence made from rocks. The main staircase has 23 steps, the rightmost has 21 steps, and the leftmost has 22 steps leading to the gates. At the heart of the cemetery is the octagonal campo santo where the final vigil and service is held. The lancelet-shaped windows and door and the intricate artisan work inside the capilla stand out for its beauty. The centerpiece of the camposanto's interior is the Mother and Jesus image. Janiuay Church Ruins At the center of town, one would find the church ruins of Janiuay.  The town of Janiuay is also the home of the ruins of its Spanish-period church destroyed during World War 2. The ruins are the remains of the second church built in 1839 in Janiuay. One can see traces of its neo-classical design with its arched windows and columns. The church was built with bricks and coral stones. Unfortunately, the church fell victim to World War 2 and was never restored to its original state after the war. A new church was built where regular services are held. The ruins have been refurbished and now has a small chapel within its walls. Getting there: You can take a jeepney to Janiuay from the Iloilo Central Bus Line. Travel time is about an hour and a half. Tricycles is the way to go around Janiuay. Cabatuan Church The massive church structure stands mighty and proud at the heart of town. Its walls, a meter thick and overlaid with red bricks, are eye catching as it showcases it unique mix of neo-classical and tuscan design. The Church of San Nicolas de Tolentino of Cabatuan is, not only an architectural beauty, but a mute witness to the town's rich history.  The main façade of the Cabatuan Church. A convento once stood adjacent to the church. It was also massive that it can accomodate 3000 people at one time. However, it was burned down by the guerrillas during World War 2 and, what was left, was demolished by the Japanese. Its bricks were used for a nearby landing field.
It is the only church in the province that has 3 facades and, prior to 1948, 6 belfries. Despite losing four of its belfries due to an earthquake, the Cabatuan Church is still a site to behold and admired for its beauty and stories. Getting there: You can take a jeep for Iloilo City from Janiuay and you can ask the driver to drop you off at Cabatuan town proper. Santa Barbara Church and Convent Santa Barbara is another municipality in Iloilo that is also a repository of history. It is a town that proudly displays the heroism and bravery of its locals.  The beautiful façade of the historic Santa Barbara Church. At the center of its faith is the Santa Barbara Church and Convent - one of the restored and well-preserved churches in the province. Its baroque colonial design gives one a glimpse of the rich past of the town of Santa Barbara. Its facade, resembling a three-tierred retablo, is worth admiring. Its facade and altars were all patterned from the big churches of Spain. The church complex played a vital role in the liberation of Iloilo from Spanish regime. It was within its walls where local Filipino hero, General Martin Delgado, convened revolutionaries to usher the revolt against Spaniards in Iloilo. The church was granted its historical marker in 1990 to recognize its contribution in Philippine history. Santa Barbara Centennial Museum Walking around Santa Barbara, one can get to see how history unfolded in this town. You walk its streets and Philippine history comes alive for its visitors to enjoy.
The local government recognizes its rich history and a centennial museum was established to preserve and highlight its contributions. The museum exhibits personal artifacts of its local hero, Major Delgado, and Philippine Revolution memorabilias. Gen. Delgado Monument and Sta Barbara Park General Martin Delgado is a reverred hero in the province of Iloilo. He was a revolutionary who pretended to be loyal to Spain while laying down the groundwork of the revolution. It was in October 1898 that he led the revolution and quickly took over the reigns of the town.  The monument is dedicated to General Delgado. It also serves as his final resting place. The monument is within the confines of the Sta. Barbara Park. Its is an open space park with a bandstand at the center of the park. This is a typical design of parks in the Visayas where the plaza is a place where locals congregate and celebrate. The General Delgado Monument was mounted at the heart of town to honor his bravery. His bronze image facing the flag, the biggest outside of Luzon, of the country that he loved and fought for. His remains now lie under the monument that honors the greatest Visayan revolutionary. Getting there: You can take a jeep to Santa Barbara from Infante Street (near UP Iloilo). Travel time is 30 minutes. POST TRAVEL NOTES Janiuay, Cabatuan, and Sta. Barbara may not ring a bell, for most travellers, who have made their rounds in the province of Iloilo. These towns live under the shadows of the more popular destinations of Iloilo City and Miag-ao but has maintained its own brand of tourism. These towns may not have that eye-catching spots, at this time, but it can develop its tourism infrastructure that can earn it own tourism brand that borders on history and, for Janiuay, dark tourism.  Get ready to smile and dance on my next blog! #FiestaFun Travel destinations, for most of the time, are often centered in major cities where development are implemented. It becomes a focal point where tourism programs are executed to the tee giving these major cities an advantage. But if we look around its peripherals, we would find rustic and raw tourism gems that are as interesting as what we usually find in mainstream tourism spots. To discover these raw destinations is every travellers' sweet spot. Getting There: Major airlines have daily flights to Iloilo City.
The laidback and serene vibe of the beach seeps into one's spirit as one enjoys the unspoiled long stretch of white sand shoreline. Here I was in the middle of the country's longest white sand beach enjoying the feel of the sand and sea breeze on my skin. I could already imagine how the landscape will change a few years from now but, for now, I would just like to enjoy the raw beauty of San Vicente.  Rushing to explore the islands of San Vicente. The 14.7-kilometer white sand shoreline of Long Beach is San Vicente's tourism icon. The beach, dubbed as the longest in the country, placed the municipality in the maps of travelers. But its raw beauty goes beyond what we see above the waters. There is more to explore beyond the shores of San Vicente. Like most Philippine destinations, exploring what lies under and beyond San Vicente's Long Beach would mean hopping on a motorized banca for a day or two of discovering the islands in the area. Exotic and Maxima Islands About 45 minutes away from San Vicente seaport are two islands that has a unique connection - Exotic Island and Maxima Island. The two islands are connected by a sandbar that reveals itself during low tide. So getting across the two island is possible with the right timing.  A view of Maxima Islands and the land bridge that connects it to Exotic Island. The bridge reveals itself during low tide. Unfortunately, that was not the case during our visit. Our boat docked at Exotic Island and, from there, you can view Maxima Island on the other side. I did try to check out the land bridge that connects the two but the water was still deep to walk across the other side.
Exotic Island is raw and unspoiled. Its shorelines are a combination of white sand and rocky shore lines. Its shorelines provide an amazing view of Maxima Island while thebisland provides a relaxing beach vibe. Inalandelan Island Inalandelan Island is the most developed island in the area. The island offers camping facilities complete with a mess hall, shower facilities, and recreational facilities.
The white sand beachfront offers a panoramic view of the sea and Port Barton. You can choose to enjoy the sun under one of its beach huts or enjoy the vibe on a hammock. You can also choose to enjoy a round of beach volleyball or opt to explore the island by foot.  Enjoying the sun, sand, and views of Inalandelan Island. Laidback and rustic, one of the main attraction of Inalandelan is its white sandbar on the far end of the island. The sandbar extends itself towards the sea during low tide. Turtle Site San Vicente's coastlines are nesting spot of sea turtles. In fact, it is one of the interesting activities that tourists enjoy during its season. It is not a surprise that there are spots in the area where one can enjoy a moment with sea turtles.  You can swim with the turtles in San Vicente. The municipality is a nesting place of these sea creatures. Turtle Site is an off-shore spot where one can enjoy swimming with the turtles. Our boatman was quick to find these gentle creatures at sea to guide us where we could swim and observe the turtles. It takes a lot of stamina to catch up with sea turtles but it is an exhilerating experience swimming with them. Twin Reef Twin Reef is another off shore spot where one can catch a glimpse of the beauty under the waters of San Vicente. Just a few minutes away from the Turtle Site, one can enjoy snorkeling in its waters and admiring the beauty of San Vicente's seabed.  Enjoying the beauty of the world under the waters of San Vicente. The flourishing flora and fauna of Twin Reef is just a glimpse of the rich bounty in its waters. It was fun swimming in its waters to enjoy the burst of colors of its coral reefs as a variety of school of fish weave through them. Starfish Island This small sandbar, off the coast of Port Barton, got its name because of the presence of starfish in the area. The sandbar fully reveals itself and is best enjoyed during low tide.  Getting this kind of shot can be quite a challenge on this sandbar.
Since timing is key to enjoy the sandbar, you can also expect that most island hopping tours will be in the area during low tide. So getting the perfect picture, without the crowd, may take time. There is nothing much to do in the area except to get sun-soaked while enjoying the panoramic view of Port Barton. Port Barton Another popular spot in San Vicente, Port Barton is a laidback barangay in the area that attracts off-beat travelers and foreign tourists. The rustic ambiance of the place is a major draw for tourists who are looking for a different kind of adventure. Its vibe and its natural attractions are perfect for any type of traveler.
Port Barton beach, a cream-colored sand shoreline, is at the heart of all the tourism activities. This is where you will find most of the action - from resorts to restaurants to tourism activities to acoustic and reggae bars. But despite the activity buzz of the area, it has maintained its laidback beach vibe. One can still enjoy basking in the sun or enjoying an afternoon nap by the beach without the usual crowd. Bigaho Beach This unassuming beach spot in Port Barton is the jump-off point to Bigaho Falls. The beach, which remains untouched despite traces of development, provides an easy beach escape from the usual crowd. With the exception of a few locals and the usual guests heading off to the falls, one can enjoy the solemn atmosphere of the beach while enjoying its pristine beauty.  Bigaho Beach is an unspoiled beach spots in Port Barton. You can enjoy the peaceful and serene vibe of the beach.
The long stretch of cream-colored sand was a perfect spot to rest after the short hike from Bigaho Falls. We enjoyed our brief stop with fresh coconut in tow while enjoying the sand and the sea breeze. It was at that point that we noticed the untouched beauty of this beach spot in San Vicente. The pristine beauty of the place perfectly matched by its rustic ambiance make Bigaho Beach our perfect secret beach spot... for now. Bigaho Falls The cool waters cascading down the rock surface was definitely a sight to enjoy after a full day of beach bumming. Bigaho Falls is one of the three waterfalls in Port Barton that are popular among tourists. It can be accessed via boat through Bigaho Beach or by motorcycle. In both cases, one needs to hike about 15 minutes to get to the base of the falls.  Bigaho Falls is one of the three waterfalls of Port Barton that can easily be accessed. The rocky base of the falls was a perfect viewing deck of Bigaho Falls. The large boulders offer an amazing full view of the falls and also serve as good backdrops for photos. The cool waters cascade down on the rock face down into a small basin. The basin is deep enough for a quick dip.  The rough road to Bigaho Falls is now being developed. The place is serene and peaceful and it is best enjoyed without the crowd. The place is a bit small and can get a bit crowded with the influx of tourists. We can also expect the place to get a facelift once the paved road connection between San Vicente town proper and Port Barton gets completed. POST TRAVEL NOTES San Vicente is slowly coming out of the shadows of other popular Palawan tourist destinations to become an attraction in itself. Its 14.7-kilometer white sand shoreline, its prime tourist draw, is now complemented by other San Vicente tourist spots that showcase the municipality's beauty. San Vicente is no longer just another off-beat spot to explore. It is bent on becoming another prime Palawan destination.  Are you ready for a different kind of adventure? Blogging soon... As development slowly pours into this once sleepy town, one can expect a boost in opportunities for its local communities. Opportunities that, if handled correctly, can give locals a better life. It is an opportunity to provide the basics and more if sustained ecologically and economically. Getting There: Philippine Airlines flies direct to San Vicente via Clark and Skyjet flies direct from Manila. One can also take a flight to Puerto Princesa and take a three-hour land trip to San Vicente.
This municipality on the western coast of Palawan was once an off-beat destination. Despite having the country's longest white sand shoreline, only the brave and the bold, mostly foreigners, dare explore its natural beauty. Things are taking a turn for this sleepy town with the opening of its own airport and the development of a more reliable road network. Yes... San Vicente in Palawan is excited and ready for the change that is coming.  San Vicente in Palawan is now ready to show the world its beauty and vibe. Created in 1969, the municipality of San Vicente covers a total of 10 barangays on the northwestern side of Palawan. Its main industries are farming and fishing. However, with a local full service airport and the concreting of roads of the municipality, it has strengthened its connection to the world revealing its natural attractions that are definitely worth exploring. In due time, tourism will be another alternative livelihood for its locals. On this first part of my San Vicente travel blog, we will be exploring local attractions that made a buzz among travelers. We hopped on the ever dependable habal-habal to explore the sights and sounds that make San Vicente a unique and upcoming Philippine destination. Long Beach Long Beach is San Vicente's prime tourist draw. With a 14.7-kilometer white sand shoreline, it is touted as the longest white sand shoreline in the country.  Long Beach is the prime tourist attraction of San Vicente. The stretch starts at Barangay Alimanguan, the northernmost part of the strip, and stretches down south to New Agutaya. A hill extending towards the shoreline blocks the view of Long Beach's full stretch. A small rocky strip in the same area is the only place where one can get a full panoramic view of the whole 14.7 kilometer beach stretch from end to end.  A panoramic view of Long Beach from the rock formations of Alimangoan.
We also made a brief stop at the center of Long Beach, said to be a location of a local of franchise of "Survivor", and concluded our Long Beach tour at New Agutaya, the southern end of the beach. From this end, one can see the full length of the beach from the hill. One will be amazed at the beauty and length of Long Beach!  Enjoying the sun and sand at the mid-section of Long Beach. At this time, Long Beach remains vastly untouched by commercialism with only a few business establishments in the area. However, access to the beach is already limited because most of the beach front lots are fenced by its private owners. A strong indication of future developments in the area. Bato ni Ning-Ning This iconic rock formation atop the hill became famous after it was featured in a local tv series "Ningning". Bato ni Ningning is a rock formation atop a hill in Barangay Erawan that offers a sweeping view of the hills and the coasts of San Vicente.  Drowning myself into the amazing view of San Vicente's landscape and seascape. The picturesque overlooking view of Erawan Beach (not Long Beach) and its blue waters is a perfect backdrop for that IG-worthy photo. The dramatic view of the land meeting the sea is so serene that you can't help but take the time to enjoy the view and the gentle breeze blowing in. The knoll also gives an amazing view of the nearby Umuruan Island.  The dramatic view atop Bato ni Ningning. The road to knoll is now being improved to make the view deck more accessible to guests of San Vicente. Erawan Beach Erawan Beach is often mistaken as part of Long Beach but it is not. This white sand beach strip is separated from Long Beach by a hill that extends out to the sea.  Erawan Beach is another laidback beach spot in San Vicente. Despite being separated from San Vicente's famous beach stretch, the unspoiled beach of Erawan is an attraction in itself. It remains untouched by commercialism and you get to enjoy the beach for its raw beauty. The serene atmosphere complemented by the gentle crashing of the waves drown out your thoughts towards a relaxing beach chill. It was simply blissful! We were pleasantly surprised to find small square pens by the beach. It turns out that the enclosure protects a nesting site of sea turtles. Apparently, Erawan Beach and Long Beach are popular nesting grounds for these sea creatures. It is something that needs to be considered with the forthcoming tourism development of San Vicente. San Vicente Town Proper At the heart of all the tourism buzz and flare is the town of San Vicente. This sleepy town center is the center for commerce, governance, and religion. It also serves as the main entry point of the municipality with its airport and seaport.
Both airport and seaport are functioning and it still being developed as of this writing. The airport connects San Vicente to the Philippines while its seaport connects it to the nearby towns like Port Barton. Concrete roads connect the town to the whole road network of Palawan. A road is now being constructed that will connect the town proper with Port Barton. Once done, it will reduce travel time between the two barangays significantly. The tourism office of San Vicente is just a few meters away from seaport. You can get vital information from the office from boat and land tours to accomodations. There is also a small shop that displays OTOP products in the region.
The San Vicente de Ferrer Parish is the center of faith of the municipality. Located atop a hill, it provides a panoramic view of parts of the town. The parish exudes an atmosphere of simplicity from its exterior up to its interior. The high ceiling of the church with its simple altar design was a welcome breather from the adrenaline of exploring the town.
Located atop an adjacent hill, the San Vicente Municipal Hall serves as the center of governance of the municipality. The compound houses the government offices that provide basic services to the residents of San Vicente. I reckon that, in a year's time, the landscape of the town proper will change dramatically. It will be more progressive and vibrant. But I am glad that I got to see, feel, and enjoy the very laid back town of San Vicente. POST TRAVEL NOTES
Accessibility fosters development. The opening of the San Vicente airport and the development of a better road network gave San Vicente an equal chance to show the world what it has to offer. But with a new opportunity knocking, the worry is the possible mismanagement that can harm the natural resources and ecological balance of San Vicente. I hope that the LGU can push for a development plan with a strong framework focused on sustainability. Getting There: Philippine Airlines flies direct to San Vicente via Clark and Skyjet flies direct from Manila. One can also take a flight to Puerto Princesa and take a three-hour land trip to San Vicente.
Traversing thru the four cities of Pagadian, Dipolog, Ozamiz, Dapitan, and Oroquieta in four days was fulfilling and tiring. Carefully executing my itinerary with very minimal deviations was a daunting task. Most of the time, a meal break during my explorations served as the time where I get to re-evaluate where to go next and what to do.  The excitement of exploring made me hungry. One of the perks with these meal breaks was I got to discover food spots in these cities, from cafes with chic interiors to popular dining spots that offer heirloom menus. Foodspotting during my #ByahengPaDODO had me enjoying my fave main entree and acquiring appreciation for lychees! Let me share with you some food spots that I enjoyed while on my birthday trip. Pagadian City: Brew and Bake, FS Fajares Avenue This chic cafe in Pagadian City is must place to check out in the city. The first thing that will catch your attention when you walk in is its colorful and creative artworks on its interior walls. It is a great subject for those who love taking photos.  The chic interiors of Bake and Brew in Pagadian City. Its menu selections include all-day breakfast meals pasta, and a wide selection of cakes and pastries that anyone with a sweet tooth would really enjoy. The chill and creative ambiance make it a great place to take a break to re-think your onward itinerary or to cap off a day of exploring the city. Ozamiz City: Mooon Cafe, JP Rizal Avenue The Mexican-inspired interior of Mooon Cafe was a welcome treat after my three-hour travel from Pagadian. I was tired and hungry and I needed a tummy fill before heading out to explore Ozamiz. And Mooon Cafe did not disappoint.  Enjoying my Fillet Mignon! Steak craving unlocked.
With their wide selection of meals, I opted to try out one of my favorite entree and one of their best-sellers - Fillet Mignon. The tender and tasty beef gave me my fill of my steak craving! The cafe is definitely a must-try when you find yourself in Ozamiz. Ozamiz City: SN Batsoy, Don Bernad Avenue SN Batsoy is a no-frills foodspot in Ozamiz City. The restaurant capitalizes on the Filipino "turo-turo" style where food options are laid out and diners point which viands they want. Meals are served for sharing.  The "turo-turo" counter of SN Batsoy.
With a wider Filipino food selection, this restaurant is a good stop for all kinds of travelers. The restaurant also has a grilling area where you can have your fill of the variety of Filipino barbecue treats. Nothing beats a great Filipino meal! Oroquieta City: Payling's Restaurant, Dr. Jose Rizal Street I can say that Payling's Restaurant in Oroquieta City was my biggest foodspotting discovery during the trip! This quaint and unassuming restaurant in a quaint and laidback city is a food hub that you should not miss out in this part of the country.  I seriously indulged myself with Payling's Crab and Lychee salad. YUMMY!!! Its simple and homey restaurant ambiance is in contrast to its mouth-watering menu listing. My personal favorite is their Lychee Salad that combines the flavors of crab stick meat, veggies, and lychee in one bowl. The delectable flavors is a heavenly treat for the taste buds. It was so good that I was able to finish a serving good for 2-3 people. Dipolog City: Hungry Bites, Gen. Luna Street If you are in Dipolog and you are looking for a quick snack or looking for a restaurant to satisfy your burger cravings, Hungry Bites is the place to head off to. This small restaurant with its American-feel interiors serves a great meal of burgers and fries.
The cozy interiors of Hungry Bites make meal times an interesting activity. You get to a nice meal or snack while enjoying the creativity of its owners or watching the city as it buzzes. I enjoyed watching Dipolog's street scene while munching on my burger and fries. Dipolog City: Dipolog Night Market and Barbecue, Sunset Boulevard Dining out during trips does not necessarily mean spending much. Food is part of culture and trying out food spots that are frequented by locals is one way of getting acquainted with your destination. And the Dipolog Night Market and Barbecue is exactly just that!
This small strip of al fresco dining at the eastern end of Sunset Boulevard is lined with grilling stalls that offer a wide selection of Filipino-kind of barbecue. From chicken barbecue to pork sausages to grilled chicken innards, they have it here for you to indulge in. The best part ofvthe experience is eating with your hands while enjoying the breeze from the sea. Dipolog City: Chapters Book Cafe, Dipolog Sunset Boulevard Book lovers will fall in love with Chapters Book Cafe. Imagine having a meal or enjoying a slice of cake surrounded by books. The colorful and creative touch of its interiors complimented by its stacks of books is definitely an attraction in itself.  Book lovers will love the book collection of Chapters Book Cafe in Dipolog.
It is safe to say that the beef salpicao that I ordered did not disappoint. It was great meal enjoyed inside a warm and delightful restaurant of a quaint laidback city. It was a perfect way to end my four-day exploration. Dapitan City: Kamayan ni Manay, Sunset Boulevard After tracing Rizal's footsteps in Dapitan, I was craving for lechon and seafood. Ordering these viands on a regular day would have taken a bite on my pocket. But thanks to Kamayan ni Manay, I was able to satisfy my cravings at an affordable price.
Kamayan ni Manay is a popular food spot in Dapitan City that offers Filipino favorites. I was lucky that I dropped by on a Sunday because it was buffet day. I had my fill of lechon, crabs, shrimp, and kinilaw. All my food cravings were satisfied with an extra treat of halo-halo to cap it off. POST TRAVEL NOTES My #ByahengPaDODO was one adventure packed with new discoveries and excitement. Amazing beach spots, interesting historical sites, and breathtaking views of nature are complemented by the hospitality of locals and the delicious meals of homegrown cafes and restaurants. These food spots served as my "pause" from the excitement of going around. It also served as my time to re-energize before heading off to the next spot.  Are you ready to touch the sun? Food and adventure will always complement each other. A great adventure becomes better with good food. Homegrown food spots give you another facet of the destination. It gives you an insight on what kind of food tickles the palates of the locals. Getting There: Philippine Airline and Cebu Pacific Air have regular flights to Pagadian, Ozamiz, and Dipolog. From Ozamiz City or Oroquieta City, one can take a bus bound to Dipolog City. Travel time is about three hours from Oroquieta City. From Dipolog City, one can take a bus to Dapitan City. Travel Notes: Here is my #ByahengPaDODO itinerary Day 1 (Pagadian City) 8.00am – Arrival at Pagadian via Cebu Pacific / Drop off bags at hotel. 9.00am – ETD to Pulacan Falls 9.30am – Pulacan Falls 11.00am – Brunch or Early Lunch (Suggested: Brew and Bake) 12.00nn – City Walking Tour (Santo Nino Cathedral Parish Church/Pagadian City Hall/ Plaza Luz / Zamboanga del Sur Capitol Building / Rotonda Park) 3.00pm – Isla Putting Balas / Dao-Dao Island 5.30pm – Walk around Pagadian Boulevard (You can also opt to do this in the morning to catch the sunrise) 7.00pm – Dinner then back at the hotel You can read my full Pagadian travel blog here. Day 2 (Pagadian City / Ozamiz City) 5.30a – Sunrise at Pagadian Boulevard. 7.00a – Breakfast and check out of the hotel. 8.00a – ETD for Ozamiz City 11.00a – ETA at Ozamiz City / Check-in at Hotel / Lunch 12.30p – Visit Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral 1.00p – Visit Bukagan Hill / Ozamiz Seaside Road 2.30p – Visit Cota Shrine / Cota Beach / Birhen sa Cota / Ozamiz City Hall 4.30p – Explore the streets of Ozamiz City (Heritage Houses) 7.00p – Dinner 8.00p – Back at hotel You can read my full Ozamiz and Oroquieta travel blog here. Day 3 (Oroquieta City/Dipolog City) 8.00a – ETD to Oroquieta City 9.30a – ETA at Oroquieta City 10.00a – Visit Misamis Occidental Capitol Grounds / Oroquieta City Hall and Plaza / Holy Rosary Church / Oroquieta City Hanging Bridge 12.00n – Lunch at Payling’s 1.30pm – ETD to Dipolog City 4.30pm – ETA to at Dipolog City / Check-in at Hotel 5.00pm – Dipolog City Walking Tour (Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral / Dipolog City Hall / Magsaysay Park / Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Capitol / Dipolog City Rotunda 6.00pm – Santa Cruz Marker / Dipolog Sunset Boulevard 7.30pm – Dinner Day 4 (Dapitan City) 8.00am – ETD to Dapitan City 8.30am – ETA to Dapitan City 9.00am – Dapitan City Plaza / St. James the Greater Church / Casa Real / Heritage House / Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto / Ilihan Hill 10.30pm - Punto del Disembarco de Rizal 11.30pm – Rizal Shrine Dapitan City 2.00pm – Late Lunch in Dapitan City 4.00pm – ETA in Dipolog City. Free Time. You can read my full Dipolog and Dapitan travel blog here.
These twin cities of Mindanao share a colorful past with the country's national hero. While one served as Rizal's "prison", the other city had a more subtle binteraction with our hero. This was my time to unravel the influence of Gat Jose Rizal in the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan!  An aerial shot of Dipolog and Dapitan City. Shot courtesy of my brother who is a pilot, Sayong Jr. Dipolog City serves as Western Mindanao's gateway. The city is popular for its wild orchids and its bottled sardines industry, owing to the rich fishing grounds along its coasts. Dapitan City, just 20 minutes away, is more popular because it served as Rizal's home while on exile. You walk around the city with the feeling that every corner lives and breathes Rizal.
I explored both cities to get to understand how life was for Rizal in his last years and how he influenced the development of the city and lives of the locals. DIPOLOG CITY: A Quaint City Under Construction A large part of Dipolog's man-made attractions were under a beautification program so there were fairly not much to see during my visit. Exploring its streets during the day was exciting as the city buzzed and roared around me while in the evening it drums up the excitement before it tones down by 12mn. Originally called Tulwanan, Dipolog City was once under the jurisdiction of Dapitan sharing a rich cultural history with its twin city. Its original settlers were the Subanen and the succeeding wave of migration from Visayas paved the way to the development of the city to what is it is now. So don't be surprised if you get a vibe similar to other destinations in the Visayas when you walk around the city. Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral At the very heart of the city is the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. Established in 1896, the church stands as a dominant structure in the cityscape of Dipolog City. Its light brown facade gives the church a softer and earthly tone visually.  The simple and elegant façade of the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral. My search for Rizal's influence in the city brought me here. It is believed that the main altar of the church was designed by Dr. Jose Rizal and is part of the church's historical and aesthetic value. The two-level retablo is definitely a sight to behold as it complements the unique wooden ceiling of the church.
The interior of the church is one that is to be admired. The brown and white color scheme complements its wooden ceiling giving the church a homey feel. The simple interior also directs your attention to the main centerpiece of the church - its altar. Dipolog City Hall / Founding Father's Statue / Plaza Magsaysay Right in front of the church is the Plaza Magsaysay. However, the park is undergoing a major facelift at the time of my visit. The same goes for the Dipolog City which sita adjacent to the park.
A large part of the park the cityhall compound were barricaded so there was very little to see except for the top of the statue of the city's founding fathers - Honorable Pascual Martinez, its first mayor; Father Nicasio Patagan, the first diocesian priest of Mindanao; and Eugenio Magarte, a farmer who introduced a system of rice planting in the country. Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Capitol Dipolog City also serves as the provincial capital of Zamboanga del Norte. A few blocks from the city hall complex is the Capitol Building complex of the province.  The Zamboanga del Norte Capitol is also under renovation.
Similar to the city hall, the complex is also undergoing a major facelift. From its barricaded front, one can see that the capitol building has a touch of colonial influence with its design. P'gsalabuk Circle / Dipolog Rotunda A short ride from the Capitol Building is the Dipolog Rotunda. Its main centerpiece is the "Fountain of Blessing".  The P'gsalabuk statue depicting unity in diversity. The statue, standing at 4.5 meters, represents the tri-people of Mindanao, Subanen, Muslim, and Christians, united in its vision and goals. It represents unity amidst diversity. Sta. Cruz Marker This tall cross that stands at Punta Corro is a symbolic landmark where the Boholanos landed and established a settlement.  The symbolic cross at Punta Corro. Erected in May 1905, the cross is a thanksgiving offering for the safe journey of the migrating Boholanos. Mass were held on the same spot before Spanish friars established a chapel on the present-day church of the city. Dipolog Sunset Boulevard The Dipolog Sunset Boulevard is a 1.6 kilometer esplanade along the coastal waters of the city. The stretch is lined up with cafes and bars, as well as, sports facilities and children parks that make it a favorite afternoon and evening spot of both locals and tourists. If you are lucky, you can even catch a local trade show being in full force at the esplanade.  Enjoying the sunset view along the shores of the Dipolog Boulevard. The boulevard is a perfect way to cap off the day as you enjoy the color hues of the sunset with your favorite drink on hand. Watch locals walk or jog along the stretch of the beach or enjoy watching skimboarders catch their next wave. The Dipolog Sunset Boulevard is definitely a great place to chill and enjoy the vibe of this city. There are still plans of extending the esplanade tonthe seaport of Galas. When that happens, the whole stretch would be a length of 2.6 kilometers. The esplanade is also looked on as a venue for multi-sport activities as it developes. PS. You can also check out Linabo Peak which I was not able to visit due to time and health constraints at the time of my visit. DAPITAN CITY: A City That Lives and Breathes Rizal Dapitan City is historically significant as Gat Jose Rizal was exiled to this city for his alleged involvement in the revolution. The time spent by Rizal in the city has significantly molded what the city is now. It lives and breathes Rizal. Dapitan's rich history goes beyond the Spanish period with its earlier inhabitants, the Subanens. The early trade relations have exposed the city to various influences. It is often referred to as the Mindanao's capital. Liwasan ng Dapitan At the heart of the city is a sprawling park that was designed by Dr. Jose Rizal - the "Liwasan ng Dapitan".  Enjoying an early morning exploration of the sprawling Dapitan City Park. The open-space park has a statue of the national hero as its centerpiece. Beyond the statue of Jose Rizal, the touch of the national hero is present with the acacia trees that he personally planted during his exile.
In one corner of the plaza, the one facing the church, is a relief map of Mindanao. Rizal, his former teacher, church workers, and some students worked together in creating the relief map which is now part of the country's Cultural Treasure. St. James the Greater Church Dominating the Dapitan skyline are the two sphires of the St. James the Greater Church. Originally constructed in 1871, the original structure to the present is a labor of faith and love by the people of Dapitan. The church stands as a living testament to the strong faith of its locals.  The St. James the Greater Church dominates the skyline of Dapitan City. The simple exterior of the church is a complete contrast to the elegant artistry of its interiors. The pillars lined with angels directs your attention to the simple altar of the church. But what reallybstands out is the creative design of its ceilings that seems to swirl when you stare at it.  The spot inside the church where Dr. Jose Rizal stood to hear mass during his exile. On the far left of the church is another historical marker that points to the spot where Dr. Jose Rizal stands to hear mass during the time that he was in exile. Casa Real / Heritage House Dapitan City is an old town so do not be surprised to see heritage houses along its streets.  The Casa Real was the first home of Jose Rizal in Dapitan City. Casa Real, just a few steps away from the plaza, was the home of the Spanish Military Governor. This was where Dr. Jose Rizal stayed during the early months of his exile before being moved to Talisay, or the Rizal Shrine. Just a few minutes walk from the plaza is the Polo-Dapitan National Road that is lined with old heritage houses. These houses are well maintained and can be admired for its timeless beauty. The two-storey Heritage House, along Josephine Bracken Street, is one of the well-preserved houses that now serves as the city's tourism office. Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and Ilihan Hill A 10-minute walk from the church is the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. This small prayer area is one of the less visited destinations in Dapitan.  The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto stands adjacent to the original location of the church in Dapitan City. The area where the grotto stands used to be the ancient burial grounds of locals. Adjacent to the grotto is the location where the first church of Dapitan was established. The grotto stands on a natural rock formation giving it a more dramatic vibe. Devotees usually visit the grotto in prayer for good health.
A couple of meters from the grotto, you will find the gate and the stairs leading to the top of Ilihan Hill. The hill offers an amazing panoramic view of Dapitan City. Unfortunately, due to time and health constraints, I was not able to climb up the hill to check out the view. Punto del Disembarco de Rizal At the end of the Dapitan Boulevard, one will find a huge monument that depicts Rizal's arrival in Dapitan City during his exile. The Punto del Disembarco de Rizal is the spot where Dr. Jose Rizal landed in the city.  A monument was installed at the place where Dr. Jose Rizal landed in Dapitan City
The landing site depicts Dr. Jose Rizal, the captain, and three artillery men landing along the beach. Dr. Rizal arrived at 7pm on July 17, 1982 and was quickly led to Casa Real to start his life of exile in Dapitan. The shrine is also dedicated to local Dapitanons who share Rizal's vision for the city as a progressive town. Rizal Shrine Life on exile was not as bad as it may seem for Rizal. His home in Talisay, a few minutes ride away from the city center, is a sprawling compound where he spent his life practicing medicine and teaching young boys of Dapitan. The compound is now known as the Rizal Shrine of Dapitan.  The Rizal Shrine in Dapitan is a great destination to relax and read about history. The park is well-maintained and walking through its grounds gives you a glimpse of Rizal's life while in Dapitan. The replicas of houses that he built gives you a clear picture of how his day went inside the sprawling compound. First stop in the shrine is the Museo ni Jose Rizal. The museum gives you an overview of Rizal's life on exile - the things that kept him busy and his practice in medicine. It also serves as the repository of Rizal's personal effects. One can also read up on his writings and appreciate his creativity through his artworks.
I walked along the cemented pathway through its forest canopy. The pathway snakes through the forest that surround the shrine. This is where Dr. Rizal and his students were able to identify the different species of flora and fauna that one can find in Dapitan. Apart from appreciating nature, one can also have a landscape view of Rizal's compound and the replica of the houses that he built for a specific purpose. At the end of the canopy walk is the "Bato ng Mi Retiro". This huge rock formation facing the sea is where Dr. Rizal wrote his longest poem while in exile - Mi Retiro. In this poem, the national hero describes his life in exile in Dapitan.
The "Bahay na Parisukat" served as the dormitory of Rizal's students. The area below the house served as the student's workshop area. A few steps away from the dormitory is the spot where Dr. Valenzuela and Rizal met to discuss the revolution plans. A few meters away from the historical marker is the spot by the beach where Dr. Jose Rizal boarded a boat bound for Manila in July of 1896.
Even during his exile, the national hero received patients in Dapitan who sought his medical expertise. He constructed two huts, the Casitas de Salud, where these patients were billeted during their stay in Dapitan. Rizal also constructed a dam within the compound to manage the water resource of the compound. The dam is still functional to this day.  The dam built by Dr. Jose Rizal to manage the water resources of the complex. The Casa Residencia is the main house in the compound. The house served as Rizal's home and was once the home of his mother and sisters. This was also the home that he shared with his wife, Josephine Bracken.  The Casa Residencia is the main house Dr. Jose Rizal. There are two huts that sits adjacent to the Casa Residencia. The first is an open-air hut measuring 14 by 10 feet which serves as the kitchen. It was designed as such to allow air to pass through the hut preventing the accumulation of smoke. The second hut is the "Casa Redonda Pequena" where he takes care of his poultry.
One of the huts that you will first see in the compound is the Casa Redonda. The octagonal hut serves as Dr. Jose Rizal's clinic and was also initially used as dormitory of his students. It was also in this hit where Josephine Bracken stayed when she first arrived in Dapitan.  Dr. Jose Rizal's octagonal hut that served as his clinic.
I strongly suggest that you take your time when you explore the Rizal Shrine in Dapitan. Its rich history will give you a glimpse of Rizal's life and works. He was a peace-loving man who always aimed to make a contribution to the development of Dapitan and its locals. The sprawling park, not only enriches you, but also relaxes your mind with its natural beauty. POST TRAVEL NOTES I am a history buff and, with my age, I have learned to appreciate history now compared when I was still in school. Tracing Rizal's influence in Dipolog and Dapitan was something that really got me excited. Admiring his creativity on Dipolog's altar design and Dapitan City Plaza's design gave me a glimpse of how he thinks. Walking through his property in Talisay gave me a feel of how he breathed and lived while in exile in Dapitan.  Our next stop are the food spots in Pagadian, Ozamiz, Oroquieta, Dipolog, and Dapitan. Dr. Jose Rizal is a selfless person. He was not afraid to share his ideas on how to improve the way of living in the places that he lived in. He strived to utilize his resources on making sure that he can enrich the lives of the people around him. His earnings from his medical practice even ends up funding projects for the community. He always strived to make sure that he makes a difference to the locals of the community he is in. If only all Filipinos live this way, our nation will definitely be better. Getting There: Philippine Airline and Cebu Pacific Air have regular flights to Dipolog City. From Dipolog City, one can take a bus to Dapitan City. From Ozamiz City or Oroquieta City, one can take a bus bound to Dipolog City. Travel time is about three hours from Oroquieta City. Travel Notes: Here is my #ByahengPaDODO itinerary Day 1 (Pagadian City) 8.00am – Arrival at Pagadian via Cebu Pacific / Drop off bags at hotel. 9.00am – ETD to Pulacan Falls 9.30am – Pulacan Falls 11.00am – Brunch or Early Lunch (Suggested: Brew and Bake) 12.00nn – City Walking Tour (Santo Nino Cathedral Parish Church/Pagadian City Hall/ Plaza Luz / Zamboanga del Sur Capitol Building / Rotonda Park) 3.00pm – Isla Putting Balas / Dao-Dao Island 5.30pm – Walk around Pagadian Boulevard (You can also opt to do this in the morning to catch the sunrise) 7.00pm – Dinner then back at the hotel You can read my full Pagadian travel blog here. Day 2 (Pagadian City / Ozamiz City) 5.30a – Sunrise at Pagadian Boulevard. 7.00a – Breakfast and check out of the hotel. 8.00a – ETD for Ozamiz City 11.00a – ETA at Ozamiz City / Check-in at Hotel / Lunch 12.30p – Visit Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral 1.00p – Visit Bukagan Hill / Ozamiz Seaside Road 2.30p – Visit Cota Shrine / Cota Beach / Birhen sa Cota / Ozamiz City Hall 4.30p – Explore the streets of Ozamiz City (Heritage Houses) 7.00p – Dinner 8.00p – Back at hotel Day 3 (Oroquieta City/Dipolog City) 8.00a – ETD to Oroquieta City 9.30a – ETA at Oroquieta City 10.00a – Visit Misamis Occidental Capitol Grounds / Oroquieta City Hall and Plaza / Holy Rosary Church / Oroquieta City Hanging Bridge 12.00n – Lunch at Payling’s 1.30pm – ETD to Dipolog City 4.30pm – ETA to at Dipolog City / Check-in at Hotel 5.00pm – Dipolog City Walking Tour (Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral / Dipolog City Hall / Magsaysay Park / Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Capitol / Dipolog City Rotunda 6.00pm – Santa Cruz Marker / Dipolog Sunset Boulevard 7.30pm – Dinner You can read my full Ozamiz and Oroquieta blog here. Day 4 (Dapitan City) 8.00am – ETD to Dapitan City 8.30am – ETA to Dapitan City 9.00am – Dapitan City Plaza / St. James the Greater Church / Casa Real / Heritage House / Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto / Ilihan Hill 10.30pm - Punto del Disembarco de Rizal 11.30pm – Rizal Shrine Dapitan City 2.00pm – Late Lunch in Dapitan City 4.00pm – ETA in Dipolog City. Free Time.
One city serves as the gateway to the province while the other teaches us the joys of a simple life. These two cities in Misamis Occidental have its colorful history plastered around town. A casual morning or afternoon walk will give you a glimpse of the cities' colorful past that comfortably blends with the its modern development.
Ozamiz City is the gateway of northwestern Mindanao and is a gem for its history and culture. From its shores to its hills, there is a touch of history to discover and enjoy. Oroquieta, on the other hand, is a city that is not a city. Its old town vibe slows down your pace to enjoy THE moment. It allows you to enjoy the a day without the usual hustle and bustle of city life. Get ready as we unravel the stories and the history behind the rustic ambiance of the cities of Ozamiz and Oroquieta. Ozamiz City: For Whom Its Bells Toll The city of Ozamiz was born from the old Spanish town of Misamis. Stradled along the shores of Panguil Bay, its location was a strategic vantage point to set a Spanish fortress to stand guard against pirate attacks coming from the Lanao area. It has blossomed through the years to become the center for economic growth in region. Ozamiz has its own tourism brand that is rooted in its rich history and the Catholic faith. More than just a gateway to northwestern Mindanao, it also prides itself as a historical, cultural, and pilgrimage destination. Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral At the heart of the city is the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral, the center of the Catholic faith in the city.  The Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral is the city's center of Catholic faith. The present church was built from the ruins of the original church that was destroyed by an earthquake. Its first design was one of the first works of Leandro Locsin with his unique style of circles, semi-circles, and squares which is still evident with the church's interiors.
One of the most treasured attraction of the church is its pipe organ - the only pipe organ in Mindanao. It was fabricated in Germany, was assembled in 6 weeks, and was inaugurated in July 1967. Bukagan Hill Bukagan Hill, located in the outskirts of the city, is a small hill that offers a beautiful view of the city. It is also starting to become a favorite morning or afternoon hiking spot by locals because of its accessibility.
The hill is also the home of the 4 great bells of Ozamiz - St. Peter, St. Marien, St. Joseph, and St. Michael. The bells were commissioned to be installed at the Imaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral, however, the combined 7-ton weight of the four bells was too much for the church's belfry. Since the construction of a new belfry was not feasible, the bells found its home at Bukagan Hill where it has remained silent for decades. Getting there: You can rent a tricycle or a habal-habal to go to Bukagan Hill. Ozamiz Seaside Road Cruising through the Ozamiz Seaside Road, I enjoyed a panoramic view of Panguil Bay and Lanao del Norte. The seaside boulevard is a diversion road, over a reclaimed area of the bay, connects the city's outskirt to Ozamiz Port.  The fossil of an old ship along the seaside road. Although the project is still in the process of completion, I could already see that it will be one of the city's main attraction because of the amazing view of the bay and the surrounding areas. In fact, business establishments are starting to pop up along the stretch of the road. Cota Shrine and Beach Built in 1755 to serve as a Spanish outpost, the Fuerte dela Concepcion y del Triunfo or the Cotta Shrine is a mute testament of the city's colorful history. The rectangular fort was built along the shores of Cota Beach with four outposts - San Fernando, San Jose, Santiago, and San Ignacio. The shrine served as a Spanish Command Outpost and a garrison during World War 2.  The Cotta Shrine is the prime tourism icon of Ozamiz City.
Just in front of the fort is a beach spot frequented by locals - the Cota Beach. Its black sand shores is a favorite spot for a quick beach chill or a quick beach dip. It offers an amazing panoramic view of Panguil Bay and Lanao del Norte.  Enjoying the morning sun and view of Cotta Beach. The shrine and the beach are currently undergoing a major facelift to accomodate the growing interest of tourist in the city. Apart from the beautification of the actual fort, a replica of a Spanish Galleon and a business complex is now under construction to help in attracting tourists and driving commerce in the area. Birhen sa Cota Once enshrined within the walls of the Cotta Shrine is the image of the Nuestra Senora dela Immaculada Concepcion y del Triunfo de la Cruz de Migpangi or the Blessed Virgin of Cotta. She is the patroness of Ozamiz City.  The miraculous image of the Birhen ng Cotta. On one the side of the fortress' wall is a carved image of the patroness which is believed to be miraculous. It is believed that the image is growing and has been an object of pilgrimage. The courtyard on this side of the fortress has been developed as a sanctuary for the faithful who visit the image. Ozamiz City Hall A ride away from the city center is the Ozamiz City Hall - the center of city governance. The complex sits along the main highway with the Mayor Bernard Memorial Hall as its main attraction.
The city's version of Rizal Park sits right across the city hall with a statue of Rizal as its main centerpiece. The open space park is currently under a beautification program. Old Houses of Ozamiz Exploring the streets of Ozamiz City will give you a glimpse of the old days of the city. It has a collection of heritage houses that transcend from the Spanish period to the American period.  A Spanish-period "Bahay na Bato" still in use and some of the city's old houses. Walking along Ledesma Street was like walking through a time capsule. The old soul in me got excited as the city treated me with its collection of heritage houses. From a Spanish-period bahay-na-bato to the 70's style of American-designed house, the city has managed to fuse these decades in one vibrant destination. Oroquieta City: Where City Life is Simply Re-defined An hour away from Ozamiz City is the city that defines the good life - Oroquieta City. It is a city that is not a city because its rustic and laidback vibe is a complete contrast to the chaotic city life that we are accustomed to. Oroquieta City has a unique place in Philippine history during World War 2 when it was made the capital of the Free Philippines in 1942. The city was also the host of President Quezon when he was being evacuated to Australia from Corregidor. It has managed to keep its stature in governance, only this time as the center of Misamis Occidental's provincial governance. Although it still remains almost unheard of when it comes to its tourism branding, Oroquieta is proud of its collection of its city attractions. Misamis Occidental Provincial Capitol True to its role in Philippine history, the city of Oroquieta is the center of governance in the province. My first stop during my short visit to the city was the sprawling complex of the Misamis Occidental Provincial capitol.  The Provincial Capitol of the Misamis Occidental.
The white-washed Capitol Building stood out as the main centerpiece of the local government compound in Oroquieta. The sprawling open-space park in front make the capitol building standout. The building architecture and the aesthetic design remind me of American-colonial influence. Oroquieta City Hall and City Plaza One of the things that really stood out during my exploration of Oroquieta City was its City Hall. The two-storey government office takes its home in a heritage structure (by the way it looks). It was a real beauty to appreciate.  The elegantly beautiful Oroquieta City Hall. Like most city hall complex in the region, an open-space park is located just right in front of the hall. The park had a statue honoring Rizal as its centerpiece and adjacent to it is the City Kiosk that is a common feature of American-colonial designed park. The park was a welcome relief from the midmorning sun that I enjoyed a quick break by just enjoying the view and the breeze.  Taking a break from all the walking at the Oroquieta City Park. The park sits adjacent to the shoreline of the city facing Iligan Bay. Independence Street is the city's version of a seaside boulevard where you can also enjoy a lazy afternoon by the beach. Holy Rosary Church The Holy Rosary Church sits right across the Oroquieta City Plaza. Just like most Philippine cities and town, the Catholic faith plays a crucial part in the city's humble beginnings. That is the reason why its location is strategically within the city center.
The church sits at the heart of its sprawling courtyard. A driveway leads you to the front of the church where you get to appreciate its simple facade highlighted by an image of Mother Mary. A three-storey belfry adjacent to the church completes the experience. Oroquieta City Hanging Bridge and Layawan River About two blocks east of the church is the Oroquieta City Hanging Bridge. A suspension bridge that traverses the Layawan River.  Enjoying the view at the Oroquieta Hanging Bridge. The hanging bridge is a must place to check out because it offers a panoramic view of Layawan River as it meets the waters of Iligan Bay. POST TRAVEL NOTES Ozamiz and Oroquieta are two unassuming destinations that has a colorful history to share. Both may not be popular tourism spots but its history and its unique city vibe make it a destination for travelers who want to have a different travel feel. Its tourism spots may even require a different kind of appreciation - one where you get to appreciate the simple old and laidback town feel. It is that kind of vibe where you just want to sit down at the park, watch the locals go for their afternoon run, and enjoy the "ooh-la-la" of being in the moment.  Getting ready to explore Rizal's influence in Mindanao. Yes, we have a lot of tourist spots that sweep us off our feet and, on the other end, there are also destinations that is best enjoyed for its rawness. Destinations that stand out not for its amazing tourist spots but for its unique blend of history, culture, and rustic hometown feel. It is these unassuming destinations that gives the Philippines the balance in its tourism ecosystem - the ones that keep us grounded that we cannot live without. Getting There: Philippine Airline and Cebu Pacific Air offer regular flights to Ozamiz City. From Ozamiz City, one can take a bus to Dipolog City at the Ozamiz City Integrated Bus Terminal and you can ask the driver to drop you off at Oroquieta City. From Pagadian City, one can take a bus to Ozamiz City at the Pagadian City Integrated Bus Terminal. Travel Notes: Here is my #ByahengPaDODO itinerary Day 1 (Pagadian City) 8.00am – Arrival at Pagadian via Cebu Pacific / Drop off bags at hotel. 9.00am – ETD to Pulacan Falls 9.30am – Pulacan Falls 11.00am – Brunch or Early Lunch (Suggested: Brew and Bake) 12.00nn – City Walking Tour (Santo Nino Cathedral Parish Church/Pagadian City Hall/ Plaza Luz / Zamboanga del Sur Capitol Building / Rotonda Park) 3.00pm – Isla Putting Balas / Dao-Dao Island 5.30pm – Walk around Pagadian Boulevard (You can also opt to do this in the morning to catch the sunrise) 7.00pm – Dinner then back at the hotel You can read my full Pagadian travel blog here. Day 2 (Pagadian City / Ozamiz City) 5.30a – Sunrise at Pagadian Boulevard. 7.00a – Breakfast and check out of the hotel. 8.00a – ETD for Ozamiz City 11.00a – ETA at Ozamiz City / Check-in at Hotel / Lunch 12.30p – Visit Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral 1.00p – Visit Bukagan Hill / Ozamiz Seaside Road 2.30p – Visit Cota Shrine / Cota Beach / Birhen sa Cota / Ozamiz City Hall 4.30p – Explore the streets of Ozamiz City (Heritage Houses) 7.00p – Dinner 8.00p – Back at hotel Day 3 (Oroquieta City) 8.00a – ETD to Oroquieta City 9.30a – ETA at Oroquieta City 10.00a – Visit Misamis Occidental Capitol Grounds / Oroquieta City Hall and Plaza / Holy Rosary Church / Oroquieta City Hanging Bridge 12.00n – Lunch at Payling’s
The city sizzles in an amazing mix of urban and rural vibe as we navigated its streets. Its locals were already out doing their usual morning routine as my habal-habal coasted through the city center. From my vantage point, I caught a glimpse of Dapulisan Bay at the end of the the famous sloping boulevard of this city. Finally, I am finally exploring the city popular for its uniquely-angled tricycles - Pagadian City!  I finally explored Pagadian City after two years of planning. Pagadian City blossomed, from being a stopover town for traders plying the Zamboanga Peninsula, to become the second largest city the region. The city, nestled along sloping terrains, serves as the provincial capital of Zamboanga del Sur and gateway to the region through the Pagadian Airport. The city is relatively new in the tourism front and most of its destinations are off-beat and raw. But that did not stop us from my birthday exploration in search for its unadulterated attractions. Pulacan Falls The sound of the water cascade can already be heard from the highway. There are no signboards that direct you to Pulacan Falls. It was with the help of google maps that I figured where the jump-off point was but there were no visible trail leading to the falls. I asked one of the locals in the area who pointed to where I would find the trail to this beautiful waterfall.  Pulacan Falls is one of the hidden wonders of Pagadian City. Pulacan Falls is a waterfall located in Upper Pulacan, about 30-minutes away from city. Surrounded by forest cover, the lush greens hides the waterfall from full view along the highway. One needs to make a short two-minute trek through a dirt trail to get to its base where you get an amazing view of Pulacan Falls.
Water cascades in streams on a huge rock wall surface from the top, creating an image of an inverted fan. The water then flows downstream as a water source for irrigation. A small trail on the side leads up to the top of the falls.  Pulacan Falls is surrounded by trees and vegetation. Pulacan Falls is a real beauty to admire from its base. What makes it more appealing is its rustic feel that remains untouched despite its relatively easy access. You can enjoy the tranquility of the place while getting immersed with the sights and sound of nature. It is an unassuming beauty that managed to shy away from the eyes of most travelers. Getting there: Take to tricycle to Pagadian City Integrated Bus Terminal and hop on a bus bound for Ozamiz. Ask the driver to drop you off at Upper Pulacan. The trip takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Landmark is the Tabak Base on the right. Ask the conductor to drop you off at the waterfalls of Upper Pulacan. From the highway, you need to take a 5-minute hike on a dirt trail down to the waterfalls. Santo Nino Cathedral Parish Church Pagadian City's veneration to the Santo Nino de Cebu was due to migration of Christians to the area during the early 20th century. In 1938, the first Catholic church was established to cater to the spiritual needs of the new settlers. The site of the original church was right across the Plaza Luz.  The Sto. Nino Cathedral Parish Church is the center of Catholic faith in the city. The present-day church was built in 1968. Its simple green facade blends perfectly well to the simple and laidback feel of the city. Its interiors evoke the same feel with its elegance and a simple cross as the altar's main highlight. Large windows provide natural lighting inside giving the church a more homey feel.
On one area of the church's courtyard is a small altar that honors the image of the Santo Nino. Devotees honors their patron saint by offering a candle and a short prayer. Pagadian City Hall and Plaza Luz At the heart of city, the Pagadian City Hall is the center of local governance. Similar to most governance halls in the Mindanao area, the city hall sits on a vast area with a park situated in front of its main building. Our national hero, Rizal, is the highlight of the park with a globe underneath its pedestal.  The Pagadian City Hall is located at the heart of the city. Right across the city hall courtyard is the sprawling Plaza Luz. It is a huge area that features an open-space park. The main activity area features a clam-shaped stage where most of the city's activities are staged. Basketball courts are located beside the main activity area which indicates a strong thrust of the local government towards sports activities. Zamboanga del Sur Capitol Building Pagadian City, being the provincial capital, also serves as the home of the provincial government offices. The Capitol Building sits on one of slopes of Pagadian City, overlooking Dapulisan Bay.  Pagadian City serves as the provincial capital of Zamboanga del Sur.
The sprawling compound houses most of the provincial offices of national agencies. The compound also features a small park in front of its main building. Rotonda Park The Rotonda Park atop Bulatoc Hill offers a panoramic view of Pagadian City and Illana Bay. From the vantage point of the Rotanda Park, one can have a picturesque view of Pajares Avenue sloping down the hills of Pagadian City towards the bay.  A view of Pajares Avenue from the Rotunda Park atop Bulatoc Hill.
The park also offers horseback riding activities for its guests. It is undergoing improvements at the time aof my visit and I hope that, after these changes, the park will be able to offer its guests more activities in the future. Pagadian Iconic Tricycle Of course, one should not miss out a ride on Pagadian's iconic tricycles. The city's tricycles are inclined by 45 degrees for the utility vehicle to easily navigate the steep slopes of the city. The incline gives its riders a different feel.  The iconic Pagadian tricycle is designed with a 45-degree incline. I tried riding the tricycle both on the high end and low end, and each gave me a different feel. Riding at the front was more comfortable because of my height. But that did not stop me from trying out the back end of the tricycle. Isla Puting Balas Off the coast of Dapulisan Bay is a small white sand bar called Isla Puting Balas. The sandbar reveals itself only during the lowtide so right timing is necessary when you plan to visit Isla Puting Balas.  One needs to get the timing right when visiting Isla Puting Balas to enjoy its full beauty. It was a nice birthday treat in Pagadian. Isla Puting Balas is unspoiled and raw. It gives you that unique feel of being in the middle of the sea. The sandbar also gives its guest a nice view of Pagadian City from the sea. I was lucky to have the sandbar all for myself that afternoon - a cool birthday treat from Pagadian. The trip to Isla Puting Balas takes about 45 minutes from the San Pedro Port. One needs to charter a boat and one needs to make sure that your boatman knows how to get to Isla Puting Balas. You can contact Kuya Rico at (0948) 4859544 to make boat arrangments to the sandbar. Getting there: Take a tricycle to Port San Pedro where you can charter a motorized bangka to Isla Puting Balas. You can contact Kuya Rico at (0948) 4859544 for boat arrangements. Dao Dao Islands (Daku and Gamay) On the way back from Isla Puting Balas, I requested that we pass by the Dao Dao Islands - a popular beach destination of Pagadian locals.  A view of Dao-Dao Daku and Dao-Dao Gamay from Pagadian City.
Daku Gamay is the largest of the two islands located around 10 minutes from the port. Daku Gamay is actually a sandbar that emerges during low tide. Both islands were developed for tourists and locals with resort facilities. Guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the waters surrounding Dao-Dao Islands. Pagadian Boulevard Just before leaving for Ozamiz, I made a quick visit to the Pagadian Boulevard. The boulevard, located close to the seaport of Pagadian, is a favorite morning/afternoon spot of locals where they can do their regular exercise, relax and enjoy the view of the sea, or simply chill out and enjoy the evening breeze.  The Pagadian Boulevard is being developed as a leisure park for both locals and tourists. The boulevard still needs a little improvement on the business side to make it a watering hole for locals and guests. It is a great place where locals and tourists can converge to enjoy a quick morning run, a lazy afternoon sharing stories, or an evening cap off over a few bottles of beer. POST TRAVEL NOTES Every year I have always strived to explore a new destination during my birthday month. Pagadian was one destination that's been on my list for the past two years and I am happy that the city was my trip opener for my 2019 birthday trip dubbed as #ByahengPaDODO, short for Byaheng Pagadian-Dipolog-Ozamiz-Dapitan-Oroquieta.  Getting ready for my next adventure. Are you ready? Pagadian's beauty is raw and unadulterated. Most of its destinations still shy away from the eyes of the usual travelers. As I was doing my research and even during the actual trip, I always had to ask "San sa Pagadian?" to make sure that I don't get lost trying to find the spot that I am looking for. Pagadian still has a long way to go on its tourism front. There are still a lot to be explored and discovered - the small hills that rise from its flatlands, a waterfall hiding behind the trees, or the sandbar that requires an appointment to fully enjoy its beauty. What is good about having to explore these now is that you get to see and enjoy its raw beauty ahead of everybody else. Getting There: Philippine Airline and Cebu Pacific Air offer regular flights to Pagadian City. I highly recommend Chandler Suites for overnight hotel accomodations. Travel Notes: Here is the sample itinerary of a day trip in Pagadian City. #ByahengPaDODO Day 1 (Pagadian City) 8.00am – Arrival at Pagadian via Cebu Pacific / Drop off bags at hotel. 9.00am – ETD to Pulacan Falls 9.30am – Pulacan Falls 11.00am – Brunch or Early Lunch (Suggested: Brew and Bake) 12.00nn – City Walking Tour (Santo Nino Cathedral Parish Church/Pagadian City Hall/ Plaza Luz / Zamboanga del Sur Capitol Building / Rotonda Park) 3.00pm – Isla Puting Balas / Dao-Dao Island 5.30pm – Walk around Pagadian Boulevard (You can also opt to do this in the morning to catch the sunrise) 7.00pm – Dinner then back at the hotel
The iconic boardwalk of the island loomed ahead of us as we disembarked at the resort's pier. The view of the white sand beach and its turquoise waters was a perfect summer scene. The island's landscape dramatically changed years after it was devasted by a super typhoon that left its residents migrating back to the mainland.  The iconic boardwalk of Lakawon Island is the first to greet you when you arrive in the island. Lakawon Island is a small island resort off the northern coast of Cadiz City in Negros Occidental. The island was once a sleepy fishing village with a beautiful white sand coast where locals would head off to rough it out and chill. But super typhoon Yolanda changed the island's landscape permanently from a local hotspot to one of the most promising beach destinations in this side of the country. Lakawon comes from the Cebuano word "lakaw" which means "to walk" and walking is the operative word on this banana-shaped island. There are no other means of going around but with your feet as you enjoy the beauty of the island. Let me walk you through the things that we enjoyed when we spent the night at Lakawon Island. BoardWALK Lakawon Island's boardwalk is the most iconic spot in the island. It gives you a panoramic view of the island on one end and a dramatic view of the sea and Negros island from the other. It is a photogenic spot so it is not surprising that a lot of guests take a lot of time to get that perfect shot.  Lakawon's boardwalk is probably the most photographed spot on the island. The boardwalk is the most photographed spot above and below its platform. The visual appeal of an endless walkway makes a dramatic backdrop for photos. They even installed a swing to make the views more dramatic. Capturing a flawless picture can be a challenge though as you expect guests to flick and take their time on the boardwalk. Go for a leisure WALK to Westpoint After taking a photo fill of Lakawon's Boardwalk, take a 15-minute walk to Westpoint. The walk, through the paved pathways of the resort, will give you a glimpse of the island's developments. Westpoint is the island's activity center where you can try your hand on windsurfing.
Westpoint's main attraction is its sandbar. Low tide reveals its white sand coast that stretches out to its turquoise waters. We had a great time walking its shoreline, getting our pictures, and enjoying a panoramic view of Panay Island. A small hut was our refuge from the sun. WALK around Tawhai Floating Bar You can enjoy the Lakawon's chill vibe aboard the Tawhai Floating Bar. Considered to be the largest floating bar in Asia, it is a great place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beach vibe while having a cold drink and an afternoon snack. The deck was designed with foam mattresses and large pillows where guests can lounge around. And if you feel like taking a break from doing nothing, you can jump off the bar into the cool blue waters of the Visayan Sea.  Enjoying the view of Lakawon from the Tawhai Floating Bar. We stayed on the lounge area by edge of the bar where we had a full view of Lakawon Island. The cool sea breeze and the afternoon sun were the perfect combination for a laidback afternoon chill. We enjoyed sitting by the edge of the bar and watching a school of small fish doing their run. The whole experience was both fun and relaxing. WALK and Wade Of course, walking along the white sand shores of Lakawon is a must. Beach bumming is a perfect activity to do when you find yourself in Lakawon Island. Both Asher and I did not mind getting a tan and enjoying a dip in its cool waters. We had a grand time diving and searching for starfish and trying to swim with the small fish.  A Lakawon visit is not complete if you don't get to enjoy its cool waters. If you are staying overnight, take the time to slowdown and just watch the beauty of the sunset. Get mesmerized by the beauty of the skies as it changes color hues. Work your way to beach and capture your silhouette shot with the dramatic sunset skies of the island. I have to say that Lakawon has one of the most visually amazing sunsets that I have seen.
You can also wake up early to catch the sun rising on the other side of the island. Take the time to walk and explore the more rustic side of Lakawon and you'd be amazed with the different facet and charm of the island. SleepWALK Staying overnight at Lakawon Island is not a problem. They have bamboo hut accommodation to airconditioned rooms. We opted to go rustic with the bamboo hut accommodation and Lakawon did not disappoint. The hut was well maintained and the comfort rooms were beyond expectations.  We had a good night's rest in one of the Bamboo cottages of the island. It is safe to go around Lakawon Island even at night. You can walk along the shore and find your spot to gaze at the stars. The island is a perfect spot for stargazing.
And after a day of fun and frolicking under the sun, you can then catch a comfortable night's rest in the tranquil and peaceful vibe of Lakawon Island. POST TRAVEL NOTES The operative word in Lakawon Island is "walk". You explore and discover its beauty by walking around the 13-hectare sandbar. You let your feet enjoy the feel of its white sand shoreline and you let it cool down by wading into its cool waters. It is a place where you either let your feet dangle by the edge to enjoy the beauty of the sea or you raise it to relax and chill while having a cold drink on hand. Lakawon Island is a destination that frees your mind and body from your usual daily grind.  Fooling around with photos! The "pagod" shot. Rising from the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda, Lakawon Island is another example of how Filipinos stand up after a calamity. The fishing village has now turned into a promising and exciting tourist destination that, not only showcases its natural and man-made attractions, but has also provided locals with economic opportunities. I hope that its ongoing development will spawn a better economy in the area and that it will continue to provide opportunities to its locals every step of the way. Tara... lakaw 'ta! Getting There: Bacolod City is the closest gateway to Lakawon Island. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have regular flights to Bacolod-Silay Airport. You can then take a van to Bacolod City and asked to be dropped off at the Bacolod North Bus Terminal where you take a bus bound for Cadiz City and ask the driver to drop you off at the Burgos Public Market. Travel time is approximately 1 hour. You can then take a tricycle at the Burgos Public Market for Lakawon Island. It will take another 45 minutes to the Cadiz Viejo, the jump-off point to Lakawon Island. Travel Notes: Lakawon Island charges an entrance fee of Php350 per head that covers the entrance fee and the boat trips to and from the island. The resort operates through a cash card system and you can reload the card provided at the resort’s office on the island. Tawhai Floating Bar charges an entrance fee of Php285. You can check out the Facebook page of Lakawon Island for their accommodation rates and other details.
Trips are never complete without having a fill of the flavors of your destination. The sights and the sounds of the place are best complemented by the yummy treats that give you that comforting full tummy. Always remember... mahirap mamasyal ng gutom.  Foodspotting in this region is an adventure in itself. Talagang nakaka-buSOX! Mindanao is not only a destination worth exploring for its beauty and culture. It is a food haven that gives you a taste of its local cuisines and popular dishes, made even better with their own twist. Our travel did not only amaze us with natural and man-made beauty but it also had our palates enjoying a rice meal that has become a personal favorite, a salad with a mango twist, fresh seafood, and an amazing steak treat. Pastil If Cebu has its popular "puso", Mindanao gets its fill on the "pastil" - a complete meal of rice and adobo chicken flakes wrapped in banana leaves. This "rice meal" is a staple in Mindanao and it goes well with inasal or grilled chicken or boiled egg. You can also add soy sauce for that extra flavor.  Pastil is a local dish that has become a personal favorite. I had my first taste of Pastil last year when I took a trip to Mati in Davao and it quickly became a personal favorite. I loved how the salty flavor overwhelms the palate that would make you want more. So when I saw it in one of the stalls of Cotabato City's barbecue stands, I had to satisfy my taste buds. Cotabato City: Reese Resto Tucked along Cotabato City's Quezon Avenue, Reese is an unassuming restaurant that will definitely make you say "wala bang hindi masarap dito?"
Reese is a highly recommended restaurant in Cotabato City and, after a great meal, we totally agree! The Mango Shrimp Salad is a must try. The unique flavor of sweet mango puree and toasted sesame seeds on shrimp and lettuce had me at first bite. I enjoyed our shared meal of baked mussel and baby back ribs. We capped off the meal with a great dessert of ice cream cake. Again, everything here is worth trying.  Their Mango Shrimp Salad is one of the best that I have tasted. I am still working on replicating the recipe. Reese Restaurant really stood out for me during our visit in Cotabato City. It is important to note that the restaurant closes early like most establishments in the city. But it is a great way to cap off a visit in the city of Cotabato. Lake Sebu: Tabaculde Restaurant Locals of Lake Sebu claims that the lake produces the tastiest Tilapia in the region so do not be surprised to see a bustling tilapia aquaculture industry in almost every corner of this town. It is a common sight to see small fishponds of live tilapia in most of its restaurants. We asked our guide, Kuya Ronald, to bring us to where we can try the best tasting tilapia cusine in Lake Sebu. And so he brought us at the Tabaculde Restaurant.  A lakeside view of Lake S'bu.
Void of the usual flair, this makeshift restaurant along the highway claims to have the best crispy tilapia in town. So we ordered their specialty of crispy tilapia and matched it with Tilapia in curry sauce and they did deliver. I guess, a great meal of freshly caught tilapia is the best way to cap our Lake Sebu adventure. General Santos City At this point, let me give General Santos City a thumbs up for being a runaway winner for our foodspotting. This city may not have the usual collection of tourist attractions but it is a goldmine for foodie explorers! The city has a very wide selection of restaurants to choose from at whatever time of the day. You will never go hungry in this city.  General Santos is a food haven. Tiongson Arcade is said to be a great food stop in the city. Fisherman's Wharf Resort After an early morning immersion at the GenSan Fish Port, you can enjoy a quiet brunch of fresh seafood at the Fisherman's Wharf Resort. Located on the southern end of the GenSan Fish Port compound, the resort is an oasis after all the rush at the port. You can enjoy a quiet meal of grilled fresh tuna panga matched with mixed seafood in curry.
You can enjoy a laidback late morning rest and enjoy the cool breeze from Saranggani Bay. If you are feeling the rush, you can hop on and enjoy the inflatable island a few meters from its shore. The resort gives you that calm beach vibe complete with nipa huts and sandy shores. Southern Brew Coffee and art speak of class and that is exactly what Southern Brew is all about. Located along Osmena Avenue, this cute and cozy cafe is a great place to chill and relax after a full day of exploring the city of GenSan. They have local coffee flavors that you get to enjoy while you browse through your photos of the day's action.  Southern Brew is a perfect coffee spot in the city.
What made me fall in love with the place was it also serves as a venue for local artistry with artworks displayed prominently inside the cafe. You get to enjoy a cup of coffee, chill out, and get creativity flowing with the artworks around you. Now, that is perfect! Best part of the whole experience is that you get to support local enterprises. Roland's Steakhouse This unassuming restaurant along Catolico, Sr. Avenue prides itself as a GenSan brand for its steak experience. With a culinary heritage that dates back to the 1960's, Roland became a household name in the city for its burgers and steaks. The heirloom steak recipe easily becane a favorite among locals that it was dubbed as the "Home of the Best Steak in GenSan".  Roland's Steak is now a personal favorite. Yummy! You can still feel the vibe of Roland's humble beginnings when you eat at the restaurant. Its facade, void of the usual fancy, opens up to a simple restaurant with its interior designed to showcase the history. But its best piece to showcase is its steak! It is one of the best that I have tasted. It was oozing with the perfect flavor and tenderness. A definite must-try when you are in GenSan. Fire and Flavor Pizza Another unassuming foodspot in GenSan is the Fire and Flavor Pizza, popular for their flaming pizza... literally a pizza on flame. This watering hole is popular for its pizza and pasta. And yes, the pizza and pasta did not disappoint. For an extra hype, you can request to have your pizza on flame for an extra minimal charge.  Fire and Flavor is popular for its flaming pizza. It is literally on fire. Again, the pizza parlor is an unassuming restaurant with a facade that is void of any fancy that you would think that it is the usual run of the mill restaurant. But you will get to be amazed by its instagrammable interior and amazing food selection. POST TRAVEL NOTES From Cotabato to GenSan, we explored and discovered amazing destinations and enjoyed getting our fill of their own brand of food spots. I enjoyed a satisfying pastil breakfast with locals, admiring art works over coffee, or a heirloom recipe of my favorite meat dish. The region is bursting with a wide selection of food spots for every kind of palate.  Up next is another amazing summer beach adventure! Food and adventure are travel companions. Remember that after an exciting and exhausting exploration is a tummy that needs to be filled. It is also safe to say that tourist attractions share a part of the story of a particular destination. Food completes the experience whether it be a story behind a dish or the stories shared with locals over a meal. Getting There: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air have regular daily flights to General Santos City. You can take a jeep or a cab to SM City General Santos where you can take a van to Glan in Saranggani. Tricycle is the way to go around Glan. Sample Travel Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Cotabato City / Cotabato City Tour (Click here for details of the trip) > The Grand Mosque (Habal-Habal Contact: Mohammad Edsa - 0935 9063067) > People’s Palace > Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral > PC Hill and Tantawan Park > Old Cotabato City Hall > Cotabato City Plaza Day 2: Asik-Asik Falls, Alamada, Cotabato (Click here for details of the trip. Contact person for habal-habal arrangements from Midsayap: Jun Camap – 0919 4558958) Day 3: Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat Road Trip in the morning enroute to Lake Sebu. > White Mosque (Datu Odin Sinsuat) > Margues Blue Lagoon (Datu Odin Sinsuat) > Pink Mosque (Datu Saudi Amapatuan) > Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol (Isulan) Lake Sebu Walking Tour (PM) > Lake S’bu > T’Boli Museum > Lake Sebu Town Center Day 4: Lake Sebu Tour (Click here for details of the trip. Contact person for Lake Sebu Tour: Ronald Maguan – 0997 2482160). Travel to Glan in the afternoon. Day 5: Glan Tour (Click here for details of the trip.) > Lago Beach > Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church > Glan Municipal Hall > Taban Beach > Gumasa Beach Travel to General Santos City in the afternoon Day 6: General Santos City Tour (Click here for details of the trip.) > General Santos Fish Port > Queen Tuna Park > Pioneer Street > Plaza Heneral Santos > Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage > Tiongson Arcade Day 7: Early morning departure to Manila
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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