• Marc7 Travels
  • Marc7 Travels Blog Entries
  • Viajerong Pinoy
  • Explore Manila!
  • Contact
  marc7 travels



#ByahengPaDODO: Tracing Rizal in Dipolog and Dapitan

8/4/2019

0 Comments

 
​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!
Picture
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.
Picture
A usual day in Dapitan.
Picture
Enjoying a usual day in Dapitan City.
​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.
A lazy afternoon in Dipolog City.
A peaceful morning in Dipolog City.
Enjoying an afternoon Dipolog sunset.
​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.
Picture
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.
Picture
The altar of the church was designed by Jose Rizal.
Picture
An old bell on display at the church front.
​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.
Picture
The Dipolog City Hall is under renovation.
Picture
The Founding Fathers of Dipolog Monument.
​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.
Picture
The Zamboanga del Norte Capitol is also under renovation.
Picture
The Capitol Building with its colonial design.
Picture
The Christmas design at the capitol grounds.
​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".
Picture
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.
Picture
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.
Picture
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.
The boulevard is a favorite afternoon spot of locals.
The boulevard comes alive in the evening.
The shores is also a favorite spot of skim boarders.
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.
A view of the Dapitan River.
Dapitan City has its own collection of heritage houses.
The shoreline of the Dapitan Boulevard.
​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".
Picture
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.
Picture
Rizal's monument is the centerpiece of the park.
Picture
The relief map of Mindanao that Jose Rizal help create.
The sprawling park of Liwasang Dapitan.
The kiosk is a favorite resting spot in the park.
The Acacia trees were planted by Dr. Jose Rizal.
​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.
Picture
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.
Picture
The spot inside the church where Dr. Jose Rizal stood to hear mass during his exile.
The historical marker of the church installed at the front of the church.
The creative interior of the church.
The historical marker installed at the spot where Dr. Jose Rizal stood inside the church.
​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.
Picture
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.
The Heritage House is one of the heritage structures in Dapitan City.
The Heritage House also serves as the tourism office of the city.
Enjoying a morning walk while appreciating the heritage houses in Dapitan.
​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.
Picture
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.
Picture
A closer look at the image of the Our Lady of Lourdes.
Picture
The stairs leading to Ilihan Hill.
​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.
Picture
A monument was installed at the place where Dr. Jose Rizal landed in Dapitan City
Picture
The shoreline at Rizal's landing spot.
Picture
The sign that highlights the significance of this landing spot.
​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.
Picture
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.
A view of Rizal's houses from the forest trail.
The map of Rizal's Shrine to guide guests around the complex.
Visitors sharing their experience as they explored the complex.
​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.
Picture
The Rizal Museum will give you a brief on Rizal while on exile.
Picture
The museum is the repository of Rizal's personal effects.
The museum outlines the life on exile of Rizal.
A depiction of Rizal operating on his mom.
Some of the personal effects of Dr. Jose Rizal.
​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.
Enjoying a relaxing walk along the forest canopy of the shrine.
The canopy walk gives you an overlooking view of the complex.
Trying to get creative while enjoying the forest trail.
​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.
Picture
The rock where Rizal wrote his longest poem while on exile.
Picture
Enjoying the view of the sea atop the rock.
​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.
The Bahay na Parisukat served as a dormitory for Rizal's students.
A few meters from the house is where Dr. Rizal and Dr. Valenzuela met to talk about the planned revolution.
The basement of the house served as the workshop area of Rizal's students.
​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.
Picture
The spot where Dr. Rizal boarded a ship back to Manila.
Picture
One of the poems of Rizal immortalized in the shrine.
​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.
The sign that gives a brief of the house.
A look at the interior of the Casitas de Salud.
​Rizal also constructed a dam within the compound to manage the water resource of the compound. The dam is still functional to this day.
Picture
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.
Picture
The Casa Residencia is the main house Dr. Jose Rizal.
Dr. Jose Rizal's main house.
A look at the interior of the house.
Enjoying the view from the house balcony.
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.
Picture
The kitchen of the main house.
Picture
The house where Dr. Rizal kept 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.
Picture
Dr. Jose Rizal's octagonal hut that served as his clinic.
Picture
The sprawling grounds of Rizal Shrine.
Picture
The sign that gives a brief of the use of the hut.
​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.
Picture
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.

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Home
    @viajerongpinoy
    #EXPLORemanila

    Marc del Rosario

    I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment.

    Picture

    Archives

    March 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    August 2014
    May 2014
    February 2014
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    March 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    April 2012
    January 2012
    October 2011
    March 2011
    January 2011
    July 2010
    January 2010
    August 2009

    RSS Feed