A Hitch-hiker's Guide to Dapitan

CEBU, Philippines – After a scorching jaunt in the island paradise of Boracay, I zoomed to yet another tourist destination that has stirred the interest of jetsetters. This time, I visited a historical landmark in Mindanao known for its charming lures and laidback lifestyle.

After a 60-minute early morning flight from Mactan Cebu International Airport to Dipolog City, and a 20-minute land trip to the nearby city, I set foot on our national hero’s exile home, Dapitan City. Yes, this is Dr. Jose Rizal’s home for four years when he was held captive by the Spaniards from July 1892 to July 1896 (Source: wikipilipinas.com. Heads up: Refer to history books for enlightenment and further information.)

But Dapitan isn’t just all about Dr. Jose Rizal. It’s a pocket-full of interesting sights and sceneries, as well. When considering Dapitan as your destination of choice on your next junket, here’s every hitch-hiker’s guide to survive in the Shrine City of the Philippines.

1. A stroll at the Sunset Boulevard in Dawo. A long stretch of fine black sand and the sea breeze are all you need to jumpstart your Dapitan excursion. Breathe the fresh air, lounge by the seaside and the best thing to do there is to view the dramatic sunset where the view is synonymous to that of Boracay and Manila Bay. After the sun sets, barbeque stalls start grilling.

2. Gloria de Dapitan is a Spanish term that means the glory that was Dapitan. It is the city’s only commercial complex that occupies three hectares of land in the Sunset Boulevard. This mall park clusters business establishments such as a bowlingplex, fitness gym, boutiques, gaming arcade, wellness centers, dining options, entertainment hubs, internet cafés, among many others. Located at the heart of Gloria de Dapitan is Gallera de Dapitan that can accommodate sporting events and entertainment shindigs. Dapitan’s party scene is perked up with the Gloria de Dapitan’s nightlife that includes bars and disco pubs within the area. One of the more popular ones are BJ’s Loft, owned by ZaNorte’s 1st district PB member Bullet Jalosjos, which plays house and lounge music, complemented with up-to-date lighting technology. You better bring your dancing shoes with you when you visit BJ’s Loft. Gloria de Dapitan also houses it’s newest facility, VisMin’s first amusement park – the Gloria Fantasyland.

3. Bring out the child in you at Gloria Fantasyland. It is the first and only amusement park in VisMin with a seven-hectare land area. There are 31 rides for kids and adults to enjoy, wherein 20 of which are categorized as major rides that include the Rollercoaster, the Galleon Ship, carousels, bumper cars, Flying Ball, Swinger, River Wild, etc., and 11 small ones composed of kiddie coin rides. What makes Gloria Fantasyland unique from the rest is its three interactive rides composed of the Fight Shark, Happy Journey and World of War – these are trigger and response rides equipped with laser and water guns that can only be found in this amusement park. Race car enthusiasts will have their taste of life in the fast lane with Fantasyland’s Go Kart for P75. The Horror House, designed by an Eat Bulaga artist, is another highlight that takes a new approach in horror house technology with wax statues positioned everywhere plus spooky pieces to scare you away!

Food kiosks are also all over the park. Fantasyland also has mascots, elves, fairies, fairy tale characters and stage performers trained by two professors from the Trumpets. The Fantasyland Entertainment Team holds daily grand parade that starts at 8:30pm at the Centerstage. It recently opened last May 30 with the whole Eat Bulaga gang gracing the event by having their special TV show there. Tickets are pegged at P100 for seven rides, P200 for a ride all you can treat (for one round only) and P300 to enjoy 31 rides till you drop! Gloria Fantasyland is open from 5PM to 12AM daily.

4. Want some beach action? Try Aliguay, Dapitan’s version of Boracay. The island is an hour and a half boat ride from the Dakak wharf. It is a 60-hectare island with a few settlers. Aliguay’s lure relies on its white sand beach and pristine waters perfect for snorkelling. There’s no drinking water and electricity in the island, however, if you want a silent sanctuary away from the city, then Aliguay is the place to be. According to the local government, they have no plans in putting up resorts in the area, only residential structures to maintain its charm.

5. Dakak Park Beach Resort is the only popular place in Dapitan because of its massive promotional advertisements, more so that it is the only white sand beach resort 15 minutes away from the city proper. What I love most about Dakak is its exclusivity factor, tucked amidst a natural splendor where rich fauna and flora abound. Imagine waking up in a tropical-themed villa surrounded by towering trees and feeling fresh with the cold morning air wrapping around you while taking a leisure walk around the property – what a relief from all the stress! Nature’s best is indeed highlighted in this resort – a great come on for environmentally proactive you.

6. You get to tour around the city in less than a day. Not to miss out is the Rizal Shrine, the major historical landmark. This was our national hero’s exile village. The structures there like Rizal’s Casa Redonda (octagonal clinic), Casa Cuadrada (Rizal’s pupils dormitory), Rizal’s house, opto clinics and kitchen where just replicas though but the original pieces preserved such as Rizal’s desk and blackboard are displayed in the Rizaliana Museum, just at the right side of the foyer. A huge rock facing the sea, a few meters away from the guest house, is an intriguing historical piece since according to our tour guide, it became witness to Rizal and Josephine Bracken’s romance. It became the lovebirds’ dating area. The women Rizalians are in-charge of the maintenance of the Shrine; they are seen in all-white dress greeting guests upon entering Rizal’s house. The Baluno tree that stood in front of Rizal’s abode is recorded to be the oldest tree that grew within the shrine. Research says that it was already there even before Rizal reached Dapitan.

7. A quick stop to St. James the Greater Parish in Fr. Sanchez St. built by the Jesuits in 1871. A marker located at the rear left portion of the structure indicates where Rizal usually stood to hear Mass. Just across the church is the Relief Map of Mindanao built by Rizal using rattan strips and seashells for outline, using Mourillo Velarde’s map of Mindanao as guide. This landmark is part of the one-hectare City Plaza of which Rizal designed after the plazas he saw in Europe. He planted acacia trees, gumamela and santan flowers for beautification, however, only the acacia trees are seen towering therein. The plaza is surrounded by significant landmarks such age-old houses, the Casa Real marker (that serves as the administration building from way back), a parochial school and a mission house.

8. Food trip! After the city tour, take a break and enjoy Dapitan’s dining options. Kamayan ni Manay located at the Sunset Boulevard is famous for its seafood menu. This is where the president, on her recent visit to the city, had lunch with her entourage. Señor Santiago Steak House serves delectable Australian cuisine specializing in TBone Steak, barbecue and fusion choices such as Fish ‘n Chips, Chicken Parmigiana and Aussie Oi Burger. Owned by Rommel Jalosjos, Señor Santiago is located in Gloria de Dapitan. Another food haven is the newly developed Dapitan City Aquamarine Park (in Banonong-Polo boundary) where talakitok, tilapia , bangus, alimango and lapulapu are bred in its one-hectare pond. Cottages are built within the area to accommodate diners. They serve Filipino dishes and are open from 8AM to 9PM. Bistro Paborito, located in Sunset Boulevard, serves budget meals at P69 only.

9. Be sure to catch the city’s festivals such as the Kinabayo Festival that falls every July, a manifestation of religious opulence in honor of St. James the Great. In paying homage to Dr. Jose Rizal, Handuraw Festival is held every December (27-30). This year, Dapitan City played host in the Hudyaka Festivities, a provincial festival of Zamboanga del Norte every last week of May up to the first week of June

10. Souvenir hunting. Bottled spanish sardines are a must to take home, alongside batik shirts and ZaNorte banana chips. (Other photos: http://buklodsadapitan.com/gallery/ )