The warm hospitality soon began when amiable Bingo Zamora, the airways’ Cebu hub general manager, and Lingling Rodriguez, marketing and sales consultant, graciously met us at the Mactan International Airport, quickly arranged for our luggage check-in and escorted us to the lounge where we were to leisurely wait till departure. But my mind was somewhere else. My thoughts were on the aircraft for this was to be my first experience ever on a 19-seater plane. I had my apprehensions, to say the least. But from the moment we took off, effortlessly gliding through the clear skies, I began to relax and even managed to enjoy the view from the sky. It didn’t seem like 40 minutes had passed and there we were, once again safely on land. A pleasant flight indeed.
At Dipolog airport, Dakak Beach Resort’s guest relations officer Rodiolan Porlas and Cebu sales account executive Henry Lee Gadin met us and joined us for a quick look- see of the city.
As is customary, our first stop was at the Cathedral of the Holy Rosary, built by the Spanish friars more than two centuries ago before Dipolog became a municipality. We marveled at the original ceiling, with its intricate wood carvings, and the main altar, which we learned was designed by Dr. Jose Rizal.
Next stop was Goodtimes Café, owned by multi-talented artist Ed Tabancura. It was simply a sight to behold. Every nook and cranny had its own little story to tell. The walkways were accented with colorful tiles and broken glasses. Paintings, artifacts, photographs were everywhere. And at the center was a small area of worship where guests could take solace. Perhaps even meditate over local coffee and delicacies?
We arrived in Dakak, close to 9 in the evening, a bit weary and tired. But resident manager Rosini Montecalvo perked us all up with refreshing tropical drinks and a lively rondalla of hotel personnel music makers. Reluctantly, we said our goodnights, mindful that tomorrow would yet be another hectic day.
My on-the-beach room in a duplex type of bungalow one easily falls in love with was made entirely of bamboo, nipa and other indigenous materials. Fronting the Sulu Sea, it exuded a feeling of privacy and tranquillity that ensured a good night’s rest in comfort and style.
Day Two: Dapitan here we come, ready to invade the sanctuary of our national hero where he spent four years in exile from July 17, 1892 to July 31, 1896.
The 16-hectare enclave houses the Rizaliana, a historical landmark that stores Rizal’s books, periodicals and photo exhibits of his childhood, his journey to Spain and of the women who captured his heart.
We visited the four houses of our hero – the Casa Cuadrada where his family and relatives stayed while visiting; the Casa Redonda, originally a dwelling for pupils but later converted into a clinic where history has it that George Taufer, foster father of Josephine Bracken, underwent eye surgery; the Casa Redonda Pequeña that served as the chicken house; and the Casita de Salud, the tea house that was also later converted into a clinic.
We saw the original amphitheater and the aqueduct that Rizal built.
We possibly could not leave Dapitan without going to Mi Retiro (my retreat), where Rizal composed beautiful verses for his poems Mi Retiro and Himno a Talisay. This was the spot where Rizal and his ladylove Josephine spent wonderful moments together.
The afternoon was spent at sea, cove hopping, swimming along the way and finally watching the magnificent sunset as the sky turned crimson and gold, with hints of red and orange. Then the sun hid behind the clouds and quietly surrendered to the night.
It was all too soon to say our goodbyes but not without promising we would return someday soon to paradise, with its natural setting, beauty and serene surroundings.
And yes, no qualms about taking a small plane. Asian Spirit, though relatively new in the industry, has proven itself to be firm in its commitment to serve and service secondary and tertiary airports in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao with sincere efforts to do its utmost best at all times and to continuously develop pioneer routes and destinations both with tourism and commuter potentials.