My Happy Places at home – Dumaguete, my second home

As I start my travel series, I’d like to begin with my happy places in my home country, the Philippines. Home to over 7,600 islands, there is so much to discover.

The charm of this City of Gentle people is felt as soon as you step into the city. You’re welcomed by century-old acacia trees surrounding the Silliman University campus, the university beside the sea, touted as one of the 50 most beautiful Christian College and University campuses in the world and the only one from the Philippines and only 2 in Asia that entered the list  (http://www.christianuniversitiesonline.org). I call it my second home because it was from this esteemed university that I finished my Psychology degree and it is in this beautiful campus that I spent my wonderful four years as a dormitory resident for 2 years and in a boarding house (in the next 2) which is also considered part of the campus because of its proximity to it.

Whenever I visit the city (which I do a couple of times a year both for work purposes and for personal reasons; my sister and her family live here), I always ask the driver to pass through the highway by the seaside. It just gives me such a warm feeling. In most of my visits, I always choose to stay in hotels by the boulevard which is also lined-up by century-old acacia trees. An early morning run that starts and ends at the boulevard is my regular routine and I would always cap my run with the best hydration treat – fresh buko (young coconut) juice from a regular peddler who goes to the same spot at the boulevard. Rizal Boulevard is one of the busiest in the country both in the morning with joggers, walkers, Zumba work-out all happening at the same time and in late afternoons when the boulevard converts into a street food park selling squid balls, balut, tocino and tempura (that’s why it’s called “tempurahan”).

There is so much this beautiful city can offer with so many options of good food that are at student price. My friends who visit with me from Manila are always amazed whenever they see the bill after a hearty meal. My favourites are Bistro Sansrival, Kri, Esturya, Tinto’s, Lantaw and Mamia. Their food are so good at very fair prices. Get a glass of wine to complete your fine dining experience! But for sure, it’s the company of friends and the stories of everyday life plus the endless laughter that make every meal a beautiful moment to cherish.

What is most exciting with Dumaguete is the fact that you do not need to travel long to see more beautiful places. Just 30 minutes away is Twin Lakes Balinsasayao Natural Park – a picture of serenity with exotic plant-life surrounding it. Driving to this natural park always leaves me awed with breathtaking views of the ocean, the mountains and plant-life that Mother Nature endowed it with.  I am so fortunate that I can visit this place anytime as my best friend built their retirement home in the area. Their home will be a subject of another story but it is one place that truly inspires me. Whenever I feel I need to get-away from the stresses of daily life, I could retreat to her beautiful place and be renewed! The unencumbered view of Tañon Strait and watching the sunrise and sunsets are simply magical they take my tensions away!

Just another hour drive is the Manjuyod Sandbar which is referred to as the Maldives of the Philippines. The short boat ride to the sandbar in the middle of the sea is a treat in itself as the boatman brings you to where the dolphins are. The times we went there, throngs of them showed up to the thrill of my teenage daughter and her cousins! We brought marinated fish and chicken which our boatmen cooked for us while docked at the sandbar. Locals also offer various seafoods like prawns, squid and sea urchins to add to our lunch table. Just writing about this experience makes me want to go back again…soon!

On the other side of Dumaguete are various tourist spots as well. Just less than an hour away is Valencia with equally beautiful sceneries. Pulangbato (red stone) Falls is known for its healing  waters due to sulfur deposits. Casaroro Waterfalls is another place for the adventurous. There are many resorts in the area and for those who want to commune with nature, Forest Camp will surely be a delight. Its cool pools with water flowing from the mountains (there’s even a river with a hanging bridge) and lush greenery make it perfect as a get-away place. There are other activities for those who want some adrenaline rush or get a massage in one of their well-appointed massage rooms.

Oh I can go on and on with so much more this happy place offers and since I cannot get enough of it, I have started to make plans to build my retirement home there too. And you guessed it right…not too far from my best friend’s place so we can exchange food creations and I can teach her simple yoga routines while I devour her most-sought after Negrense fare. 

Make sure you bring home some sansrival and budbud kabog this city is famous for.