Days to linger. Months to ponder. Years to hanker. I’ve been away to my homeland since I began expanding my body of knowledge. I’ve gone longer miles just to venture a life of autonomy yet unattainable on my part given that I am still underemployment, incapable to sustain my basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. Before, I’ve been living in the city of gentle people for four and half years to complete my bachelor’s degree hoping that after, I may come home. But now, for the second time around, I am currently struggling the consequences of the choice I made to proceed a master’s degree in the queen city of the south ---- much more outlying to the city of my origin. I presumed that finding your own home is really finding one’s place somewhere you feel you belong and, where love and feeling good don’t cost a thing. I miss my home.
Dipolog City, known to be called The Orchid City, is a first class city and the capital of the province of Zamboanga del Norte on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. Geographically, the city is surrounded by rolling hills to the southeast and the Sulu Sea to the north. It is the twin city of Dapitan City, where our national hero, Jose Rizal was exiled.
Not only orchids are abundant in the city, the city is also identified as the Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines for its prominent Spanish Sardines delicacies flavored differently with a variety of brands such as Zaragoza, Mendoza, and Montaño.
With such delightful delicacies, Dipolog City has also awesome spots at hand. With its booming tourism, the city is very proud to offer numerous attractions where local and foreign tourists can find some very fascinating scenery as well as enjoyable and very exciting outdoor activities. The place offers various exciting tourist spots including beaches, parks, and hot springs among others.
The Dipolog Domestic Airport is the main airport serving the general area of Dipolog City and one of the busiest in Mindanao. It is classified as a secondary airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines -- a body of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) that is responsible for the operations of not only this airport but also of all other airports in the Philippines except the major international airports.
From the airport travelling to the city proper, you can actually passed by the Rotunda. This landmark is a glorious example of the fusion of modernism and conservatism. It mirrors the quality of life in the city in which there is acceptance of modernization while still keeping intact the traditional values and cultural heritage of its land and people. The cascading waters from the bowl symbolize the city’s abundant blessings while the fruits and flowers etched on the bowl symbolize the bountiful harvest that Dipolog is blessed with.
OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY CATHEDRAL
The church building is a fitting symbol for the church in Dipolog. Started to be built in 1893, it has undergone various renovations. Lately, the altar has been reconstructed. Marbles are used to modernized and make it firm. But it is re-designed according to its original form. Old but not worn-out. Traditional but not antiquated. Young and progressive. That’s the church in Dipolog as she continues to mature the vineyard of the Lord.
A boardwalk located in the downtown proper. It is a 1.4 kilometer esplanade which stretches from the heart of Dipolog to Barangay Galas. It has become a major tourist attraction, a perfect site for promenades, physical fitness buffs and recreational activities with clean environment and fresh air. It is provided with benches, restrooms, functional stage and kid’s playground perfect for family get together and picnics while enjoying the sight of sunset as well as sunrise.
Enjoy the warmth and luxury of Mibang Hotel situated 3-5 minutes away from the downtown area. This is the place where you can enjoy swimming, dinner buffet and relaxation at affordable rates while you're in Dipolog City.
Witness and experience mountaineering the 3,003 Steps going up to Linabo Peak, which has grown to be a very dazzling seller to the blooming shape of tourism in Dipolog City. Upon reaching the pinnacle of this superb tourist attraction, the place offers a fascinating view of the blue seas, abundant plains, and clear skies within the area. Every year, local penitents hold their “Katkat Sakripisyo” at this place, which is a perfect location for people to recollect and ponder. Indeed, a visit to Dipolog City is not complete without dropping by at this very interesting and attractive tourist destination.
Cogon Eco-Park is a first-rate tourist attraction that is very famous for featuring different kinds as well as diverse species of trees. Among the most popular are Narra, Acacia, and Mahogany. People can also find here other wonderful tree varieties like Rattan, Mayapis, and Molave. Nature lovers as well as tree enthusiasts are assured to appreciate the existence of other beautiful tree species such as Lumbayao, Duguan, and Tianong. They can also find Nato, Tianong, Narig, Lauan, Yemane, and Teak at Cogon Eco-Park. Other than trees, Cogon Eco-Park is also known to attribute exhilarating and exquisite breeds of animals. In here, they can find diverse species of wild animals, reptiles, as well as birds. Because of the peaceful ambiance that the place grants, a lot of people consider this place suiting for outdoor activities such as camping, trekking, as well as mountain climbing. With all these and more, it is not surprising to find out that this place is truly one of the major attractions in Dipolog City for local and foreign tourists alike.
Sungkilaw Falls is an amazing sight that many local and foreign tourists really adore to visit and discover. In this exceptional tourist attraction, people can keep in touch with the beauty of nature while enjoying the cool and refreshing waters falling from the mountain. This is a place where cool and exciting nature-loving experience can be cherished.
Sicayab Beach is one of the finest beach resorts in city of Dipolog because of the presence of unique white sand texture and of course, the enticing view of the sunset. Most Dipolognons as well as tourists usually do their skim boarding in Sicayab beach. It is also perfect for swimming destination as well as camping and picnics for family and friends’ gatherings.
Dakak beach is the most astonishing and first-class beach in the Philippines. Its white sands are different from the fine sands of Boracay. Dakak offers many different diving courses and more breathtaking marine life, and the best part is, it is not as crowded as Boracay. It is peaceful and quiet as well as clean. Dakak is a very stupendous beach because it brings out posh resorts and hotels in the area.
I know that Dipolog City is such a small city compared to some major cities like Cebu City, Manila, Davao City, and the like. However with its simplicity, our city has a lot to offer when it comes to natural resources. The people lived in a much uncomplicated and undemanding life which gives the residents less stressful life with fewer occurrences of major conditions. The city also proffers peaceful living with lower occurrence of crimes. Dipolog City is a must-to-see place. Discover it more and feel the ambiance of being a Dipolognon.
