TALES FROM THE TRAVELER
Contents
1 TALES FROM THE TRAVELER
2 ISLAND TO ISLAND HOPPING DIARY
3 HERITAGE TRAIL
4 NATURE ADVENTURE
5 FOOD TRIP
6 BOARD AND LODGING
7 GETTING AROUND
misamisGetting to this place is not without challenge, especially since it is located down south and for city dwellers like me, the idea of exploring , destination that seem too foreign yet too interesting to pass up can be daunting. nevertheless, the opportunity to disco he mysterious yet alluring character Misamis Occidental came when a friend of mine invited me to join he revisiting her hometown. Fortunate ~ . had time in my hands to wander and experience another part of our country I said yes. The clincher, my friend said, that since I am open to the idea of a true adventure, we will try getting to Misamis Occidental via the RORO.She warned me though that the travel time will be long but i told her that in the spirit of a true adventure, I do not really mind. This is a new experience for me and it would be an interesting way to travel. With my confirmation, my friend and i worked out the details of our southern trip. On the morning of our trip, I had everything packed, one big blue bag plus backpack. I have always been a light packer. And so I geared up for the long journey ahead of us. Going south to Misamis Occidental, we passed by some of the major islands in the country. The route that we have also chosen entail long hours of land and sea travel, mingling with fellow travelers along the way and discovering what soduku, crossword puzzles, card games, and a long list of songs in your ipod can do to shorten distances and while away hours of travel.
ISLAND TO ISLAND HOPPING DIARY
Manila to Batangas Port Land Travel via Bus (2 Hours)
Batangas Port to Calapan, Oriental Mindoro Travel via RORO vessel (3 Hours)
Calapan to Roxas City, Oriental Mindoro Land Travel Via Bus (3 Hours)
Roxas City to Aklan Travel via RORO (4 Hours)
Aklan to Iloilo City Land travel via Bus (6 Hours)
Iloilo City to Dumagas Port Land Travel via Van (30 Minutes)
Dumagas Port to Bacolod Travel via RORO (1.5 Hours)
Bacolod to Dumaguete Land Travel via bus (6 Hours)Dumaguete to Dipolog Travel via RORO (4Hours)
Dipolog to Misamis Occidental Land Travel via bus (3.5 hours)
HERITAGE TRAIL
The mountainous lands and plains in the nearby shores are thus well used its inhabitants by cultivating crops like coconut, rice, corn, banana, abaca, coffee, cocoa and rubber.
The continuous progress of Misamis Occidental has paved the way to the recognition of its bountiful untouched land overflowing clean water that has now become very inviting to both local residents and tourists. So, if you are into total adventure and complete nature tripping, this place should be one of you top choices.
Misamis Occidental's original name cannot be fully ascertained but there were various theories that had been proposed. One of these is that Misamis was probably rooted from Subano word Kuyamis which is a local type of coconut. But after the invasion of Spaniards, the name has been changed to Misamis.
The province formerly belongs to Cebu. during the early nineteenth century however, it was turned into a corregimiento, composed of four divisions namely, Partido De Misamis, Partido De Dapitan, Partido De Cagayan, and partido De Catarman.
Later on, by legislative act and some amendment of laws, the main province of Misamis was divided into Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental.
Of course, the main place where I was able to find all the available diverse produce of the province is in the city of greens - Oroquieta. I was not surprised to see its busy streets as this is the center of trade in the area. Like most towns in the philippines Oroquieta also has many root names.
Layawan is considered as its most ancient dating back to 1861. Upon separation of Misamis into two main provinces (Orriental and Occidental) It was replaced by Oroquieta. It is said that it was perhaps named by a Spanish priest copying a similar town in Spain. My next stop was Ozamis City.
The place is also buzzing since the area has also now been turned into a center for commerce and trade. The city's name is derived from Jose F. Ozamis, who was once their governor and also senator.
NATURE ADVENTURE
I am a great fan of sea creatures, thus, I was Excited ti see one of the most famous tourist spots today in Misamis Occidental the dolphin Island or the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park. this is an artificial area where you could adore the beautiful varieties of Dolphins showcasing their colorful, flamboyant charm. and you would not only enjoy this as spectators you can also swim with the dolphins.
Aside from this attractions, the park also has mangrove site, zoo, park and a restaurant that can be reached through narrow bamboo planks. The depth variations of the sea along this area makes it another wondrous site for kayaking, snorkeling all at very low prices. And perhaps skin deep in the marvelous array of coral reefs. One can hike, spelunker and just relax along its peaceful marine beauty.
This is really the place for me to have a total nature tripping experience. I continued my adventure going towards tangub City. It is about a 45 minute drive from oriquieta. this place is also known for its exquisite Christmas lights decorations every Yuletide season.
I was dazzled by the display of unique artistry and craftsmanship of the people, who also sell these lanterns for quite a reasonable price.
Tangub has also been called The Christmas Capital of Mindanao. Due to its rich waters it has also become popular when it comes to fresh fish produce all year round. And finally another noteworthy recognition of Tangub City is its award winning dance troupe called sinanduloy which has continuously showcased colorful festivals like sinulog in Cebu.
The Spanish influenced city of Ozamis would greet you with smiles before you end the trip like I did. Religion played a solid role in the panoramic picture of its villages.
I find it to be not only a place to look back on history but at the same time perfect for rekindling faith and peace. The festival here called Subayan Keg Subanon is the feast tribute to the patron Our Lady of Triumph. Another celebration that the locals partake in is the one that honors their other patron the Sto. Nino. The Spanish influence is evident in the area with the number of mestiza natives in the area.
There is a fort found here called Cotta built in 1756 and a chapel by the bay with a carved virgin Mary which interestingly is said to be miraculous. I had a wonderful time hiking towards Buagan Hill where four astounding bells and a breathtaking view of the city could be marveled at. for golf enthusiast, Ozamis has Malindang Golf and Country Club located in Bagakay.
Before finishing my journey, I made a stop to the many stores around where I shopped for other pasalubongs.
FOOD TRIP
As I woke up, my first instinct was to go to the finest places where I could have a taste of delightful Misamis cuisine. I found the North Pole Eatery in Ozamis which serves pocket friendly meals about Php 100 or less depending on your choice.
You could also try the native eateries like Centrum Osamiz Fastfood, Supermix Lutong Filipino, chicken Ati-atihan, Dwinos Grill along Port road, or just the Geege's Mall Food Court and Gaisano Foodcourt.
I also tasted Cebuano's famous kilawin made of cooked pig innards and also not to miss lechon which is the traditional Filipino roasted pig.
There is a great abundance of seafoods which I love so much. You could have a variety of coices from fresh lobsters to huge prawns shrimps and the traditional milkfish.
And if youre into bar hopping try inner motion disco and restaurant, saydwok bar or go to a wifi area called steaks and drinks to enjoy chatting, eating, and drinking. and for refreshments, fresh fruits that you could order as shakes or juices are also in abundance.
BOARD AND LODGING
I found plenty of comfortable and affordable accommodations to choose right in the heart of oroquieta city. There is Sheena's Inn at corner Barrientos and Del Pilar streets which is accessible by bus or tricyles from the terminal. another is the Rhapsody Inn food in Layawan which also offers fine rooms at very economical prices.
Other options include Tatong Beach Resort and Century Pension House In Lower Langcangan. Lastly there is paradise garden at upper Loboc, and St. Gerard Lodging House along Poblacion which is about Php 100 to Php 150 only per person. But if you want to stay in the paradise place of dolphins you can just check in at the cottages at dormitories right inside the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park which is about 30 minutes away from Ozamis City Port.
Other excellent options in Ozamis City are the Royal Garden Hotel, Plaza beatriz, Palace Hotel, Asian Hotel, Executive hotel, and Minerva Hotel. For less expensive inns, there are Irene's Lodge, Queens Lodge, 67th Boulevard Pension House, Badong's pension House, Naomi's Botanical Garden and Inn and Dad's Pension House.
GETTING AROUND
It is comfortable to travel in Misamis Occidental because more than 90% of its main roads are already finished in asphalt or concrete. There are numerous bridges that connect towns which makes commuting easier. the main means of transportation is by land and public vehicles are rally plenty. From Iligan Bay, it is approximately a 20 minute ride via RORO to Ozamis City. Other than taking your own car with you via RORO or ferry, you can also ride jeepneys, tricycles or take the rural bus as you go to the different places and villages of Misamis. There are also fishing vessels and small ferries that could take you to outlying islands if you prefer to visit its beautiful beaches or dive into its majestic waters
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