The City of gentle people: Dumaguete

CEBU, Philippines - Here’s a city that peacefully rests along the breezy shore, each day celebrating a brilliant sunrise and a glorious sunset. Yet most of all, this is distinctly one city that strongly upholds the famed Filipino hospitality and warm gentleness. This is a place with a strong vibe of rural Philippines – but offers the basic amenities of a city.

Dumaguete City – the capital city of the province of Negros Oriental. For the longest time, it has been a university city, being the location of the distinguished Silliman University, the first American university in the Philippines and the rest of Asia, established in 1901. There is no doubt that Silliman University has been a driving force in the development of Dumaguete into a city. In fact, there is a standing joke that “Dumaguete City is in Silliman University!”

But Dumaguete has since carved an identity all its own.  Now, rightly, “Silliman University is in Dumaguete City.” While the University continues to draw visitors – whether to study or simply sight-see – people are now more aware that they have to go to Dumaguete first to reach Silliman.  The original structures of the University draw tourists to the city. And students from all over the country and across Asia prefer to study here.

A lot of other attractions, aside from Silliman, await visitors at Dumaguete City. Opportunities for various fun and exciting activities would keep tourists’ itineraries full. And good restaurants abound. There’s so much here to fill one’s time, body and soul. And everything is well within everyone’s budget.

Forbes Magazine has named Dumaguete City as one of the world’s best places to retire. The distinction, for sure, emanated from the rare mix of peaceful environment, available amenities and affordable cost of living. Of course, the pleasant demeanor of the local people must be a big factor, as well.

To have a significant first-hand experience of Dumaguete City, visitors shall also check out the following:

Rizal Boulevard. Otherwise known simply as the Boulevard, this stretch of road is right by the seafront.  It’s a favorite destination of strollers, both locals and tourists. Adding to the appeal of the refreshing sea breeze is the line of cafes and bistros along the Boulevard.

The Boulevard teems with people mornings and afternoons – joggers and exercise buffs at around sunrise and a good mix of everyone gathering at sunset. The splendid scenes on the Boulevard also inspire local artists, who are often seen doing their art works there.

Huge trees flank the Boulevard, adding to its cool feel and view. At and from the Boulevard, one can get an idea of the local lifestyle. Local people from different walks of life converge there, for different reasons. And from a bench by the seaside, people in the vicinity are visible as they go through their normal day-to-day affairs.

At night, as the lamp posts light up, the place is ideal for intimate conversations. Many night strollers then proceed to the popular destination nearby – the “balut” and tempura strip. The local Boulevard visitors usually end up there before heading back home.

St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral. The Cathedral is another favorite destination of visitors to the city. It is the oldest church in the whole Negros Island. Its construction dates back to around 1754-1776.

The belfry beside the main Cathedral is one of the island’s iconic attractions. Devotees come here in the afternoons to say their prayers and light candles. The belfry is said to have been built back around 1760.

Sans Rival Cake and Pastries. The dainty café has been in business since 1977. Once it opened, it quickly became a favorite food destination of both local residents and visitors to the city. Good word-of-mouth soon spread all over the country so that the café has since become an important attraction in the city. The bestsellers are its signature Silvanas, which is becoming a “pasalubong” item among visitors to the city, as well as its Black Forest and Brazo de Mercedes.

Dumaguete City has many other features for visitors to discover and enjoy. There are inexpensive hotels that offer comfortable and hospitable accommodation. The city is very accessible – via flights available from major cities like Manila and Cebu. There are also fastcrafts that regularly ply the Cebu-Dumaguete route.   (FREEMAN)