A project of the Department of Tourism and the national Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP, formerly the National Historical Institute (NHI)) in celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of the country's national hero, Rizal @ 150 Heritage Trail Project (Lakbay Jose Rizal) requires "amazing race" participants to secure Lakbay Rizal passport, visit all 27 places Jose Rizal visited and have "visas" stamped on the Rizal@150 passport. The first 100 people to complete the list of 27 sites shall receive a token from the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Herewith is the list of places Jose Rizal visited required you too visit to complete the Lakbay Rizal heritage trail. Note that Tutubi has been to all Rizal Shrines except 4 on the list. If only there's crediting of previous visits to the various Jose Rizal Shrines, Tutubi would have almost completed the list by now :(

Please read the individual blog posts provided to see information about the Rizal site's historical significance, how to get there, and other information e.g. entrance fees and museum hours. (Note all of these sites are present on OpenStreetMap, where you can browse the map to get an idea on how to get there (or download it to your PC then install to your Garmin GPS Navigators)

Destinations and Stamp Sites

National Capital Region

1. Prison Cell and Rizal Shrine, Fort Santiago, Manila

on the floor of Rizal Shrine narrates the last day of the hero, Tutubi's freedom loving French friends "fell in love" with Rizal when he took them there after a brief tour of Luneta and the National Museum

GPS Coordinates: N14 35 40.3 E120 58 11.0
How to Get to Fort Santiago

2. Chapel Cell of Rizal, Fort Santiago, Manila

just outside Rizal Shrine but without a roof

How to Get to Fort Santiago

3. Site of the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, Anda cor. Sta. Lucia St., Intramuros, Manila

Intramuros which included the previous location of Ateneo Municipal de Manila (now the Clamshell building) where Rizal started formal schooling

GPS Coordinates: N14 35 22.0 E120 58 23.7

WARNING: If you have an SLR/DSLR, be prepared to be harassed by the "Guardia Civil" of the Intramuros Administration (IA) who still have the medieval thinking that SLR cameras are for professional photographers only thus require you apply for a "permit to shoot" for a fee. A tourist spot promoted by the DOT and yet you can't take a souvenir picture with an SLR to share with friends for the world to "like." The rule is applied inconsitently where Tutubi was harrased by security guards for taking pictures of Manila Catheral and yet left a foreign tourist alone taking photos of the same Intramuros landmark. Such is the shame here, Jose Rizal would have cried out loud for such archaic and discriminatory practice against the indios of today.

The NHCP, however, through the forward mindset of Prof. Ambeth Ocampo, now allow photography at their shrines, thus the various pictures of Rizal Shrines on this post.

4. Site of the University of Santo Tomas, Banco Filipino Building., A. Soriano cor. Solana Sts., Intramuros, Manila

Everybody knows Rizal didn't get straight "sobresaliente" grades here in Medical school, one subject even had a passing grade

GPS Coordinates: N14 35 36.4 E120 58 27.1

5. Site of Trial of Rizal, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), Gen. Luna cor. Muralla St., Intramuros, Manila

The current site of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila was where Jose Rizal was first tried in a court martial.

GPS Coordinates: N14 35 11.7 E120 58 39.1

6. Rizal Park, Roxas Blvd, Burgos, Kalaw and Taft Avenues, Manila

7. Rizal Monument, Roxas Blvd, Manila

Do you still need a picture of this one? :P

Coordinates: N14 34 54.6 E120 58 37.5

8. Rizal Execution Site (Light and Sound Museum), Roxas Blvd, Manila

the actual site of Rizal's execution is inside the present Light and Sound Museum at the Luneta Park

GPS Coordinates: N14 34 58.2 E120 58 35.4

9. Rizal Fountain, Roxas Blvd, Manila

this is the Wilhemsfeld Fountain transferred from Germany to Luneta, where Rizal drank water while he stayed there

GPS Coordinates: N14 34 50.7 E120 58 39.5

10. Paco Park, San Marcelino and Gen. Luna Sts., Paco, Manila

the cemetery where Rizal was buried in an unmarked grave. click the link above to get directions on how to get there

Coordinates: N14 34 54.0 E120 59 19.5

Region III – Central Luzon

11. San Fernando Train Station, Brgy. Sto. Niño, San Fernando, Pampanga

In a few weeks, expect a picture of this historic train station that played a vital part during the Bataan Death March of WW II

Coordinates: N15 01 36.6 E120 41 12.4

12. Kamestisuhan District (Women of Malolos Marker/ Bautista House), Sto. Niño St., Malolos, Bulacan

Tutubi may have to re-visit a lot he acquired in Malolos (Woodlands of Grand Royale) and probably Barasoain Church to justify visiting this one. Read more about Kamestisuhan by Traveler on Foot


Region IV – Calabarzon

13. Rizal Shrine, J.P. Rizal St., Calamba City, Laguna

Tutubi's been here twice but he has no picture good enough for posting here. This How to Get to Rizal Shrine Calamba can be of help though.

Coordinates: N14 12 49.1 E121 09 59.9

14. Calamba Church (San Juan Bautista Church), J.P. Rizal St., Calamba City, Laguna

The church in Calamba (St. John the Baptist Parish) where the young Jose Rizal was baptized a Catholic

Coordinates: N14 12 49.7 E121 10 01.7

15. National Shrine of our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Antipolo Church), Oliveros St., Antipolo City

Just in time, Tutubi is scheduled to buy a new car, and may have to have it blessed here like his dear Sakura :P

Waypoints/GPS Coordinates: N14 35 15.6 E121 10 35.2

Region V – Bicol Region

16. Rizal Monument, Magallanes and Justo Lukban Streets, Daet, Camarines Norte

Visited twice already by Tutubi, this is the first Jose Rizal monument, erected in 1898. A third visit coming in a month or two

Region VI – Western Visayas

17. Molo Church (St. Anne’s Parish) and Escolta, Jocson and San Marcos Sts., Molo District, Iloilo City

Tutubi's been to Iloilo where he stayed at Sarabia Manor Hotel during the early fight of Pacquio at the Fort. Was only able to visit Jaro Cathedral, went to Roxas City (Capiz) then flew to Cebu the following day.

Coordinates: N10 41 51.0 E122 32 40.9


Region VII – Central Visayas

18. Dumaguete City

Been here in 2003 (or 2004) in very limited time but only explored nearby Siquijor Island. Wonder where to have the Rizal passport stamped in this city

19. Fort San Pedro, Pier Area, Cebu City

visited by Tutubi in 2003 but no "bloggable" pictures still even if he's been to Cebu countless times already.


Coordinates: N10 17 33.0 E123 54 20.2

Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula

20. Rizal Shrine and Waterworks of Rizal, Barangay Talisay, Dapitan City

photo of Rizal's house in Dapitan (yeah, NHI chairman Ambeth Ocampo should be informed that those NHI markers obstruct the view). The woman in white, not a nun but a member of a Rizalist sect worshiping Rizal as a God doing, does volunteer work in maintaining the shrine.

A pool of water that comprise Jose Rizal's aqueduct that supplied potable water to Dapitan, a feat of water works engineering well ahead of his time according to modern day enngineers

21. Dapitan Plaza, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

a drive-by picture of Dapitan Plaza, thus slightly blurred. note the Rizal Monument on the background

22. Site of the Casa Real, Barangay Talisay, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

The historical marker reads: "This is the site of the Casa Real, official residence and administration building of the politico-military governor of the district. Here, Jose Rizal lived as an exile from July 17, 1892 to March 1893 when he was transferred to Talisay, now the Rizal Dapitan Shrine."

23. Dapitan Church, City Hall Drive, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

Dapitan Church with a partial view of Jose Rizal's map of Mindanao
Dapitan Church

24. Relief Map of Mindanao, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

Relief Map of Mindanao was built by Rizal just in front of Dapitan Church. (Tutubi tried to take an aerial picture of this map but the stairs to the Dapitan Church belfry were closed)

25. Santa Cruz Beach, Punto del Disembarko de Rizal en Dapitan, Sunset Boulevard, Dapitan City

the fiery sunset on Sta. cruz Beach on Sunset Boulevard, Dapitan City. A dilapidated marker (at the time of Tutubi's visit) is just along the road

26. Dipolog Cathedral, Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte

Dipolog Cathedral visited by Rizal during his exile in Dapitan. Church altar said to be designed by Jose Rizal. The building facade recently had a facelift that Jose Rizal himself would not recognize as it's very much different from the original

Coordinates: N8 35 9 E123 20 44

27. Rizal Farm, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte

Of all the 27 sites, this may be the hardest one to reach. Katipunan town is south of Dapitan and Dipolog, the twin cities of Zamboanga del Norte. No information yet on the interwebs on how to get there or how it actually looks like

Lastly, did you know that Tutubi was able to visit two sites related to Jose Rizal in Hong Kong, the first one's the site of clinic (on D'Aguilar Street) and the second one's his home where he stayed on Rednaxela Terrace (the long escalator).

Probably next year, he'll also explore the places Jose Rizal visited in Singapore.

Labels: Bulacan, Camarines Norte, Cebu, Cebu City, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Iloilo City, Jose Rizal, Laguna, Manila, Negros Oriental, Pampanga, Zamboanga del Norte

Formerly part of Dapitan City and now the capital of the province of Zamboanga del Norte, is the gateway to the Shrine City of Dapitan where Rizal Shrine, Dakak Beach Resort and the new Gloria de Dapitan theme park is located.

A brief tour of Dipolog City materialized on the way from Dapitan City to Dipolog Airport to catch Tutubi's flight back to Manila.

At the intersection of Estaka and Turno road, there's Dipolog Fountain (sometimes called Estaka-Turno Y junction Fountain), according to the official website of Dipolog City, "located at Estaka-Turno road junction is the Fountain of Blessings. The statutes represent the tri-people of Mindanao, which symbolize the diverse cultures prevailing in Dipolog. The bowl raised to heavens is a gesture of thanksgiving and offering to God Almighty for the generous outpouring of graces and blessings, bountiful harvests and sustained peace and prosperity."

a photo of Dipolog Fountain taken inside a moving van. This fountain would surely look great at night with water and lights but no time to even stop and take a better snapshot

Just outside Holy Rosary Cathedral (Dipolog Church), in front of the historic Dipolog Hall is the Monument of Three Prominent Dipolognons: namely "Hon. Pascual T. Martinez, the first appointed Mayor of Dipolog in 1913-1918), Rev. Fr. Nicasio Y. Patangan, the first Filipino Diocesan Priest of Mindanao and Eugenio R. Margate, a farmer for 25 years who introduced the MARGATE SYSTEM OF PLANTING RICE."

Onwards you'll come across the "Sta. Cruz Marker (Punta Corro) which is the spot where migrating Boholanos from the Visayas landed on and planted the cross for Christianity on May 3, 1905."

The historic landing spot of Boholano settlers in Dipolog City's marked by a huge cross facing the sea and Dipolog Boulevard

Dipolog has three major shopping malls: Dipolog Shopping Center and Lee Plaza Mall (LP) Mall and Dipolog City Mall

Dipolog Shopping Center

Dipolog Boulevard is a development of coastal park now a favorite haunt of promenaders and fitness enthusiasts.



Other places to see in Dipolog that Tutubi wasn't able to visit due to lack of time: Sungkilaw falls, Subanen Village in Cogon Eco Park, Organization of International Spiritual and Cultural Advancement or OISCA Forest Park for trekkers and nature trippers being a mountrain trail and bird sanctuary, the 3003 Steps to Linabo Peak (a holy week trek destination). No information yet on why the local government of Dipolog is marketing the city as Orchid City of the Philippines.

Other tourism activities in Dipolog include the annual Sinulog sa Dipolog every 3rd Saturday of January with the usual street dancing for the Sto. Niño, Katkat Sakripisyo at Linabo Peak in April, and the Pagsalabuk Festival in May marked by harvest rituals of the Subanens, Feast of St. Vincent Ferrer during 3rd Saturday of May, Araw ng Dipolog marked July 1 to 6, Feast of the Lady of the Holy Rosary in October, and the nightly shows during Pasko sa Dipolog in December. Take note also of Araw ng Zamboanga del Norte.

Coming up...Dipolog pasalubong shopping :P

How to get there:

Dipolog can be reached by plane from Manila via Dipolog Airport and by ferry via the Dapitan Seaport. Buses from other parts of Mindanao e.g. Davao City (via Butuan City), Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) and Zamboanga City are available.

drive-by Photos of Dipolog City taken inside a cruising van and may appear a tad blurry or color-skewed.

Sources: Official Website of Dipolog City and Dipolog City locals who are now friends of Tutubi :P

Related Posts and Nearby Places in Dipolog:

Dakak Beach Resort
Jose Rizal Shrine
Holy Rosary Cathedral

Labels: Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Peninsula

Prior to leaving Dipolog City, the twin city of Dapitan, Tutubi and his friendly hosts took him on a short tour of Dipolog City that began with a few minutes stop at Holy Rosary Cathedral, Dipolog's church reportedly built by the Spaniards near the end of the 19th century.

It's actually disappointing that the more than a century old church no longer has the looks of its age and was undergoing renovation when Tutubi visited.

Dipolog Cathedral's interiors doesn't have the looks of an old church.


the four evangelists adorn the roof of the church. in typical baroque style churches, the four evangelists can be seen on the four columns supporting the apse (the big dome of churches near the altar)

Dipolog Cathedral's claim to fame and history is that Jose Rizal designed the main altar during his exile in Dapitan.

Coming...a brief tour of Dipolog City

Labels: Churches, Dipolog, Jose, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Peninsula

Jose Rizal spent four years of exile in Dapitan where he engaged in religious debates about the Catholic faith with his beloved teacher in the Ateneo and yet he religiously attended mass at Dapitan church that stands at the center of the town whose patron is St. James the Apostle (the same patron saint of Paete, Laguna, Tutubi's hometown)

St. James Church in D apitan is not old, unlike the beautiful baroque churches made of adobe or coral stones scattered all over the Philippines, but its claim to fame, despite losing it's original design by people agnostic of architectural preservation, is that Jose Rizal used to hear mass regularly on Sunday mornings. A marker is even present near the end pews to highlight the fact.

Dapitan Church with a partial view of Jose Rizal's map of Mindanao

In front of church, is a small enclosed area that most visitors don't recognize as a map of Mindanao island that was built by Jose Rizal himself.

Sign reads "Mapa ng Mindanao Hinimo ni Jose Rizal"

Tutubi wanted to take picture of Mindanao map from the belfry for the whole image to be recognizable but it was undergoing renovation and off-limits to visitors.

a few meters from the church across the street is Casa Real where an NHI marker stands to remind people of its historical significance.



The historical marker reads: "This is the site of the Casa Real, official residence and administration building of the politico-military governor of the district. Here, Jose Rizal lived as an exile from July 17, 1892 to March 1893 when he was transferred to Talisay, now the Rizal Dapitan Shrine."

Further away from Casa Real is an old bahay na bato of Corazon de Dapitan Restaurant and Delicacies (Corazon de Dapitan literally means "Heart of Dapitan") that provokes a feeling of nostalgia of the Dapitan during Rizal's time.

Old "bahay na bato" turned into a restaurant named Corazon de Dapitan

Dapitan is a destination for lovers of history particularly those studying the Life and Works of Jose Rizal.

Tutubi recommends visiting Dapitan in Zamboanga del Norte for the history fix should you find yourself on the beach of Dakak Beach Resort.

Related Posts:

Ilihan Hill
Rizal Dapitan Shrine
Dakak Park and Beach Resort

Labels: Churches, Dapitan, Jose Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Peninsula

A trip to Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte won't really be complete without paying a courtesy visit to the estate of Jose Rizal, Philippine National hero, who once lived on exile in Dapitan.

It was during the period from June 1892 to July 31, 1896 that Jose Rizal spent years of his life as a physician where he treated many eye patients including that of his mother; an engineer, even without formal training, managed to design and build a water system that provided water to Dapitan (that awed modern day engineers due to lack of tools during his time); an educator where he founded a school for boys (one of his students was Jose Caancan who came all the way from Paete, Laguna); a businessman engaged in hemp, copra and log trading; agriculturist by planting various trees in his Talisay estate. All these in addition to being a linguist (fluent in 22 languages), inventor, scientist and artist.

photo of Rizal's house in Dapitan (yeah, NHI chairman Ambeth Ocampo should be informed that those NHI markers obstruct the view). The woman in white, not a nun but a member of a Rizalist sect worshiping Rizal as a God doing, does volunteer work in maintaining the shrine.

Rizal described his life in Dapitan in a letter to his Austrian friend Ferdinand Blumentritt dated Dec. 19, 1893:

"I shall tell you how we live here. I have three houses; one square, another hexagonal, and a third octagonal, all of bamboo, wood and nipa. In the square house we live, my mother, sister Trinidad, a nephew and I; in the octagonal live my boys or some good youngsters whom I teach arithmetic, Spanish and English; and in the hexagonal live my chickens. From my house I hear the murmur of a crystal clear brook which comes from the high rocks ; I see the seashore , the sea where I have small boats, two canoes or barotos, as they say here. I have many fruit trees, mangoes, lanzones, guayabanos, baluno, nangka, etc. I have rabbits, dogs, cats,etc. I rise early - at five - visit my plants, feed the chickens, awaken my people and put them in movement. At half-past seven we breakfast with tea, pastries, cheese, sweetmeats, etc. Later I treat my poor patients who come to my land; I dress, I go to the town in my baroto, treat the people there, and return at 12 when my luncheon awaits me. Then I teach the boys until 4 P.M. and devote the after- noon to agriculture. I spend the night reading and studying."

Casa Redonda, the hexagonal house of Rizal where his chickens lived (lucky chickens)
Casa Cuadrada, the square house of Rizal Shrine, Dapitan City

Significant events of Jose Rizal's Exile in Dapitan:

Sept. 21, 1892 Rizal received his lottery winnings, via the mail boat Butuan, for second prize of P20,000.00. His share of the "lotto" winnings was P6,200.00, P2000 of which he gave to his father, P200 to his friend Jose Maria Basa in Hong Kong and the rest he used to buy the land in Talisay that he developed. It should be noted that Jose Rizal had no vices, except playing the lottery.

The aborted duel with a Frenchman named Juan Lardet due to a business deal. Mr. Lardet wrote a Dapitan merchant about the deal that was forwarded to Rizal who was instantly angered as it's an affront to his integrity. The duel didn't materialize due to the intercession of Spanish Captain Carnicero on Mr. Lardet due to his knowledge of Rizal's expertise on martial arts especially fencing and pistol shooting, making the Frenchman the underdog in the field of honor.

Fr. Sanchez, Rizal's favorite teacher at the Ateneo, visited him in another effort to bring him back to the Catholic fold; it again ended in failure. Fr. Sanchez was the only priest to publicly defend the Noli Me Tangere in public.

The Jose Rizal Pastells debate on religion occurred during this time where the Jesuit priest Fr. Pastells tried to win back Rizal to the Catholic faith. In spite of this, Rizal still heard mass at Dapitan Church but with his own variant of enlightened Catholicism.

Pablo Mercado, whose real name was Florencio Namanan, was sent by Recollect Friars in a secret mission to spy on Rizal in order to incriminate him for revolutionary activities. He never succeeded in his mission as Rizal figured him out early on (it's not an assasination attempt on Rizal, but merely an espionage mission)

Due to his earlier successful stint as an eye doctor in Hong Kong, Mr. Taufer accompanied by his stepdaughter Josephine Bracken visited him for an eye operation. Josephine Bracken later became his wife (though they never really had a church wedding nor a civil wedding due to refusal by the friars and civil authorities, Rizal and Josephine had a son who died shortly after birth due to miscarriage).

Perhaps the most significant event that occurred in Dapitan was the visit by Pio Valenzuela (from whom Valenzuela City of Metro Manila was named after), a member of the secret society of the Katipunan founded by Andres Bonifacio, where Rizal was presented the plan of the Katipunan to which he decided not to support arguing that the people should wait for the right time to launch a revolution and avert shedding of blood. He also didn't approve of the Katipunan's plan to rescue him as it would reflect negatively on his word of honor.


A pool of water that comprise Jose Rizal's aqueduct that supplied potable water to Dapitan, a feat of water works engineering well ahead of his time according to modern day enngineers

The Mi Retiro Rock, a large rock in Talisay where Rizal enjoyed watching sunsets. He also wrote a poem titled "Mi Retiro" on this rock.

Notes:

Rizal Shrine is maintained by the National Historical Institute. The Shrine coumpound is always open and provided with a security guard. A museum is also inside the shrine that's closed on Mondays. Volunteer shrine tour guides and photographers are present at the gate. A tour of this shrine is included at Dapitan tour packages and field trips by Buklod and Dakak Park and Beach Resort. Contact number of the shrine to be posted once available. Rizal Shrine entrance fee: None (it's free)

How to get there:
Rizal Shrine is just a short tricycle ride away from "The Shrine City of Dapitan" proper. The closest airport is Dipolog Airport where you ride a tricycle to Dipolog Transport Terminal then a bus to Dapitan City. Travel time is just less than an hour.

Please don't request Tutubi for some sort of analysis and reaction paper to Jose Rizal's life in Dapitan. He doesn't tolerate laziness of some students looking for shortcuts. Jose Rizal won't be proud of you for sure.

Related Posts:
Jose Rizal in Hong Kong
Jose Rizal's Grave in Paco Cemetery
Jose Rizal in UST

Labels: Dapitan, Historical Shrines, History, Jose Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Peninsula

In 1762, about the same time Fort Pilar in Zamboanga City and Fort Triunfo in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, both in Mindanano, were constructed, the Spaniards also built on a hill in Dapitan City a fortress overlooking Dapitan bay to protect against foreign invasion.
Ilihan Hill viewed from Dapitan City Plaza with Rizal Monument visible

Strategically located on high ground, the fort has wall fortifications on the slopes of the hill supported with cannons and accessible via a 209 step stairs (access near Lourdes Grotto) leading to the top of the hill.

part of the 209 steps leading to the top of Ilihan Hill Fort de Dapitan

Before reaching the top, you can see ruins of the old fortress but not other structures and cannons. Two of the cannons can be seen in front of Dapitan City Hall while hill now is planted with young mahogany trees and old mango trees besides other plants.

the only visible part of the old fortress are ruins of the old walls...no more cannons nor fortifications can be found

On top of the hill, you can get a sweeping view of Dapitan Bay, the city proper, fish ponds, Rizal Park, several bridges and a river around the place that you'll soon realize that Dapitan City poblacion is actually an island.




Note that when Tutubi inquired about the place at Dapitan City Tourism Office, the tourism staff remarked that it's been a long while somebody inquired about the place. Tutubi just replied that he's an explorer and not an ordinary tourist. :P

---

remark:
It would've been better if the local government of Dapitan reconstruct the old Spanish fortress based on the original design of the cotta for tourism, historical and heritage showcase of their place to complement the Rizalian character of their city.

Labels: Dapitan, Spanish Forts, Zamboanga, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Peninsula

It was a long anticipated trip to Dapitan City, the home of Jose Rizal in exile for four years, via Dipolog City that made the trip to Dakak Park and Beach Resort possible for Tutubi. After a hard days work, Tutubi hied off to a gem of Zamboanga del Norte.

The road to Dakak was said to be unpaved and rocky, something unexpected for a tourism magnet, but this time, construction's in full blast of a long winding road leading to the resort with the road blocked by payloaders, dumptrucks and backhoes.

Tutubi checked in early, booked a twin-sharing room for PhP2800.00 (standard room rate) that was upgraded to a super-deluxe at no extra charge. He snoozed off his first 1.5 hours then later took pictures before sunset but never bothered to take a splash in the swimming pool nor the beach, something unusual for him.

Dakak's main lobby

Tutubi's room at Dakak Beach Resort

Dakak Restaurant sporting a Subanen architectural style evident in the roof design

part of Dakak's long white sand beach sans people as there were only few people at the resort when Tutubi checked in

Dakak Beach Resort lies on a cove with exclusive beach front of white sand beach about 800 meters long with coconut trees, talisay et al lining the beach front.

Chirping birds are usual sounds you hear while you can see butterflies freely flying around the resort complex, testament to the preserved environment surrounding the place.

Sunset at Dakak Park and Beach Resort

On the origin of the name dakak, when Tutubi inquired from the front desk personnel, dakak is an onomatopeia, it originated from the sound of local birds that thrive in the area, even up to now, that why locals call the place as such.

Dakak Beach Resort Review:

Facilities are generally clean: about 800 meters of fine white sand beach, two swimming pools (one with a man-made waterfalls), basketball court, two souvenir shops, a bar shaped like a sinking ship and a main building showcasing Subanen architecture.

Dakak's one of two swimming pools has a man-made waterfalls

Looking for things to do in Dakak? Activities: swimming, beach volleyball, jet skii, kayaking, snorkeling, island-hopping to Aliguay Island, gambling, scuba diving, drinking, eating, sleeping :P

Rooms have Filipino ambiance all over the place with native huts (bahay kubo) and interior walls made of banig (native sleeping mats) and sawali ceilings. Even the bathroom, dresser and refrigerator are made to look native with rattan fittings. A glass wall divides the toilet from the shower room, no bath tub, but with 24/7 hot water available.

Service was ok with courteous staff very accommodating and helpful. Waiters would fill your glass promptly, without you asking for it, with natural mineral water sourced from the nearby mountain spring.

Food takes quite a while to be served since it's not a fast-food restaurant. Generally ok, nothing outstanding though, only bulalo was the disappointment after is was served not too piping hot and tasted more like nilagang baka.

Dakak restaurant menu sample consists of usual Filipino cuisine where food prices are comparable to ordinary Manila restaurant food prices. A typical meal costs PhP300.00/person up and breakfast breakfast of cornsilog/tapsilog/chicksilog cost around PhP130.00. For budgetary purposes, allocate PhP1000/day/person stay at Dakak, not cheap for the peso-pinching Tutubi but it's ok since his companion's company paid for it-- it's free!

There's a cultural show every night, around 7:30pm, at the restaurant but instead of showcasing local Filipino culture, performers danced to the beat of Hawaiian, Tahitian, Maori and Samoan beats. Dakak management ought to stop this and instead focus on Filipino culture starting with the local Subanon (Subanen) the indigenous, river-dwelling tribe of Zamboanga Peninsula.

For cheap Dakak packages, recommend you get in touch with the organizers of Buklod Dapitan that includes a 3D/2N accommodations at Dakak Beach resort plus tours to Dapitan and Rizal Shrine. Requires minimum of 10 persons though for a package.

Overall, Dakak Park and Beach Resort is not your typical backpacker haven, it's expensive and suited more for family vacations to while away time. Its exclusivity is a big plus though in addition to the presence of Dakak casino for gamblers to spend time-- and burn money!

Dakak Park and Beach Resort Information for bookings, reservations and inquiries:

Ortigas Office (Metro Manila):
Suite 701 State Finance Center BLDG.
Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City
Telephone Number: +63.2.721.1461
Telefax No.: +63.2.721.2726

Taguilon, Dapitan City
Mobile Number: +63.919.795.9416
+63.915.318.5238
Contact Number: +63.65.213.6813

email: mailto:dakak28@yahoo.com

Dakak Beach Resort Official Website: wwu.dakakdapitan.com

How to get to Dakak Beach Resort:

To get to Dakak, you either fly in to Dipolog City (or alternately take a ferry to Dapitan or Dipolog) where resort personnel will fetch you if you're a reserved check-in guest.

There are no public transportation to the resort but there are habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) available said to cost PhP50.00/head or higher depending on your negotiating skills. Walk-in guests or day tours of Dakak Beach Resort costs PhP200.00/person inclusive of welcome refreshment.

UPDATED: April 2013

Labels: Beaches, Dapitan, Hotels and Resorts, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Peninsula