Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

This was another no-expense travel courtesy of my job. Nah, I am not paid to travel and write a review of the places I have been to. This was when I was invited to a workshop held in Dakak Park and Beach Resort in Dapitan City on September 2006.

Edge to edge. The long coastal travel from Surigao to Dapitan

It was an edge to edge trip for me coming from the Northeastern tip (point A: Surigao) to the Northwestern tip (point B: Dapitan) of Mindanao. And it took me altogether almost 24 hours of travel. Tiring but worth it. The photos below tells why.

grabbed from a post in skyscrapercity forum

Dakak Beach 

From how it looks in aerial view, Dakak Beach is secluded in a cove. That geographical perspective gives the tourists the feeling of security and serenity. Based on my feeling when I was there, it feels like paradise where you are on your own. The sand, though fine and powdery, has its own identity. Not as white as those in Boracay and not as sugar-fine as those in Siargao. It's more of beige in color.

Cultural Show at the Pirates Bar 

Cultural presentation is part of the welcome rites in Dakak, I was told. Dressed in ethnic attire, entertainers danced Hawaiian. But for the whole duration of our stay in Dakak, we were entertained with presentation of multi-cultural dances, from Latin to Hawaiian to Filipino Folk dances. Yeah, it was extra special because the organization hosting the event is "huge".

Well-equipped Facilities
Though Dakak have serene environment, you cannot actually feel boredom there. Aside from doing yoga, one can have indoor sports such as bowling as well as outdoor sports like volleyball, swimming, kayaking, and jetskiing.

Lots of Pool
They have varieties of pools, too. They have outdoor jacuzzi, adults pool and kiddie pool. A good treat when you're tired from playing your sport.

Nice homey accommodations
Huts made of organic materials just feel very comfortable to me. Though it looks indigenous, the ambiance is tempting for a good sleep.

Cozy tropical resorts
Their accommodations are great. Perfect for the couples in honeymoon.

Okay, too much unpaid review for Dakak, let us talk about history. Yeah, Dapitan is one of the historic places in the Philippines due to the fact that it included in the life story of the country's national hero, Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal y Realonda. And guess what?! I looked forward to visiting this historic site of Jose Rizal than in participating the workshop itself. And it didn't fail my expectation. Here is why...

Exile in Dapitan
As mentioned, the second thing i was thinking (next to the luxurious stay in Dakak) while on my way was a visit to the place where Dr. Jose Rizal spent four years of his life while in exile.

The hero's house
Some parts of the structures are still on its original like the posts and the wooden flooring. And the bed where he used to lay is still preserved.

Jose Rizal's Museum
Here, some memorabilias, personal belongings, literatures, and portraits are displayed.

Jose Rizal-Josephine Bracken love nest
As one of our companion jokingly shared, this is where Josephine Bracken got broken. Seriously, historian says, this is where they spent most of their time together.

Clinic and School
Here, Dr. Jose Rizal practices a little bit of his profession treating some of his patients and at the foreground taught children how to write and read.

In summary, I must say the long travel was worth it. At the end of the day, I was enriched with knowledge from the workshop, relieved from stress by staying and spending time like a tourist in Dakak, and culturally enriched because I was able to have a glimpse on a historic site that was once part of the humble life of a national hero.