Dipolog City

Another coast to coast travel. From the northeasternmost coast of Surigao City to the western coast of Dipolog City.

My last travel there, that was 2006 in Dakak Resort, Dapitan City, took me more than 12 hours so i needed to cut the trip and took an overnight rest in Cagayan de Oro.

This time we are onboard a private car but since we departed from Surigao at 3 in the afternoon of August 27, we also took an overnight stop in CDO for the next day's tiring journey. Fortunate we are, we managed to book a hotel beside being crowded for the CDO's fiesta activity or the Kagay-an Festival on the 28th. We settled at the Casa Crystalla which is just one block away from the central park where the Night Cafe every Friday was held.

Upon arriving, we took the opportunity to experience the vibrant celebration of Cagayan de Oro's fiesta. So we stroll around the park, from its tip facing Ateneo de Cagayan/Xavier University to the south end, and here is what we got...

..the mixed martial arts exhibition competition where the barakos flocked. The fight was very entertaining at the same time amusing because of the somehow kengkoy scenarios made by the contenders. Most out of breath and sometime used foolish stunt to outplay their opponent.


..the fence of Xavier University full of promotional materials of the different personality's performances in celebration of CDO's fiesta.

On the dawn of the 28th, we departed Cagayan de Oro for Dipolog taking this billboard-packed highway..

Sorry for the messy photos. I took it inside the car.

A welcome arch greeting visitors a warm welcome to Iligan City.

In contrast with the thoughts and reservations i had regarding the recent happenings in the northern part of Lanao, Iligan City remains peaceful and unshaken in spite the presence of the military checkpoints and outposts and maybe even with the presence of helicopters around. I did not feel any fear but rather thrilled.

And my most anticipated sight... the burnt school and houses along Kauswagan and Kolambugan in Lanao del Norte.


Im so ashamed to admit that i reacted OA about this trip as caused by the military encounters with the MILF and posted here in my blog asking for everyone's prayer. On the contrary, those places remained the same except for the extensive presence of checkpoints which are unmanned. So I concluded it was an isolated case widened by the media. It was even foolish of me to ask for some bullets to show up as we go along our way so that i could fell the hype of hiding. Hehe.

Anyway, i would like to thank the people who prayed for our safe travel. We successfully hurdled it.

And as the battlecry of the conference we attended, "Business as usual in Mindanao!"

To continue with our journey, one of most enjoyable experiences of the trip was the crossing aboard the barge from Mukas Port in Lanao del Norte to Ozamis Sea Port. The site was awesome!

..the queue of vehicles going to Ozamis Port as a shortcut to the rest of Misamis Occidental areas. This sea cruise is not going to another island but rather a shortcut for a shorter trip taking 20 minutes only.

..the Mukas Port

..the ferry cruise with the sole rising mountain in Ozamis on the background. I was geologically wond'ring why only one mountain cares to rise in that area.

..the abodes near the Ozamis Sea Port.


After traversing Ozamis, Oroquieta City also a city under the Misamis Occidental Province is the urban city.

And after hurdling the serpentine road to Zamboanga del Norte, here we finally arrived in Dipolog. Dapitan City is just a 15-minute and a crossroad away from Dipolog.

This monument called as Estaka on the rotonda serves as Dipolog's landmark. As quoted from their website, "The Estaka – Turno Y Junction Fountain is a cast fiberglass monument that depicts the diverse cultures of the people of Mindanao brought together by a unified goal: to attain peace, development and prosperity for Dipolog City. 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."

We were billeted at the Top Plaza Hotel and from the 4th floor can be seen the view of the boulevard..

..and the Dipolog Center Mall.

On our first night, guests and participants were entertained with a fashion showcasing the crafts of local designers and the lovely models daring to show off some skin.

..the Dipolog Shopping Center.

In every places i went to, i noticed each of them have different taste of tricycle design. And this is Dipolog's distinct design of tricycle..

After the following day's affair, we managed to escape from the official tight sked and chilled out in the boulevard devouring on their type of balut.


..and some photo ops

Then went on to the sponsored dinner where Sen. Bong Revilla was the guest of honor. Heck! He was on the center stage giving his unsubstantial speech. Discussing on his accomplishments and reiterating the potential of Mindanao which of course we already know. My blood pressure was heightened by his presence.

Fortunately the organizers produced an entertaining show of the best of Mindanao arts and costume. It was a sentimental show for me reminding how i should be proud being a Mindanaoan! Hehe.

And im sorry to say that i wasnt able to invade the tourist spots of Dipolog City. The schedule was so tight that it does not permit me to go anywhere far. And according to some locals that i have talked with, there's nothing much in Dipolog for a tourist attraction. Most of them are in Dapitan City which i have already gone to.