Exploring Dumaguete City: Siliman University, Dumaguete Belfry, and Gastronomic Wonders

The "City of Gentle People", as it is named is the capital city of Negros Oriental. Why nicknamed as such? Well, from the name itself, it's the people and maybe it is! The folks here were very warm and friendly. From the airport personnel to the cab drivers, and from the street officers to the store/hotel staff, they were all very accommodating. This was the first time I've been to this place with my closest buds and our stay were indeed memorable. 

The city's airport was small, like any other provincial airports. In the arrival area an info desk can be seen with hotel flyers and brochures about the place, tours, and city maps.  We stayed at Harolds Hotel, a small, affordable hotel within the city and very near the airport. Outside, transportation wasn't an issue since there were many available cabs, vans, motorcycles and jeepneys in the area. We easily got to our hotel without hassle and the pay was so cheap. I immediately loved the city for it was quiet and calm, a total opposite from the busy streets of Cebu.

THE SIGHTS

THE SILIMAN UNIVERSITY

I'm not really fond of visiting universities but this time I included it in our itinerary because of its rich historical value. The school was huge and the first time I've seen many foreign students. This was the first American university established in the Philippines and one of the few private school institution that has been granted a full autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commission_on_Higher_Education_(Philippines)

The school gates were opened for us since we were there as tourists. We were lucky to take photo after photo 'cause there were few students at that time. The university was so vast. Some pathways in the school were made of bricks which appealed to me. We took our first photo with the university library building.

At the far end was this Siliman University Church or known as "SU Church". The church's history was very rich. It dated back to the time when the American Presbyterian missionaries first came here in the country. Indeed it came a long way bearing witness to the wars and marshal law until the reordering of the church, today it stands firm and a symbol of faith. The facade was really nice and it faces an array of benches forming the school grounds with large Acacia trees on each side.

The sight was truly stunning. I've never seen universities designed like this elsewhere. This view was facing the SU Church which to me looked very well thought of. I could only imagine the flock of students emerging here in their after school.

And of course, we didn't missed a moment to have a photo opp! No students, and certainly our time to pose!

The university's education field was at the other side. When we passed by we've seen students actively practicing football. By looking at this, I thought to myself the university really covered that huge of an area. It has a football field this big, buildings of different school departments, and a huge school ground facing the church.

THE DUMAGUETE BELFRY

It was already night when we paid a visit to this iconic place. The Dumaguete Belfry was a popular landmark in the city and is the oldest known bell tower in the Visayas. A grotto of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was situated at the base of the tower, which was actually a fine addition to the tower after it has been restored over the years.

Its location was near the downtown area which explains the traffic and commotion of the  passersby and the locals selling religious items, candles, flowers, and few snacks and candies along the side. The place was too small and easily gets crowded. After we offered our personal prayers, we then left the place.

THE FOOD

One of the few things I love about the place was their genius food creations. I thought that the city boasts its remarkable dishes in the country. The flavors of the city's dishes literally melts in your mouth leaving one wanting for more. And we certainly did.

I fell inlove with Panda ice cream cake. It's a cake with an ice cream filling. It has different flavors and we ordered three of them: chocolate, vanilla, and ube. It tasted really good! I could taste the hot and crispy dough and the cold, flavorful ice cream. 

The Sansrival and Silvanas were the very popular desserts in the city. Their store can easily be found along the Boulevard and inside Robinsons Mall. It also tasted good and very sweet. For our "pasalubong", we bought delicacies at BongBongs.

Overall, my stay was incredible. Our experience here was perfect. The city I could say was packed with youngsters which made the city lively and interesting. I love their food and the folks!


Ciao!