Quick Trip to Dapitan and Dipolog

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a scenic welcome in Mindanao

My company had a marketing conference in Dipolog two months ago. It was just a quick trip, mostly for work and some fun here and there. It was my first time in Mindanao and I was both scared and psyched at the same time. I have an irrational fear of boats and riding one to and fro the destination, which caused a lot of distress for me. When we were on our way to Mindanao, the boat stopped midway and I freaked out. Aside from that mishap, the entire trip went on smoothly.

On our first day, we went on tour in Dapitan. This is a historical city as the national hero, Jose Rizal (AKA my forever idol and obsession in grade school) spent his last years in Dapitan. There was a Josephine Bracken street, that I wasn't able to take a photo of. We also visited the spot where Rizal first landed by boat in Dapitan. We went around the city and to the churches and plazas.

Rizal's first steps in Dapitan

St. James Church in Dapitan

I wasn't able to take photos in Rizal's Dapitan home mostly because it was getting dark and my ISO 200 film can't handle it. Plus, I hate shooting with flash. I only took a few photos with my smartphone and just enjoyed being a tourist. I had a I-just-want-to-take-it-all-in-and-get-lost-in-the-forest kind of feeling.

A dancing girl on the rock where Rizal and Bracken are said to have been married.

That night, we went to Fantasy Land, which was a mini version of Star City. However, I wasn't really feeling up for some amusement rides since I'm a scaredy-cat. My editor, creative head, co-writer, and me just went ahead to the hotel and enjoyed the pool.

The next day was intended for a quick Dipolog tour before we get on our boat to Cebu. Our department basically spent most of this Dipolog trip by buying pasalubongs. We dropped by Montaño twice and Cathy's Bakeshop.

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Dipolog

Cathy's

The trip was definitely short. However, I can't complain because it was really intended for work. Dapitan and Dipolog were great as quick getaways that weekend. I hope I can visit again soon with more time of course. Comment below if you've gone here and where's your favorite spot.

*photos taken with Fujicolor 200 X Nikon L35 AF*