If there is one word I would describe Dumaguete City, it would be chill. It is a city with that old- town feel. Maybe it's the park. The smell of the flowers mingling with the smell of falling leaves bring back memories of when I was a young boy in Camotes Island. Maybe it's the seaside promenade. The sound of the gentle waves on the rocks and the smell of seaweeds is like a harmony of sensations. They tell you, you are home.
We are on our second day in the city. I am really surprised how Inday likes the Seven-Eleven lasagna. Maybe she just wants a hot breakfast. Then I eat the lasagna and I can't stop. Maybe it's the hot coffee. Well, tasty is tasty. Pretty subjective.
What is so strange about this city? Now I know. You can't see garbage even in the morning. I love it. The air smells so clean even at the city center.
Check-out time
Inday can't resist the chair at the hotel lobby. Is that a Cobonpue? I don't know.
I call my friend, Jay, for a chat somewhere over a bottle of cold beer. The young architect must be busy, but he says yes. We meet at the Robinsons Place. I am very happy to see my friend. The updates, the news, the memories, the fun, the headaches.
One bottle is always a lie, and this is no exception. But we have a boat to catch in Sibulan. It's always good to see young people making it on their own. An hour later we say goodbye and we take a tricycle to the public market where we take a jeepney to Sibulan.
With Architect Jay at Robinsons Place
The church of San Antonio de Padua Sibulan Parish
Next time I'm back in this island, I'm going to explore Sibulan. They say there are old churches here. There are nature parks in this town, and there's a twin lake they say. I have to keep myself healthy, so I can do that soon.
A nice trip is always too short. I hope to stay longer next time.
The Sibulan gymnasium
Passenger pump boats in anchor near Sibulan Port
It's still early in the afternoon, but the sun seems to be hiding behind the clouds.
A fisherman preparing to rest his paddle in order to dive and spear fish
I made some sketches while in Dumaguete, but they were totally unrelated to the place. Two years later, I made these sketches from the photos I took. Thinking about it now, I wish the hotel had an elevator. I hate stairs.
"Fisherman", fountain pen on sketchbook, 7 in x 10 in (2021)
"Silliman", bamboo pen on sketchbook, 7 in x 10 in (2021)
You may get to know me more and read my intro blog article.
And if you still have time, please feel free to read other travelogues I've written:
- The Rocks of El Nido
- Maya, Daanbantayan - Gig and Dip
- From the Other Side of Malapascua
- Enticing Bantayan
Thank you so much for dropping by, and hope to see you in my next post.
