WITH a land area of just above 33 sq km, Dumaguete City is surprisingly packed with a bevy of activities for a consummate journey in one of the country’s safe havens in this time of pandemic.
Negros Oriental’s provincial capital and smallest local government unit, it goes by the tag “City of Gentle People” because of its warm and hospitable way of life. But beyond this age-old moniker, this southern destination boasts of a blend of everything from sports, food trip, flying, and everything in between.
With tree-lined roads, less motor vehicles, and the postcard-perfect Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete is a haven for biking, both for fitness and touring its head-turning sceneries on a slow space. The 780-meter bayside road, named after the national hero, is the ground zero of cyclists and joggers before doing a circuit run around the city and nearby towns.
This active lifestyle has earned the city reputation of being a sports tourism center in the south, and periodically bagging the prestigious Philippine Sports Tourism Award before the Covid-19 outbreak.
A new bayside spot is the Panilongon marker which was unveiled in May to commemorate the 500th year of the Magellan-Elcano expedition, which passed by Negros in 1521 after their defeat in Cebu. The galleon-themed design is arguably the most beautiful among the quincentennial markers of the monumental circumnavigation of the world.
Another sought-after attribute of Dumaguete is its vibrant food scene which almost has everything for everybody at very reasonable prices. Rizal Boulevard is the traditional dining haunt because of the cluster of decades-old houses and buildings which have been restored and transformed into boutique hotels, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and souvenir stores.
Must-try restos in this historic road are the old guards—Casablanca, Don Atilano Steakhouse, Chin Loong, and Sans Rival, makers of the sought-after silvanas. To the far-end of the boulevard’s extension are Hayahay Treehouse Bar, Lab-as Seafood Restaurant, and Lantaw Restaurant which serve Visayan delights.
For intimate casual dining, The Henry Hotel beckons with its garden ambiance away from the crowd. The charming boutique hotel is home to Noelle’s Brunch Bar, Coffee Collective, Si, Señor, Negrense Craft Beers, and a branch of Sans Rival.
A stone’s throw away is Northpoint, an al fresco foodcourt for short orders, cold beverages, and an assortment of Japanese, Korean and Turkish dishes. To the far end of the reclaimed road is Chiztix Country, a colony of street food stalls beside the Silliman Beach which was put up by the city government to encourage micro-enterprise among locals.
Those seeking more romantic and exclusive setting can drive to the secluded Giardino Romantico, a dining haunt tucked in the upscale neighborhood of barangay Cantil-e. Literally meaning “romantic garden,” this cozy nook of Sicilian trader Gerardo Rallo is a merry mix of European specialties and all-time favorites in a blended European, Oriental and Filipino resort-themed restaurant.
It also has a 40-seater art gallery-themed fine dining room and wine bar, a shallow pool, several native cottages, and 12 Asian-inspired rooms for a complete hideaway in best-kept secrets. Feel free to chat with the amiable Italian owner who can converse on virtually any topic under the sun.
If you love authentic Indian spices, Biryani Point is the place to be. An unassuming dining spot just a hundred meters away from the city limits in Bacong town, this culinary masterpiece of Chef Sayyed Junead will transport you to the mystic south Asian subcontinent with its vast array of delectable dishes.
To spare you the trouble of selecting dishes, order the Thali platter, a complete meal which has portions of its best sellers. Beef lovers would be delighted to know that Biryani Point also serves halal beef as the chef is a Muslim Indian, and there are no sacred cows to satisfy the customers’ taste buds.
Despite its size, Dumaguete is also a haven for golfers with a driving range within the city and a full course in neighboring Sibulan town. Beginners can get the feel of the sport at the Ang Tay Golf Driving Range, and sample its Filipino and Chinese dishes afterwards.
For an adrenaline-pumping game, you can hit the tree-lined fairways 18-hole Youichi Nagato-designed golf course within the four-star Bravo Hotel complex which overlooks Tanon Strait and Cebu’s southern tip. Wrap up the game with the tender steaks and the signature wood-fired brick oven Bravo Pizza at its restaurant and bar.
After the exhilarating game, you can fire a few rounds at the firing range, dip at the swimming pools, or better yet, spend the night in the hotel’s artsy suites adorned with abstract paintings.
Finally, you can take adventure to greater heights through an aerial tour via Royhle Aviation Academy which can take you to a breathtaking flight of fancy and view Dumaguete and its environs. For a taste of student pilot’s training, the flying school and air charter company can customize a tourist program which approximates the total experience including lodging and feasting on tasty south Asian dishes prepared by its Nepali cooks at Emman Hotel, Royhle’s official quarters.
With the diverse bike, bite, drive, and fly experience, there’s certainly more to gentle moments of sightseeing and nostalgia in Dumaguete.
Image courtesy of Bernard L. Supetran