“Maayong pag-abot sa Dalaguete” The first greeting I encountered when I arrive at Municipality of Dalaguete, which is located at the Southern part of Cebu. The people’s hospitality, their cheerfulness and their urge to help, welcomed me. I was amazed, I didn’t expect those from them, it is like it is their natural way of welcoming guests in their municipality. I was six that time when I first went to Dalaguete and until now I continue to experience their culture, be with the people and went to the different attractions or they called “Garbo sa Dalaguete”. Now, I will share to you five of my experiences.
First. OBONG COLD SPRING
Located at Brgy. Obong, Dalaguete, Cebu is a perfect place to cool down on a hot summer day. Where the sea and spring meets, people enjoy bathing and having time with family and friends. As we dip our bodies down the water, we can feel a tingling sensation that will help our bodies and mind to relax.
With the entrance fee of Php 10, we can be with nature and have an unforgettable experience.
How to Get There
From Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT), take a bus heading to Bato Oslob or any bus that is heading to the municipality of Dalaguete either Sunrays or Ceres, aircon and non-aircon it’s up to you to choose. From then, instruct the bus conductor to drop you at Barangay Obong, Dalaguete, Cebu near the Obong Covered Court where the Cold Spring is located. Usually two to three hours is the travel time.
Second. DAKONG BATO BEACH RESORT
A place where we can find peace and comfort situated at Brgy. Coro, Dalaguete, Cebu. Dakong Bato Beach and Leisure Resort is known for its picturesque view of the sea and a touch calmness that soothes our aching souls. From its name “Dakong Bato”, we can easily picture out and know that it means “Big Rock.” The resort is beautified by different landscapes making it more pleasing to the eye and instagram worthy.
If you wish to have questions and reservations, feel free to visit their website at http://www.dakongbato.com
How to Get There
From Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT), take a bus heading to Bato Oslob or any bus that is heading to the municipality of Dalaguete either Sunrays or Ceres, aircon and non-aircon it’s up to you to choose. From then, instruct the bus conductor to drop you at Dakong Bato Beach Resort in Coro, Dalaguete. Travel time takes two to three hours.
Third. OSMEÑA PEAK
The highest peak in Cebu approximately 1,013 meters above sea level. In honor of the famous Osmeña Clan in Cebu. Osmeña Peak is famous for its 360 degree view of the southwestern coastline of Cebu and even the Province of Negros Oriental. Located Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu- which is known as the Summer Capital and the Little Baguio of Cebu due to its cool climate. Here we can find tranquillity, peace, freedom and full of love. Really a must visit place.
What to Bring
Camera and smartphone
Drinking water (you can buy water at the base/sari-sari store when you register)
Shades
A cap/headwear
Money
Tent (if you wish to stay overnight)
How to Get There:
Take a bus at the South Bus Terminal travelling to Oslob or Bato. Ask to be dropped off at the Dalaguete junction (3 hours travel time). Hire a motorcycle (habal-habal) going to the wet market in Mantalongon (20 minutes). From there, you can either:
Trek to from the market to the peak for about 2 plus hours, or
Hire another motorcycle going to the peak for about 15-20 minutes
Or go to Carbon Public Market and inquire people about the terminal for Mantalongon mini bus.
The mini bus will drop you off at Mantalongon Public Market. ). From there, you can either:
Trek to from the market to the peak for about 2 plus hours, or
Hire another motorcycle going to the peak for about 15-20 minutes
Registration Fee at the Peak: Php 30
Fourth. BANANA MEAT and TOSTADO
The main delicacy of Dalaguete, a deep-fried banana (usually cardava banana) immaculately stuffed with prime ground meat. At first sight, it looks just like ordinary “pritong saging”, but if you have a bite, the soft, sweet and juicy outside blends with the meaty and spicy inside. Banana meat is normally served during fiestas and other special occasions.
Another delicacy of Dalaguete, an heirloom cookie, a simple butter cookie that is toasted until it has a golden brown color. Comes in different shapes like star, moon and the famous flower shape. Taste, form, design and quality vary on every household.
Handed down by custom and tradition, these cookies can be traced back to spanish heritage. The word ” tostado” is actually a Spanish word which means toasted.
Fifth. UTANON FESTIVAL
Utanon is from the local term “utan” which means vegetable in English. The Municipality of Dalaguete known as the Vegetable Basket of Cebu celebrates Utanon Festival in thanksgiving for all the blessings the Dalaguetnon’s receive.
The festival is made, as a sign of gratitude to the bountiful harvest of vegetables and aims to promote the vegetable industry of the south part of Cebu and gives emphasis to vegetable farming as a sustainable source of livelihood. The vegetables gathered is delivered to Carbon Public Market to be sold.
The festival is held during the annual celebration of Dalaguete Patron Saint San Guillermo de Aquitania every February 9 and 10.
How to Get There
From South Bus Terminal, take a bus that is travelling to Bato or Oslob or anything that will pass Poblacion, Dalaguete. Travel time takes two to three hours from Cebu City.
And there you go, my five experiences at Dalaguete, Cebu. If you want to have that experience of mine, and also experience more, visit Dalaguete and be amazed.
itsaliahme 