TheLoneRider
a seeker in search of Easter Eggs

Country > Philippines > Negros Oriental > Dumaguete
Date > 2017 > May
Activity > Traveling

Traveling
11 Days in Dumaguete Apr 23-May 4, 2017

11 Days in Dumaguete

Location Google Map: Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines

In Search of a Cheap Room
After 2 weeks in Apo Island, I defaulted back to one of my favorite places - Dumaguete. After one night at Harold's Mansion, I was in search of a cheap room where I could stay for a month. I'm tired of moving every 2 nights. Ideally, I'd rather stay a month in a place before moving on. I couldn't find a cheap room. Fortunately, my benevolent universe had other plans for me, and it wasn't cheap - it was for free, in exchange for web services at Hotel Essencia.

Hotel EssenciaHotel Essencia
Hotel Essencia was still under construction 5 years ago when I left Dumaguete to live a homeless life. Now, it's fully constructed. With its central location, handy facilities, comfortable amenities and buffet breakfast for two, I was on Easy Street - at least during my short stay. I could invite friends to join me for breakfast and I'd be in the thick of things as soon as I got out of the hotel. I couldn't ask for more.

10 Days in Hotel Essencia
room with a view of Mount Talinis at Hotel Essencia

Dinner with the Abesamis
Good friends from my previous stay in Dumaguete 5 years ago, the Abesamis - Rene, Nadia and their 2 daughters, invited me to join them for a dinner at their lovely home. There were other guests as well including an old friend, Che, Jorge, Raz and a Caucasian healer. It was an evening of shared anecdotal narratives, advocacies and political views.

11 Days in Dumaguete
dinner with the Abesamis

Peoplescape
Dumaguete's charm lies in the people who call it home. More than the tourist attractions, I am drawn to the wonderful people I've met along the way and the ones who are already endearingly familiar.

peoplescape
faces of Dumaguete

Angelo VillanuevaAngelo
Angelo is Dumaguete's iconic flaming diva - outspoken, opinionated and irreverent. Take him or leave him...he offers no middle ground. He has this endearing defiance. A visit to Dumaguete is not complete without having a beer with him. He knows the ins-and-outs of the (city) and I defer to him in pointing me to the right direction.

Razel GarupaMichael and Razel
I walked around the bend from Hotel Essencia and discovered this newly opened cafe - Arteasan Handcrafted Beverages. It's a small cozy place with good air conditioning and reliable wifi. Coffee is good and waffle is delicious. Brewed coffee starts at P50. Whoa! This is my kind of place. I met the owners, Razel and Michael. We had dinner and I would often bring my friends to the cafe to chill and hangout. With people of good energy, it's increasingly becoming inevitable I become friends with them.

Dodong's Dumaguete DelicaciesDodong
Within Hotel Essencia is a pasalubong store - Dodong's Dumaguete Delicacies. I made a pitch for the owner (Dodong) and he agreed to meet me. He was a soft-spoken man and only 31 years old. I thought I would meet someone weathered by life already. Dodong had an interesting story of abandonment, perseverance and prosperity. But what got my attention was, like me, good things happen to him. He seem to be in the right place at the right time, meeting people he needed to meet. Given our parallelism, I was trying to discern what our common denominator was. By the end of the meeting, I was drawn to conclude his heart was in the right place. I guess it all starts with volition. That seems the only thing existing in nature that is beyond reproach regardless of outcome. It wasn't important anymore if I made a deal or not. Meeting Dodong was reward unto itself.

KateKate
I thought I'd source CouchSurfing to make friends with its local members. That's how I met Kate - a heart-centered health enthusiast who is growing roots in Dumaguete. We had an engaging talk at Arteasan Cafe about what's looming on the horizon for us both.

Jorge EmmanuelJorge Emmanuel
I met Jorge at the Abesamis' residence over dinner. He intrigued me for his wealth of knowledge and passion to make this planet a greener world. I invited him to be my breakfast guest at Hotel Essencia. We touched on a lot of non-technical issues which essentially made for good bonding. He's gone back to the US and I won't be in Dumaguete when he comes back. Oh well, that's life.

Rachel ConsingRachel
I've known Rachel since my residency days in Valencia 5 years ago, but never really got down to have a coffee conversation with her until now. It's comfortable to be having idle chat with someone I'm at ease with. We met at Valencia's market day over sikwate then again at Neva's for some wood-burning oven pizza.

Angel AmigoAngel
Angel and I go back to my Dumaguete days when Aesha, her daughter, and I, partnered for the Eco Adventure Race 2010. She guested me on her talk-show when I was a hit-and-run victim. I'm just glad she found time to join me for coffee despite her busy schedule.

Laura PearceLaura
Laura and I hang-out whenever we bump into each other - Dumaguete, Bali, Cebu, etc. Like me, she travels extensively and we share common pursuits - yoga, scuba diving, snorkeling, meditation, etc. Now on new ground starting on a clean slate, I give her metta.

KarlKarl
Karl surprised me. He was one of my web design students at the College of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines, back in 2005 when I was still teaching. He recognized me and introduced himself. I remember him as the one who tried unorthodox approaches to web design - something I admired. Too bad, I had to vent out on him my frustrations about UP. His batch, the one I taught, had the most number of cum laudes in the university. Surprisingly, due to career constraints, he's working for a corporation doing something not related to the arts.

Dumaguete Eats
When in Dumaguete, I always go out of my way to eat at Neva's Pizza. By far, still the best value in Dumaguete - wood burning oven, hand-tossed pizza dough and pizza starts at P108! That's hard to beat.

At the market, I make sure I go to Sison's Painitan for the best sikwate native cocoa drink and Budbud Kabog made by Manang Pina (you can place your catering order here - 0926.237.7428). After these two, everything else is optional.

Ending Thoughts
I thought I would stay a minimum of a month in Dumaguete, but somehow, after my stay in Hotel Essencia, I felt the need to move on again. Dumaguete gave me a new flavor this time - lots of new friends, a whole new perspective of doing things and taking ownership of an emergent role I seem to be playing. My feelings for Dumaguete remain unchanged - she's bridal material. I'm just not ready to settle yet. Where to go next?

I am fortunate to have a few outstanding invites at the moment - attend an Ashtanga Yoga class in Cebu City with Jeanne, accept Greg's invite to join him in Coron for some white-knuckle adventure, go to Amlan on the invite of the tourism officer to explore its wonders or lead a monastic life for 2 months in Thailand teaching English. Somehow, breakfast conversation with my dear Jeanne excites me.

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit Yoga by Gigit | Learn English Learn English | Travel like a Nomad Nomad Travel Buddy | Donation Bank Donation Bank for TheLoneRider



Leave a comment?


Reader Comments:

Kate HassaramKate Hassaram
(May 6, 2017) It was a pleasure meeting you! Let me know if you are ever back. Have a lovely journey ahead.

Laura PearceLaura Pearce
(May 6, 2017) Happy we got to catch up again :-) I will let you know if I head Cebu next week.. :-)

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Ashtanga Primary Series Yoga in Cebu yoga

Ashtanga Primary Series Yoga in Cebu

(May 5, 2017) From Dumaguete, Jeanne invited me to come to Cebu to participate in a full Ashtanga Primary Yoga class by a celebrated Ashtangi from the US. I packed-up and before I knew it, I was one of 13 participants together with the Ashtangis of Cebu City who gathered to practise with this teacher...more »»

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(May 4-31, 2017) It never fails. Even though Cebu remains largely unchanged with the exception of its increasingly crippling traffic, the energies are as dynamic as it gets. Cebu offers a different flavor and experience with every visit.....more »»

More on Dumaguete:

Dumaguete Map

Google Map Dumaguete, Philippines

tourist attractions in Dumaguete tourist attractions hotels in Dumaguete - hotel
  • 
Hotel Essencia Hotel Essencia - 9-storie hotel in the heart of Dumaguete
    39 Real St., Corner San Juan St., Dumaguete City - 09°18'32.1"N 123°18'20.3"E
scuba diving in Dumaguete scuba diving
  • Mario Scuba Diving and Homestay Mario Scuba Diving and Homestay - homestay in Apo Island, scuba diving, restaurant
    Apo Island - 09°04'40.08"N 123°16'09.19"E
  • Dumaguete Divers Dumaguete Divers - scuba diving in Apo Island, resto / cafe, accommodation
    Dauin - 9°11'18.6"N 123°15'54.3"E
cafes in Dumaguete cafe


Dumaguete >> Siquijor (Siquijor Proper & Larena Port) Boat Trips (as of Jan 2023)
  1. Montenegro Lines - at Dumaguete Port, P234.00/pax, P169/bicycle

  2. Montenegro Lines, Dumaguete to Siquijor

  3. Aleson Shipping - at Dumaguete Port, 8 am and 6 pm daily, 10 am M-Sat, Regular P200.00/pax, Aircon P250.00/pax

  4. Aleson Shipping, Dumaguete to Siquijor

  5. Ocean Jet - 40 mins, docks at Siquijor Port, 0919.066.5964, www.oceanjet.net, marketing@ocenajet.net

    Ocean Jet
  6. Please check first if Atlantis Yohan Express is back in operations

  7. Atlantis Yohan Express - Siquijor Port or Larena Port?

    Atlantis Yohan Express

    Atlantis Yohan Express
Dumaguete >> Lazi, Siquijor by boat

Dumaguete to Lazi, Siquijor route by Kho Shipping was just opened up in early September 2023. Before, going to Lazi meant going to Siquijor Proper first, then catching the 2pm jeep to Lazi (last trip), adding 1 hour on the trip. Now, Siquijor Proper can be completely bypassed.

  1. Dumaguete Port - take Kho Shipping to Lazi, Tu-F-Sun, 3 hours, Dumaguete departure 1 am, arrival in Lazi Port 4 am, economy P300, tourist P500.

  2. Dumaguete to Lazi


Dumaguete Itinerary restaurants Things to Eat in Dumaguete:
  • Eat at Neva's Pizza. They have a wood-burning stove and make the best pizza in Dumaguete
  • Eat the local version of Tempura, fish ball, balut at Tempurahan, an adhoc outdoor section by the City Port entrance.
  • Eat Paklay, a local delicacy made of pork inards. Popular in Dumaguete's roadside eating places
  • Try any of the lechon manok (chicken roasted on a spit) that's scattered all over the city
  • Try the torta bread (bread made with fermented coconut nectar) - you find that along the highway in Dauin...or the Dumaguete Public Market
  • Eat the breakfast combo - Budbud Cabog (Dumaguete's specialty suman) or puto + tsokolate (sticky rice wrapped in banana leaf + native chocolate drink)
tours Things to Do in Dumaguete:
sightseeing Sightseeing / Activities Near Dumaguete:
  1. Valencia
    1. Forest Camp in Valencia - a mountain resort fed by the Banica River. Great for getting wet and picnics (blog by Lakwatsero)
    2. Go to the Japanese Shrine and Casaroro Falls - 100 meter falls and site of a fierce WWII battle between Japanese, Americans and Filipinos
    3. Head out to Camp Lookout in Valencia for great views. Famous writers stay there for the Silliman University National Writers Workshop.
    4. Stop by The World War II Museum in Valencia and talk to curator/owner/collector, Constantino "Tantin" Cata-al.
    5. Splash on Pulangbato Falls and Hot Spring - via Palinpinon road towards PNOC. Great to dip-in after a day's hike or for hot lazy days
    6. Climb Mt. Talinis. At 1864 meters, it lords over Negros Oriental, and home to endemic and rare species of flora and fauna.
  2. Dauin
    1. Dive on Apo Island - best for scuba and turtle watching
    2. Dive on Dauin's District 1 Marine Reserve - best spot for snorkelling - 10K grouper, turtles, cuttlefish, Titan Triggerfish, etc. This is only one of many marine reserves dotting the Dauin coastline.
    3. Soak in Baslay Hot Spring
  3. Sibulan
    Go to Balinsasayao Twin Lakes - two lakes almost 1000 meters above sea level
  4. Siquijor
    Take the ferry to Siquijor - stay in Siquijor overnight
  5. Zamboanguita
    Visit Malatapay Market on a Wednesday and try their lechon, tuba, and grilled fish
  6. Bais
    Go dolphin watching and swim on the sandbar
  7. Mabinay
    Rappel down Mabinay Caves
  8. Siaton
    Experience Lake Balanan


Onward Destinations After Dumaguete

These are the nearest popular destinations from Dumaguete by boat

  1. Bohol - Bohol is an island northeast Dumaguete. Tourist attractions are Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Monkey, Loboc River Cruise, Beaches of Panglao, whale sharks (recent offering), freediving (recent offering)
  2. Cebu - Cebu City is the usual gateway into the Visayas. But in Cebu Island itself, there are many offerings - Whale Sharks of Oslob, sardine run at Moalboal,Thresher Shark of Malapascua
  3. Dapitan (Zamboanga del Norte) - I haven't been there but a lot of island ferries ply this port. There must be something here.
  4. Plaridel (Misamis Occidental, Mindanao) - I haven't been there but a lot of island ferries ply this port. There must be something here.

Blog

Dumaguete Dumaguete

2023

  • Shopping in Dumaguete July 21-23, 2023
  • Overnight in Dumaguete Feb 5-6, 2023
  • 2017

  • 11 Days in Dumaguete Apr 23-May 4, 2017
  • 2015

  • Revisiting Dumaguete with Tuyen June 5-9, 2015
  • 2012

  • Fun Time in Dumaguete at Harolds Mansion Sep 6-13, 2012
  • Dumaguete Deja Vu August 2-11, 2012
  • Dumaguete 'Must Experience' Article on SideTrip Magazine Jul 1, 2012
  • Goodbye Dumaguete April 25, 2012
  • Not Thinking Big Enough February 11, 2012
  • 2011

  • Radical Honesty November 25, 2011
  • A Quantum Conversation Nov 14, 2011
  • Dumaguete Travel Info, Map and Itinerary Oct 16, 2011
  • Fitting In Oct 9, 2011
  • Water Bucket Riddle Oct 8, 2011
  • Dr. Angel C. Alcala Sep 30, 2011
  • 7th Philippine Bird Festival Sep 23-24, 2011
  • Blood Pressure Guy Sep 5, 2011
  • Truth, Anyone? Sep 1, 2011
  • Painitan Breakfast Aug 6, 2011
  • The Harolds Mansion Experience Jul 31 - Aug 21, 2011
  • Of Motivation and Being Poor Jul 2, 2011
  • Rant About Blogging Jul 1, 2011
  • In Pursuit of a Hit-and-Run Driver Apr 25, 2011
  • Building Wealth from Within Apr 12, 2011
  • DACA Graduation and Casablanca Anniversary Party Apr 8, 2011
  • Silver Surfer Mar 14, 2011
  • In Search of the Weakest Linkk Mar 10, 2011
  • The Lamborghini Benchmark Mar 9, 2011
  • Stovetop Carrot Bread Mar 5, 2011
  • Big and Bold Feb 1, 2011
  • Grilled Pizza on the Weber Grill Jan 31, 2011
  • Kri - Resto Review Jan 28, 2011
  • Turning Point Jan 21, 2011
  • Creative Spark Jan 6, 2011
  • New Year Rain Ride Jan 1, 2011
  • 2010

  • 2010: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2010
  • Wealth Building with a Little Help from my Friends Nov 28, 2010
  • Riding with the Downhill Boyz Nov 23, 2010
  • 7 Months in Negros Oriental - The Aftermath Nov 17, 2010
  • 7 Months in Negros Oriental - Swallowing Hard Nov 14, 2010
  • No Fault Nov 10, 2010
  • The Silent Type Nov 9, 2010
  • Of Money and of Being Broke Nov 1, 2010
  • Aha! Moments Oct 24, 2010
  • You're Smart! Oct 7, 2010
  • Negros Oriental Real Estate Website Sep 28, 2010
  • Back to Yoga Sep 20, 2010
  • Nomadic Existence: A Return to the Default World Sep 19, 2010
  • The Return of the Silver Streak Sep 10, 2010
  • Nomadic Existence: A Rethinking Aug 8, 2010
  • Fun Ride with Rene's Silver Streak Bike Jul 15, 2010
  • At Random TV Interview with Aesha Villanueva Jul 6, 2010
  • Eco Adventure Race 2010, Dumaguete July 3, 2010
  • Night Ride with the ONEbikers Jul 2, 2010
  • Pintados - Body Paint Fashion Show Jun 20, 2010
  • Rene's Chicken Inasal with the QB Stove Jun 6, 2010
  • Life Altering Experiences Jun 1, 2010
  • The Puppy May 27, 2010
  • The Hare-Lipped Baby May 25, 2010
  • Neva's Pizza Apr 28, 2010
  • Dumaguete Apr 12, 2010

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