A recent trip of Siquijor gave me the opportunity to explore "The City of Gentle People" even for just a couple of hours.
I arrived early on the first ferry trip from Siquijor. I dropped my stuff in this ultra cheap backpackers' inn (150 pesos/day!) and then went around the town, mostly around Silliman University, after having breakfast and enjoyed a few of Dumaguete's eye candies.
Dumaguete Belfry
One of the things that caught my attention right away was the Dumaguete Bell Tower across Quezon Park. Its imposing structure easily makes it one of the city's recognizable landmark. Built during the 1700s (Spanish occupation), the belfry is typical of the bell towers build during that period. It doubles as a watchtower to spot incoming pirates and is built like a fortress. Its very similar to the one in Siquijor (see this post).
Silliman Hall
Next I went around the Silliman University grounds. Its the oldest American institution in the Philippines, established in 1901 by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions.
Silliman Hall, with its white walls, is a sight to behold. Its best to photograph this iconic building just after sunrise as its facing the west. I believe it houses a museum now, unfortunately it was closed at the time I was there.
under the cool shade of the acacias
The large acacia trees on the campus grounds offered some cool shade as the day started to heat up.
mini amphitheater
From afar I can see the white facade of the Silliman University Church. It glowed in the early morning sun. With the blue sky and fluffy white clouds, weather was perfect.
The church's founding can be tracked back to the American Presbyterian missionaries arrival to the Philippines in 1899. Today the church stands as the community's heart and soul.
Silliman University Church facade
Soon I dozed off on one of the benches under a large acacia. I'll be heading to the airport in an hour or so, and though there may be more to see, I did not have the luxury of time. But I was glad I was able to "peel off" one layer of Dumaguete.
12 comments:
hi! i'm from dumaguete and glad to know you liked your visit here. btw, the park fronting the Bell tower is Quezon Park. We have a Rizal Park located near the state university along national highway.
the acacia's look wonderful. hopefully you got to at least see the boulevard, another popular landmark in dumaguete.
Thank you for show casing my hometown. These are nice photos that make me so nostalgic!
We moved here last year and I've been enjoying my stay. It's a lovely place---a city with all, well, almost all, the amenities I'd expect of a city, yet with the charm and beauty of a quiet rural barrio.
@Kat, thanks! Corrected the entry. The boulevard was the first place I went around after I arrived from Siquijor.
@Ebie, my pleasure. I hope to spend more time in Dumaquete on my next trip. During the last trip I devoted much of my time in Siquijor
@TPS, its a quaint little city and I was also glad it still has its rustic charm. I'd definitely go back :)
I have relatives there and in Siquijor and my visit each time is made more special due to their hospitality. Beautiful captures. Silliman is so impressive, wish I had gone there for University. :)
Lovely pictures. I wanna go visit Siliman University and of course, Dumaguete.
TPS, hahanapin kita diyan!
@Jenn, Siquijor has some of the nicest people around. Really enjoyed my stay there. Will post more of Siquijor soon
@sheng, you should visit soon :)
Sheng, gora na! Ikutin natin ang city, bilang hindi ko pa rin nagagalugad ang buong lugar. I especially love going to the ukays and flea markets here.
Hi! What is the name of this cheap backpacker's inn? Thanks! :)
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