Dumaguete Philippines

Buying a Motorcycle in the Philippines Revisited

2010-11-20T22:21:00.000-08:00

Since I first arrived in the Philippines I have owned 4 motorcycles. All of these have been the inexpensive Chinese "clones" of popular Honda models. My experience has been good with these bikes, but there are some words of caution and some caveats when buying one of these bikes. I also know a bit about the name brand bikes here and can pass along some helpful info if you decide to go that route

Alive and well

2010-10-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time between posts lately, but yes I am alive and well... just very busy with work. I have been teaching English on Assignment in Cebu. What started as a part time job, evolved into being named head teacher and academic assistant at a school in Cebu. I still have my heart in Dumaguete and have visited several times over the last year, I do hope to return soon. In the meantime,

Philippines' Badjao Sea Gypsies

2009-08-04T05:03:00.000-07:00

The Badjao, often only known to tourists as street beggars, have much more to their substance and history than that. Honestly I was one who thought the Badjao were only the dark skinned beggars seen on the streets of Dumaguete, probably the disdain for them stems from prejudice and misunderstanding, still, we should understand that there is more to their story, even as we dislike what they have

Dumaguete makes ties with Korea

2009-07-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

THE City Government of Dumaguete signed a sisterhood agreement with the city of Yeongdong-gun in the Republic of Korea for the enhancement of understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two regions.Mayor Agustin Perdices, in the presence of city officials, recently signed the agreement following a lengthy deliberation by the Municipal Council before the latter gave the local chief

Siquijor Island

2009-07-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

Siquijor, was established in 1783 under the administration of secular clergymen. In the years that followed until 1877, the parishes of Larena (Cano-an), Lazi,Siquijor, (Tigbawan), Siquijor, San Juan (Makalipay), and Maria (Cangmeniac) were founded by priests of the Augustinian. Siquijor has a reputation for being and island of Black magic and mystery. Even today witch doctors or shaman

Tanjay, Peaceful, Friendly City

2009-06-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

I made the drive from Dumaguete to Tanjay last Friday. It was a holiday, so the traffic was not so terrible. I was able to complete the drive in less than an hour. Considering the ongoing road repair, this was not bad.I have always liked Tanjay, it is clean, and it has just enough amenities to make it attractive to me as a potential residence. Tanjay is what Dumaguete was 15 years ago. If

Roads, What Roads?

2009-06-07T02:09:00.000-07:00

So why is it that all the roads leading to and from Dumaguete are utterly destroyed and ripped up for simultaneous construction? In some cases, perfectly good road ripped up and replaced.What logic is there in isolating Dumaguete from the outside world? Maybe it is to defend us from Terrorists, or maybe criminals, but wait, the criminals are already here, stuck in the city with us. That's not

Safety in the Philippines

2009-05-30T22:18:00.000-07:00

Safety in the Philippines is a topic that often comes up on forums and web sites regarding Philippine life. It is a difficult topic to talk about completely objectively as every person has to decide for him or herself what constitutes reasonable safety. Quite honestly unless you have actually been victimized by crime, safety is a state of mind, a feeling.A problem can arise when your state of

Casaroro Falls in Valencia

2009-05-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

Casaroro Falls in Valencia is only 10 kilometers from Dumaguete. Visitors to Dumaguete often trek to this tourist spot to sample the mountain adventures available in Negros. An hour’s jeepney ride will easily take visitors to this spot. A private van hired for a trip to this tourist spot near Dunaguete is about 1000 pesos ($20.00).Casaroro Falls is hidden deep in the crevices of the rough

Summer In Dumaguete

2009-05-17T01:46:00.000-07:00

Summer in Dumaguete means going to the beach, driving or riding into the mountains to find a remote water fall or grotto, or simply relaxing at a cafe or music venue on a balmy summer evening. Being a college town, the students set the tone, (those who do not go back to their province).Silliman beach is a favorite free beach popular among the locals, It is no frills, but offers a taste of the

Dauin Diving Paradise

2009-05-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

Dauin is a low-profile tourist destination where scenic spots abound but has a sheltered laid back ambiance. This picturesque town near Dumaguete reveals a unique and mostly uncharted sea underworld as well as many virgin dive sites. Dauin is a diver's paradise.A small and quiet place where big treasures are hidden underwater---this is what Dauin is to most tourists who have gone to Dumaguete,

Discovering Dumaguete 5

2009-04-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

Living in Dumaguete is especially good if you enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Dumaguete itself has some charm, but it is a typical small Philippine municipality. It does have several major universities, including Silliman University. The city's ambiance and tranquil, moderate way of life make it conducive to learning and intellectual pursuits. Dumaguete has become a melting pot of students,

Bahura Resort

2009-04-22T03:09:00.000-07:00

Bahura Resort and Spa is a first class 5 star beach resort located in Dauin near Dumaguete City. Bahura Resort and Spa offers accommodations and many other services such as diving and eco tourism, as well as adventure tourism in the nearby mountains.Bahura Resort and Spa is a 5 hectare plot situated in the middle of a ocean side coconut plantation. The resort is designed to be a tropical self

Dumaguete Belfry Tower

2009-04-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

The bell tower of St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral was constructed in 1811. It's purpose was to inform local citizens of daily mass schedules. It also served as a watchtower for forthcoming attacks by Moro pirates coming from Mindanao.The Dumaguete Belfry was restored in 1985 and has since become a popular landmark. A garden now surrounds the tower and a grotto of the Virgin Mary stands

Dumaguete Sex Workers Numbers Increase

2009-04-15T15:39:00.002-07:00

Sex workers in Dumaguete, Sibulan up due to povertyfrom The Sun Star DumagueteBy Victor L. CamionPOVERTY is the main factor of a rapid increase of commercial sex workers in the city of Dumaguete and in the town of Sibulan, a top official of the Silliman University Medical Center (SUMC) extension program disclosed. Dr. Fe Wale, in-charge of Marina Clinic, said there are at least 300 sex workers in

Bais Whale Watching

2009-04-08T22:26:00.000-07:00

Bais City is known for its proximity to a protected marine sanctuary in the Tañon Strait. Dense Mangrove forrests line Bais Bay. This is a natural feeding ground for cetaceans. Dolphins especially like the Mangrove forests growing into the bay to cruise for food. From the Capiñahan Wharf in the South Bay, several boats head out to the Bais Bay and into the Tañon Strait where the dolphins frolic

Discovering Dumaguete 4

2009-03-06T18:18:00.000-08:00

It has been said that the newness of a distant land creates in us a spirit of adventure, instilling a sense of discovery and renewal. As I traveled around the Philippines I was always excited to see new cities, meet interesting people, and expand my horizons by visiting mountain villages and remote scenic destinations. Now having been here for over three years, those first impressions are dear

Discovering Dumaguete 3

2009-01-31T19:40:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in the end of my last post, the Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete is "Expat Central" in the region. All tourists gravitate there for the obvious reasons of ambiance, restaurants, dive shops, banks, and cafes. By day the boulevard is a busy and attractive street lined with Coco palms giant Acacia trees. From Rizal BoulevardThe boulevard is a haven for walkers and tourists who want to

New Look!

2009-01-31T19:15:00.001-08:00

I have decided to give this Blog a new look. several things prompted me to do this. First, the links and titles of some of my news feeds were difficult to read, and secondly, its just time to try on a new face. I hope you find the changes pleasing. Updates will begin to increase as I settle in to a routine in my new place.Enjoy!

Discovering Dumaguete 2

2008-10-17T23:39:00.000-07:00

The jeepney ride from Sibulan was typical. Crowded full of local Negros folks, and me a tall out of place foreigner. I was soon put at ease. several passengers helped me with my luggage, and with the info on the proper fare to pay. As we approached Dumaguete, I strained to look out the narrow side windows of the van. I could see very little as we jostled along the National highway, but did notice

Discovering Dumaguete

2008-10-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

The first time I heard the name Dumaguete, I was sitting at a seaside cafe in Moal Boal. A divers resort, Moal Boal and nearby Panagsama Beach lie on the south western coast of Cebu Province.As I dreamily contemplated the looming mist shrouded mountains of Negros Oriental, I ask a waitress what that place was over there, pointing across the Tanon Straight. She replied "That's Negros, and it's my

Who is Visiting Dumaguete?

2008-08-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

I pulled this interesting statistic from a local news article. It shows quite clearly the trend in tourism and visitors to Dumaguete. A 13% increase in visitors from other countries with Koreans leading 3:1 over Americans, the next highest number of foreign nationals. "Negros Oriental Alien Control Officer Peter Bueno disclosed that his office collected P13,826,110 (US$307,797) in 2007, almost 14

Dumaguete to Cebu City by Motorcycle

2008-08-02T22:21:00.000-07:00

I often go to Cebu City for various reasons. Sometimes a visa run, other times shopping or other business. This time tired of riding ferries or Ceres Liners, I decided to ride my motorcycle. I figured I could shave at least a half hour from the trip if I got lucky with the ferry connection to Bato from Tampi.I actually left from Siaton not Dumaguete, so my trip was lengthened by 40 minutes. I

Visiting Siaton

2008-07-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

Since family ties are so important here in the Philippines, we have occasion to visit Siaton somewhat frequently. Siaton is a very small town at the tip of Oriental Negros. Traveling south from Dumaguete, it is about a hours drive if you go slowly. If you are a dare devil motorcycle rider(I am not) the trip can be done in 40 minutes.The first thing that strikes you about Siaton are the bountiful

Staying Safe in Dumaguete

2008-06-25T23:10:00.000-07:00

People often ask, "How safe is Dumaguete for foreigners?" This of course is a somewhat loaded question. To be safe, secure in ones home, or safe to act as one might in their own country. Safety is a state of mind regardless of where you are.Of course certain realities exist and will intervene no matter where you live. Dumaguete is a growing small provincial capital. With growth comes an influx of