Peaceful, Progressive, Environment-Friendly, and God-Loving Society - DALAGUETE
Sunday 4 August 2013
Unique Delicacies
BANANA MEAT
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TOSTADO
Sweet and toasty golden-brown cookies shaped like the moon, stars and flowers are some of our popular tasty treats. Handed down by custom and tradition, these cookies can be traced back to Spanish heritage. The tostado is a cookie with ornate designs and baked until golden brown. Taste, form and quality vary in every household.
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In Dalaguete, deep-fried bananas (ripe cardava variety), immaculately stuffed with prime ground meat would seemingly grow on trees every fiesta. These potassium rich bananas have amazed many famished eaters and undaunted visitors. At first sight it looks just like your ordinary “pritong saging”. At first bite, it’s a culinary wonder: soft, sweet and juicy outside, meaty and spicy inside. Appetizer, main dish or dessert, the Banana Meat can be found in every table during fiesta – only in Dalaguete. It’s so easy to prepare and it has become a mainstay in many households on fiestas, holidays and special occasion buffets. It has become as much a tradition as the lechon. It’s not for vegetarians but it’s the ultimate banana experience one can never have enough of!!
BIBINGKA
So delectably lip-smacking good, our bibingka is unique from all other bibingkas elsewhere. Made even juicier and with just the right sweetness, one would often wonder and marvel if these rice cakes are baked in heaven. These are made of ground glutinous rice baked to perfection in unconventional ovens called “hudnohan” heated by red burning coals and glowing embers. Green banana leaves are used as drapes to keep it from sticking on the pans, enhancing a richer flavor and texture. What makes our bibingka is the thick, sweet sauce or latik, which is made of pure coconut milk and brown sugar. Hot latik poured lavishly on steaming freshly baked bibingkas are delightful for snacks or dessert. Available fresh and syrupy all year round at P5.00 a piece.
TORTA
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Call this the Queen of the Bring-house phenomenon. It has the shape of a crown and dusted with the white sugar crystals which glitter like tiny diamonds. There are differing traditions and recipes of the majestic Torta. The Dalaguete Torta distinguishes itself from all other tortas in its yolk to oil ratio content; that’s what makes it Dalagitnon. Guarded family recipes require the best eggs from free-range native chickens and pure home-produced pork oil. The ultimate torta has loads of yolk and oil per square millimeter making it the cholesterolic climax of pastries. Goes superbly with coffee, “tsokolate” or cola. Ideal for bring-house, pasalubong or giveaways, the torta has always been pinned for, here and abroad. It can remain soft, good and sugary for 5 to 6 days and would surely pass strict airport regulations.
Sweet and toasty golden-brown cookies shaped like the moon, stars and flowers are some of our popular tasty treats. Handed down by custom and tradition, these cookies can be traced back to Spanish heritage. The tostado is a cookie with ornate designs and baked until golden brown. Taste, form and quality vary in every household.Celebrating Festivity
Utanon Fesival
Utanon Festival is a festival of music and dance featuring our high value crops and vegetables as a major form of trade, its contribution to the local economy, its role in cultural diversity and its significance as an industry representative of Dalaguetnons as a people. The festival shall focus on the concept of the people’s cultural practices of religious worship as thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. It shall become a marketing tool for the promotion of our vegetable industry and gives emphasis that vegetable farming is a sustainable source of livelihood. These economic components shall be coupled with our reputation as a town of music and world class musicians featuring our cultural heritage. This will be held during the Annual celebration of our Patron Saint San Guillermo de Aquitania on February.
Banikanhon Festival
In celebration of the 60th Annual Fiesta of the Santa Monica Parish this coming May 3-4, 2012 and in reminiscence to the uncomplicated yet fulfilling rural life and countryside living, Barangay Cawayan will again play host to the 3rd Banikanhon Festival 2012, come May 3, 2012, Thursday, at the Cawayan Multi-Purpose Center.
Prior to this, eight lovely candidates, one from each of the eight barangays that comprises the parish, together with their contingents, will sing and dance their way on the streets at 1:00 PM, in their showcase of thanksgiving to the Almighty’s blessings through the intercession of Sta. Monica, mother of the prodigal son turned Doctor of the Roman Catholic Church, St. Augustine of Hippo.
Singer-actor and Pinoy Dream Academy Season 1 First Runner-up winner, Jay-R Siaboc, will lead a cast of Manila-based guest entertainers in the Search for the Banikanhon Festival Queen 2012, scheduled to start at 8:00 PM later in the night. The Jess Villahermosa-sponsored guest stars also include Bb. Pilipinas World 2010 Czarina Catherine Gatbonton; TV host, song performer, comedian, and impersonator Boy Abundat; radio, events, and TV host Tikoy Chiu; and singer, artist, and impersonator Chaross Pempengco.
Nightly entertainments are scheduled at the Cawayan Multi-Purpose Center which started last April 24 and will culminate with a coronation of the “Queen of 60 Years Old” on May 4, 2012.
Kite Festival
Summer season has just begun and as it is known to be the time of kite enthusiasts to take some hours of relaxation while watching at their personally-made or commercially-owned colorful kites under the heat of the sun, Barangay Casay has allocated, since 2005, a day to gather these kite aficionados.
In cooperation with the Municipal Government of Dalaguete, Barangay Casay will be having its 8th Kite Festival this April 15, 2012 at Casay Airstrip featuring the Search for Festival Queen 2012 in its debut staging.
Colorful and artistic display of kites will once again beautify the sky to amaze spectators that will take part of the visual feast. The annual event had attracted out-of-town participants every year. So far, 14 participants coming from Cebu City, Talisay City, Carcar City, Argao, and Casay have confirmed their participation and the number which is limited to only 25 entries is expected to rise as registration is still on-going.
A number of activities are fully lined-up for the one-day affair. A motorcade will formally start the festival at 8:00 AM from Casay to Poblacion then back to the airstrip where an opening program will be done starting at 10:00 AM. While organizers, sponsors, participants, and spectators have their lunch at 12:00 noon, there will be a live performance that will feature J.R.I. Band from Mandaue City, a band owned by a foreigner who is, at the same time, the lead vocalist and the husband of a Casaynon.
At 1:00 PM, the Kite-Flying Contest will kick off at the spacious area of Casay Airstrip, the former private airstrip of once world-renowned Argao Beach Club. It will then be followed by the debuting “Search for Kite Festival Queen 2012” wherein gowns to be worn by five contestants will be made of indigenous and recycled materials.
There will also be a photo contest participated exclusively for Casay local amateur photographers.
A coronation of “Kitefest Buddy” will be staged at 9:00 PM at the Casay National High School followed with a disco.
Faith of Dalaguetenons!
San Guillermo de Aquitana Church
The historic church of Dalaguete, San Guillermo de Aquitana, sits in the heart of the town facing the sea. I’ve read about how bad the raids were during the Spanish era. Villages being looted, villagers being kidnapped, houses and churches being burned down to the ground. But for the most part, this didn’t stopped the missionaries building their churches and convents close to the coast, as if defiantly to say, “We’re in this for the long haul”.
But there were instances when they had to transfer location after recurring attacks, like in Carcar, where they decided to the church to Vallodolid. There’s a reason why these churches attempts to stay where they are. The concentration of the population typically exist near the coast, so the missions had to build near them, where the people are, and these union between church and man became the towns we know today.
The church of San Guillermo de Aquitana is unique for it is actually inside a fortress complex, made of thick adobe walls and solid militaristic sentries. Intended to deter pirate attacks, the major threat for the growing Christian population then. The complex share similarities to that of Argao. It is indeed a very important heritage site for it demonstrates true Filipino Spanish architecture and design (some objects like the crystal chandeliers were said to have been brought by the galleons) and how our Christian faith and traditions began and how it was defended, not by Spain and its missionaries alone but by the Christianized natives.
Santa Monica Parish Church
Thus said Conchita Cabucol, a member of the Santa Monica Cawayan Parish Council in Dalaguete town, after they found some of their missing religious artifacts among those which had been recovered from the house of an antique dealer.
Barangay Cawayan, about seven kilometers away from the town proper, will celebrate its annual fiesta this weekend in honor of Santa Monica.
Last Oct. 14, the Santa Monica parish church was burglarized and the images of the Virgin Mary, Baby Jesus of Mount Carmel and San Jose, the head of the Nazarene, the hands of the Virgen Dolorosa and their patron saint were among those stolen.
All the lost items have been with the church since 1950 when it was yet a chapel.
Cabucol said prominent families in Dalaguete such as the Dicdicans and the Carins donated the artifacts.
Since the burglary, Cabucol said they had been holding vigils everyday, praying for the return of their artifacts.
When Cabucol, along with another church worker, arrived at the office of the intelligence section of the Cebu police last Monday, she was pretty sure she had already found the image of the Virgin Mary from among the 158 icons lined up before her.
HISTORY of DALAGUETE
THE DALAKIT TREE - ORIGIN OF THE NAME
DALAGUETE
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The dalaket (Ficus benjamina linn) tree is the foundation of the origin and name of Dalaguete. In ancient times, before the coming of the Spaniards, these trees have been used by people as major landmarks. People gathered under its encompassing shades and conduct social and economic activities such us festivities, contest, trading meetings and other community gatherings. They establish market places under the shades of the dalaket where they sell their products and conduct trade with local roving traders bringing in Chinese and Asiatic goods from the port of Cebu.
The place where the church or the poblacion were laid have been the site of a communal gathering area for the natives. It was also the abode of
a huge dalakit tree which provide shade and shelter while people conduct their activeities. “Adto ta mag-abot sa dalakit.” “Adto ta magtigom-tigom sa dalakit” [Let us meet at the dalakit]. These and other popular phrases have the common practice of our ancestors when coming up with an agreement to meet or conduct an activity specifically at the site where the dalakit is situated. For several generations in pre-hispanic
Dalaguete, the area have always been unofficially called as dalakit. Its accessibility and its reputation as a communal area for community gathering have prompted the leaders Spanish authorities to construct the church and eventually establish the area as part of an encomienda. From this common ground, and from this tree, begun the conception of a larger town which later come to be known as Dalaguete.
a huge dalakit tree which provide shade and shelter while people conduct their activeities. “Adto ta mag-abot sa dalakit.” “Adto ta magtigom-tigom sa dalakit” [Let us meet at the dalakit]. These and other popular phrases have the common practice of our ancestors when coming up with an agreement to meet or conduct an activity specifically at the site where the dalakit is situated. For several generations in pre-hispanic
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Dalaguete, the area have always been unofficially called as dalakit. Its accessibility and its reputation as a communal area for community gathering have prompted the leaders Spanish authorities to construct the church and eventually establish the area as part of an encomienda. From this common ground, and from this tree, begun the conception of a larger town which later come to be known as Dalaguete.
Language experts know that in Spanish, the letter “G” is often pronounce “K” so that the word dalakit is in fact spelled out by them as dalaguet. There is no “K” in the Spanish language. The nearest other spelling would have been “Dalaquet”, with a “q” instead of a “g” which, when written by hand in those early days, would also have been interchanged. Whatever the case, thus was born christened the town of Dalaguete.
Feel the moment with fresh air, water, and springs !
OBONG SPRING
The Obong Spring is a fresh water spring which emanates near the beach. Because of steady outpour of water, a pool of freshwater meets the sea especially when the tide is high and the water become brackish. So, that’s the explanation behind such mystery.
The spring is located in Dalaguete, Cebu. From Cebu City, you still have to pass scenic towns that is worthy of visit like Argao, Carcar, San Fernando, Naga, Minglanilla and Talisay. Obong Spring rests in the southernmost or the last barangay before reaching Alcoy. Obong Spring signboard can be seen before the sign, Alcoy Ahead.
The spring is in the humble municipality of Dalaguete, where Dalakit trees are found. One local legend narrates how the town got its name. Accordingly, Spaniard soldiers passed the place where a woman took her bath. The visitors asked the name of the place. The woman got the wrong idea, thinking they were asking the name of the tree where Spaniards were standing, she answered “Dalakit” and eventually recorded as “Dalaguete.
Amazing enough, the big and almost a century-old dalakit tree is still remained standing near the Obong Spring. Other small springs gush forth from other dalakit trees. Its waters are naturally cold and refreshing. It is one of the best getaways during summer where the heat of the sun is excruciating.
The locals named the place as “Tubigan”. Unlike other resorts where the spring waters are accumulated and turned into a pool, this one is a natural pool. Dressing rooms are erected and lifeguards are on strict vigilance. Cottages are also available.
Dakung Bato
The most anticipated date of our team, September 11, 2012 was the last team building for this year. We booked a room in Dakong Bato at Dalaguete, Cebu months before the event. We had tight budget so we had lists of our expenses. After our night shift duty, we traveled approximately 2 hours from Cebu City to Dakong Bato via Aircon Bus for P105. We went to the reception area upon arrival to settle the payments. Room for 8 occupancy is P4,500 and additional P250 per person for exceeding the specified occupancy. You might think that the charges were unbelievably high, I had a second thought after knowing the charges. Once you’re in the resort, you’ll forget the cost. It felt like you own a private resort with an amazing ambiance. I’ll explain this further with Pictures of place.
Actually, there were 4 Double Deck Beds and 2 master bed but since we were too many, we had to pay extra for the others to be accommodated. The rest of us slept in the second floor. The room is equip of Air-conditioner, ceiling fan, bath room with hot and cold shower, telephone and Television set.
Right after our arrival, everyone went swimming. We were the only guest that time so it feels like we own the whole resort. We did so many slides and exhibitions since most of us were frustrated gymnast. The depth of the pool is 5 feet. So, for those frustrated swimmers like ME, you don’t have to worry.
How to get there:
Get a bus from South Bus Terminal going to Dalaguete. Bus is available every 15 minutes.TIPS:
If you’re planning to go there, make sure you have enough money because it’s not affordable there. They also offer day use of swimming pool and beach for P100 entrance fee.
Just Inn
Located at Barangay Balud just a few kilometers south of Barangay Poblacion, Dalaguete, Cebu is JUST-INN COTTAGES. Made of clusters of native-style cottages, it offers a cozy ambience for travelers and families who long for homegrown comfort and gastronomic delight.
Located at the near center beside the restaurant/bar is the much visited swimming pool which provides an alternative venue for a safer and water fun in the day and a romantic rendezvous for couples at night longing for an overnight dip. Just Inn is a small, private cottage style resort located in the lovely town of Dalaguete, Cebu in the Philippines. If you are seeking a unique, authentic experience, you should consider visiting us and staying in one of our cottages. We have six of them within a gated community. Our resort also includes a well-maintained poll and a restaurant that serves the best in local cuisine.
Our rooms rent for 600php per night. They include air-conditioning, toilet and warm water shower. It is the best value in town!
This is family-owned business lovingly managed and maintained. Our grounds are manicured with local plants and trees in a quiet corner just off the main road. This is a very safe and friendly location. And if you are coming here and need guidance on what to do and where to go, we can provide you with the connections to all of the sites and resources of our lovely town. Dalaguete has dive shops, markets, shopping, natural spring-fed lagoons and lots of other historic sites.
Cottages - Our cottages are quaint and very comfortable. They include air-conditioning, full bath and televisions. There is a separate sitting area and a small outdoor porch. Rental charge is just 600php per day.
The Restaurant - Local and international cuisine is available at our on-site restaurant. Try one of our fresh, homemade mango Shakes!
The Pool - We have a well-maintained, clean, cool, chlorinated swimming pool for your enjoyment and relaxation available to guests 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Dalaguete Beach Club
Dalaguete Beach Club
Brgy. Casay - A truly developed public beach, Dalaguete Public Beach has been the favorite among the locals due to its excellent sandy palm-fringed shoreline and clean waters. With no entrance fee, locals and other out-of-towners frequent the place especially during weekends. The beach is usually overcrowded during Sundays.
Actually, there were 4 Double Deck Beds and 2 master bed but since we were too many, we had to pay extra for the others to be accommodated. The rest of us slept in the second floor. The room is equip of Air-conditioner, ceiling fan, bath room with hot and cold shower, telephone and Television set.
Right after our arrival, everyone went swimming. We were the only guest that time so it feels like we own the whole resort. We did so many slides and exhibitions since most of us were frustrated gymnast. The depth of the pool is 5 feet. So, for those frustrated swimmers like ME, you don’t have to worry.
How to get there:
Get a bus from South Bus Terminal going to Dalaguete. Bus is available every 15 minutes.TIPS:
If you’re planning to go there, make sure you have enough money because it’s not affordable there. They also offer day use of swimming pool and beach for P100 entrance fee.
Just Inn
Located at Barangay Balud just a few kilometers south of Barangay Poblacion, Dalaguete, Cebu is JUST-INN COTTAGES. Made of clusters of native-style cottages, it offers a cozy ambience for travelers and families who long for homegrown comfort and gastronomic delight.
Located at the near center beside the restaurant/bar is the much visited swimming pool which provides an alternative venue for a safer and water fun in the day and a romantic rendezvous for couples at night longing for an overnight dip. Just Inn is a small, private cottage style resort located in the lovely town of Dalaguete, Cebu in the Philippines. If you are seeking a unique, authentic experience, you should consider visiting us and staying in one of our cottages. We have six of them within a gated community. Our resort also includes a well-maintained poll and a restaurant that serves the best in local cuisine.
Our rooms rent for 600php per night. They include air-conditioning, toilet and warm water shower. It is the best value in town!
This is family-owned business lovingly managed and maintained. Our grounds are manicured with local plants and trees in a quiet corner just off the main road. This is a very safe and friendly location. And if you are coming here and need guidance on what to do and where to go, we can provide you with the connections to all of the sites and resources of our lovely town. Dalaguete has dive shops, markets, shopping, natural spring-fed lagoons and lots of other historic sites.
Located at Barangay Balud just a few kilometers south of Barangay Poblacion, Dalaguete, Cebu is JUST-INN COTTAGES. Made of clusters of native-style cottages, it offers a cozy ambience for travelers and families who long for homegrown comfort and gastronomic delight.
Located at the near center beside the restaurant/bar is the much visited swimming pool which provides an alternative venue for a safer and water fun in the day and a romantic rendezvous for couples at night longing for an overnight dip. Just Inn is a small, private cottage style resort located in the lovely town of Dalaguete, Cebu in the Philippines. If you are seeking a unique, authentic experience, you should consider visiting us and staying in one of our cottages. We have six of them within a gated community. Our resort also includes a well-maintained poll and a restaurant that serves the best in local cuisine.
Our rooms rent for 600php per night. They include air-conditioning, toilet and warm water shower. It is the best value in town!
This is family-owned business lovingly managed and maintained. Our grounds are manicured with local plants and trees in a quiet corner just off the main road. This is a very safe and friendly location. And if you are coming here and need guidance on what to do and where to go, we can provide you with the connections to all of the sites and resources of our lovely town. Dalaguete has dive shops, markets, shopping, natural spring-fed lagoons and lots of other historic sites.
Cottages - Our cottages are quaint and very comfortable. They include air-conditioning, full bath and televisions. There is a separate sitting area and a small outdoor porch. Rental charge is just 600php per day.
The Restaurant - Local and international cuisine is available at our on-site restaurant. Try one of our fresh, homemade mango Shakes!
The Pool - We have a well-maintained, clean, cool, chlorinated swimming pool for your enjoyment and relaxation available to guests 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Dalaguete Beach Club
Dalaguete Beach Club
Brgy. Casay - A truly developed public beach, Dalaguete Public Beach has been the favorite among the locals due to its excellent sandy palm-fringed shoreline and clean waters. With no entrance fee, locals and other out-of-towners frequent the place especially during weekends. The beach is usually overcrowded during Sundays.
Peaks here!
Osmena Peak
Bandera Peak
Kulabyaw Cave
Rock Formation
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Osmena Peak is uniquely different from any other mountain peaks in the Philippines. Multiple jagged hills, or quite simply known as the Mantalungon range, are grouped together overlooking and stretching as far as the Badian shorelines. Visually, it's similarly formed like the Chocolate hills of Bohol, but are thinner and sharper pointed peaks. Unlike the Famous Chocolate hills, the peaks are grouped almost near each other and are obviously formed from rocks that have survived through time. One of the highest jagged yet almost perfectly formed hill was named Osmena Peak in honor of the famous political Clan in Cebu. One can trek across the mountain ranges to get to Badian, practically cutting across the island of Cebu westward.
Bandera Peak
Brgy. Dumalan - Protected by the Dalaguete Bantay Lasang, Bandera Peak is dotted with lush tropical foliage and a variety of ferns, orchids, and shrubs. Experience a “Mt. Everest-like-sensation” from the months of September to January as the peak is most often covered with thick fog. The rest of the months offer an unhampered visibility. Temperature range from 26 to 33 degrees in summer and 20 to 25 degrees in rainy seasons.
Kulabyaw Cave
Brgy. Mantalongon - Before reaching Osmeña Peak, the highest peak among the Mantalongon range, trekkers pass through a cave where it is famous for its thousands of bats and other nocturnal denizens flying in and out of the cave. That's why it is called Kulabyaw Cave.
Rock Formation
Lugsangan,Brgy. Tabon, - Nature's petrified beauty at its finest, the Rock Formation along the road leading to Sitio Lugsangan in Barangay Tabon, is reminiscent of the Middle Earth scenes from the Lord of the Rings saga.
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