GLORIA'S FANTASYLAND (INSIDE GLORIA DE DAPITAN, DAPITAN CITY)

          Location: Sunset Boulevard, Dawo, Dapitan City. 12 kilometers away from Dipolog airport, 6 kilometers away from Pulauan seaport and 14 kilometers away from Dipolog City.

          When we first visited Gloria de Dapitan, that was October 2007, Fantasyland was not yet realized, but still there were so many things to do to kill boredom like bowling or playing video game arcades, billiard, and etc. Since October culminates Halloween, it meant trick-or-treat, costume party and live band in Gloria de Dapitan. I'm sorry I was not able to secure photos at that time but the dancing fountain with multicolored lights by the entrance is still present and I assure you that it was pure enjoyment through out the night.

Fantasyland entrance 

          By the year 2011, 20th of May to be exact, we came back to Dapitan solely to visit Fantasyland, the now world class theme park which is at par with Luzon's Enchanted Kingdom and Star City. The place is so inviting because of its aura of fun and enjoyment. Even before going inside you will be attracted by the impressive light effects that made Fantasyland best experienced at night.

    

   Fantasyland from Maria Katrina Ozaraga

slide show

(left to right) my dad, uncle, aunt, and my mom

                             

              

          With sheer luck, on the night that we went there, the theme park organized a parade showcasing different characters in costumes and mascots with gymnastics and fire dancing at its terminal. We asked some of them for pictures and they gladly went off their lines to grant our request...thank you!

The main attractions are:

• 5D Cinema - 100 php
• Horror House - 100 php
• Go Kart - 100 php

But other than those mentioned above,  you can also enjoy the following:

• Old Western Train
• Mini Coaster
• Flying Balls Wheel
• Tea cups
• Telecombat
• Giant Roller Coaster
• Apollo Ride
• Swinger
• Midi Flume
• Wonder Flight
• Horse Carousel
• Bumper Car
• Galleon
• Happy Journey
• Fight Shark
• Ferry's Wheel

I enjoyed the bumper car and giant roller coaster ride the most. :)

          There was also an acrobat show late at night. They said that they perform only during Friday nights, but that was years ago so maybe they already changed their schedule. And speaking of 'schedule', I got you the Gloria's Fantasyland  Park Schedule for 2013:

Rates:

• sight seeing only - 200 php
• ride-all-you-can - 500 php

          * If my memory serves me right, the kid's rate for ride-all-you-can is 250 php and it's NOT with regard with the age but with the height. You see, when we went there my brother's height was measured and since he's quite tall for his age (he was 9 back then), he was to pay for the adult rate...bummer!

          Anyway, the theme park is open from 5:30 in the afternoon until midnight for seven days a week. There are food stalls inside but I would like you to try eating on any restaurant by the bay walk, the sea breeze is very refreshing and you can see the city lights flickering in the horizon. Enjoy and bon voyage!

RIZAL SHRINE (DAPITAN CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE)

Rizal's monument

          This is the prime historical landmark of Dapitan City, and is also significant to the history of the Philippines itself. This is where Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Philippines' national hero, was exiled for 4 years (1892-1896). It is located in Barangay Talisay, approximately 2 kilometers NW from the City Hall.

casa cuadra (Rizal's Guesthouse)

casa redonda (Rizal's Octagonal Clinic)

casa residencia (Rizal's Square House)

casitas de salud (Rizal's Hospital Houses)

Rizal's Chicken House

Rizal's Kitchen

Rizal's Aqueduct

          It was October 2007 when we had our family vacation in Dapitan City. On our first day, we went to see Rizal's Shrine. The area is as vast as 16 hectares surrounded with so many deep-rooted trees that it looked like a mini forest. In the midst of this wooded zone, however, you can find the replica of the houses built in Rizal's time. Sadly, the guide told us not to take pictures in the inner part of the houses...bummer. But that was years ago, and they already changed the rules so you can take as many  photos as you want! (I researched the pictures for you...but i really saw them)

Lover's Rock

          In the glade on the far side of the memorial is the "Lover's Rock" where Rizal and his lady , Josephine Bracken, would sit and watch the sunsets. Across views the ocean and you can seat or have a picnic by the sea wall while you marvel at the panorama...just like we did!

amphitheater

amphitheater

          Going to the Rock you'll pass the 500 seat Amphitheater which is an open-air auditorium built long ago.

the museum

inside of the museum

letter

writings

photos

photos

Code of Ethics

table and board

          The museum showcases bits and pieces of Rizal's past such as his letters, photos, code of ethics, and other thing he used in teaching like his table and board.

          Rizal Shrine mirrors the cleanliness of Dapitan City. Sanitation is well maintained accordingly. If you go to the metropolis you rarely find garbage littering in the street and the place is so peaceful. Enjoy and bon voyage!

HOYOHOY HIGHLAND STONE CHAPEL ADVENTURE PARK (TANGUB CITY, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL)

          Established in this lofty peak is the longest and highest zip line in Southeast Asia. Being 850 meters above sea level, the mountain hosts the 1250m long and 500m high zip line which is enjoyed by many visitors  each year.

          Going there is easy, that is if you have your own car. but if you don't, you can always hire a van from Ozamis City or take a PUB/PUJ to Tangub and ride on a 'habal-habal' going to Hoyohoy. That would be a one way trip though so better rent a car or a van to take you back and forth the park. 80% of the zigzag ride is not bumpy at all, if you think it is, for the road is well cemented.

          We stopped on the road when we were halfway there to watch the lowlands covered with a thick layer of undergrowth and hardwood trees. By that time our ears were already air-locked due to the high pressure given that we are on a much elevated area.

          Here are some photos that we took during our stop. The first is me solo, and the second one is with my siblings. WE idled here much longer than we should that it took us more than half an hour to get to our destination...but no regrets! It's worth the while J

          And here we are! This would be the Stone Chapel which is one of the main attraction of the park.

slide show

by the hill side

inside the inn

          These pictures were taken from different parts of the park. Occasionally, prenuptial photo shoots are organized here and we were fortunate to witness one when we were there. The vicinity itself is so amazing that everywhere you go you can't get enough of it!

          They also have a function room and a hostel with an adjacent restaurant that offers meals and snacks. It's a little expensive but the food is good. The area has WiFi which makes it all better :)

Activities:

• Zip line - 600 php (with plaque recognizing that you have conquered the longest and highest zip-line in                                Southeast Asia and a detour of horseback or buggy ride)
• Horseback riding - 100 php per hour
• Buggy ride - 300 php

          Unfortunately, when we decided to ride the zip line, dull grey clouds accumulated in the sky and for what seem like seconds the beautiful scenery was covered with mist and heavy rain fell in an instant. We took shelter in the shed where the buggy cars parked and there the tourist guide told us that the sudden change in the weather is NOT unusual when it's near dusk, so if ever you plan to go there don't be afraid that you will stay for the night because most often than not, the downpour will cease after an hour or so. Just remember not to travel when the fog still hovers.

          During the rain we enjoyed singing along with some tourist in the videoke area, in that way 'twas never boring waiting for the rain to stop. Enjoy and bon voyage!

Précis

           The second largest of the three major islands of the Philippines, Mindanao is home of many tourist's spots and breathtaking attractions. The island enjoyed the reputation as “The Land of Promise” due to its luxurious fertile lands, captivating wonders and diverse natural resources. It lies in the southernmost part of the country with coordinates 8°00′N 125°00′E/8°N 125°E. The island is 500 km (300 mi) long and very irregular in shape. It only has two climate seasons: wet and dry. No winter, but the cold season will suffice. Summer renders the best days for vacation, i.e March to May, in either lowlands or highlands.

            Since Philippines is a gifted archipelago, one can always enjoy island hopping within the area anytime of the year and experience the different adventures that a tropical region could bestow. The islands are mountainous in nature and are covered with varieties of teak, ironwood, cypress, ebony among others. Nature loving and adventure seeking individuals sure can take the advantage of trekking and mountain climbing for the loftiest mountains in the Philippines are also found in Mindanao.

          To sum it all up, Mindanao is blessed with so many wonders that is here to stay and for you to explore! Enjoy and bon voyage!