Located in the Negros Oriental province of the Philippines, Dumaguete is home to several universities and colleges in the southern part of the country, earning the city the title “university town.” Dumaguete is also the largest city in the province.
The city draws tourists and students alike. No wonder one of the top attractions in the city is an educational institution, the Protestant-founded Silliman University.
The university was established in August 1901 by American missionaries belonging to the Presbyterian Church, led by Dr. Horace B. Silliman, from whom the university got its name. It was Dr. Silliman who funded the building of the institution.
Other universities in the area include the Foundation University, Negros Oriental State University and St. Paul Dumaguete, one of the many schools run by the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres in the Philippines.
Known as the Silliman Institute until 1938, Silliman University has the distinction of being the first Protestant school in this predominantly Catholic country, and the oldest American university in Asia.
Silliman is famed not only for its history, but for its academic excellence as well. It offers a wide range of courses, from engineering to law to nursing. It also has education in music, fine arts and business administration courses, among others. There is a Graduate School as well.
The school prides itself on its science courses, particularly on marine biology and agriculture. The university is supported by the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia and is recognized as one of the Centers of Excellence by the country’s Commission on Higher Education.
Former Philippine president Carlos P. Garcia, who led the country from 1957 to 1961, was an alumnus of the university. Garcia was a lawyer and teacher before entering politics in 1926 as a congressman. He also became a governor, a senator and vice-president before his presidency.
Silliman University is also one of the biggest universities in the Philippines, currently resting on a 610,000 square meter land area—a far cry from its humble beginnings. It started out as an elementary school with less than twenty students and basic school facilities. At present, each college has its own building. The campus also has sporting facilities like an Olympic-size swimming pool, football field, archery range and tennis court. It also boasts of a three-storey library that was built in 1978, which is considered as one of the biggest libraries in the country.
A solid testament of the university's status as one of the main tourist attractions of Dumaguete City is its power to draw large crowds in its annual Founder's Day celebration every August 28. Dumaguete locals and even outsiders take part in the week-long celebrations in the campus grounds.
Truly, it is simply hard to think of Dumaguete City without having Silliman university in mind as well.
There are so many wonderful things about Palawan. It would not be called an island paradise for nothing, right? Well, Palawan is truly a vacation haven with many must-see sights and must-do activities in store. A favorite activity in Palawan for local and foreign tourists alike is eating out. Why, Palawan restaurants have so much to offer. Aside from good food, there are the spectacular views of the beach front and the fresh breeze ambience.
There are lots of Palawan restaurants to choose from. All you need to do is to establish your craving and find that one restaurant that define what you want to eat.
Ka Lui’s – This is located very near the Puerto Princesa airport and a lot of people who have been to Palawan think it is senseless to go on an exploration of the province without stopping over this food hub first. The sisig is a must-try as well as the Tuna Cordon Bleu. Ka Lui’s showcases unique recipes that you’d love to savor any mealtime. [Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; (6348) 433 2580]
Vietville Restaurant – This offers Vietnamese and French cuisine ate their finest. You would love the Kimchi and the French bred served with other recipes cooked just right to satisfy your cravings. People coming out of Vietville just love to be filled in. [nitchie530@yahoo.com; Bgy Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; (639)27 364 4399]
Tribu Café – If you like continental flavors, this is the place to go. Aside from the elaborate menu, Tribu Café also boasts of a stunning outdoor view that you would toi be accompanied with while having your delectable breakfast. Tribu also offers eat-all-you-can eggs. [Malvar Street Puerto Princesa City, Palawan]
Cafe Arturo – Seafood is a common food fare in this café. It is cooked in so many ways that you will have lots of choices to satisfy your cravings. Lobsters and crabs are the bestsellers, no matter which way they were cooked. [cafe_arturo@yahoo.com; Mahogany Drive, San Jose, Puerto Princesa, Palawan; (6348) 433 4146, (639)21 612 1808]
Badjao Seafront Restaurant – Seafood is the common ingredient in the restaurant food fare. Not only because the province has an abundant supply of seafood but also because the restaurant keeps a hefty stable of tasty seafood dishes. The romantic ambience brought about by the view of the beachfront is an added plus any diner would not mind to have along with their meals. [Abueg Road, Puerto Princesa, Palawan; (6348) 433 9912]