The capital city of Negros Oriental has a couple of hidden surprises in store when you go looking for quality education. Dumaguete City has one of the best institutions and Universities in the entire region and this city is called the University Town for no other reason than that. Discover the schools and campuses that are spread throughout this little city.
The Dumaguete education always has an international flair no matter which school or institute you may choose. The schools in town are plenty and there are a total of four Universities, namely Foundation University, NORSU which is short for Negros Oriental State University, Silliman University and Foundation University. The city also houses several language schools for foreign students and it also has various school of arts and dances such as Fu.N Shop and JFCGA College.
The Dumaguete education really allows you go do whatever you really wanted to do. If you do not find your field of choice in one school then you will surely find it in another school. Part of the Dumaguete Education is also a good graduate program that is offered by all the Universities cited above. Some of them even have a Ph.D program which attracts many foreign students.
All of the educational institutions in the Dumaguete Education system give opportunities to foreign students and talented students as well with theatre programs or music programs. The athletic programs in the Dumaguete Education System are also very popular and there are annual championships and competitions held. There are even special treats if you are part of these programs such as scholarships or grants.
Since we are already talking about scholarships and grants we should probably mention that the Dumaguete Education system rewards good academic performances with scholarships that differ from school to school and level to level. Even the graduate and the post graduate programs have grants that are available to candidates that qualify the requirements. These grants usually relief the student of the full tuition fee for every semester so that they can focus on their thesis or study.
The campuses in Dumaguete’s schools and Universities differ from each other. You can see the green and clean campus of Silliman University, tailored after its American sisters and brothers while we have a pretty closed and artsy campus when you go to Foundation University. The student body is comprised of 80% Filipino students, 10% Korean students, 6% Iranian students, 2% American and 2% of other minorities such as Chinese, German, Belgian, Spanish and other European and Asian students.
You now probably realize that the Dumaguete Education system is quite stunning and elaborate as well as the different kinds of schools and Universities that you can find in this small city. Enjoy the education that you can get and be enriched academically upon your visit.
The Dumaguete shopping scene does not exactly cater to the upscale designer clientele but at least this charming city offers unique bargains and finds. Since the city is not exactly big, you will be able to find majority of shopping havens right in the downtown area in which you can walk from one store to another without even breaking a sweat. Let us introduce you to the highlights you would want to see in the Dumaguete shopping scene.
Probably the oldest and the biggest mall that you can find in the Dumaguete shopping scene is Lee Super Plaza located right in the heart of the city. You cannot miss this mall since majority of public transportation drives through and around this place. Within you will find everything from food and groceries to fashionable and affordable clothes, toiletries and furniture. This is the only place where you will find Adidas, Nike and Mossimo outlets.
Since there is but one big mall in the city, the rest of the Dumaguete shopping scene is confined to little boutiques and stores. An interesting hang out that has just recently been opened is Portal West. This building houses fashionable boutiques for both men and women and even kids. You can enjoy your spare time in one of the restaurants or ice cream bars. The Portal West building also houses Philippines famous bookstore called the National Bookstore where bookworms will truly find whatever their looking for.
There are also several other boutiques and specialty shops in the Dumaguete shopping scene such as the Gift Shop. The Gift Shop specializes in handmade jewelry and arts and crafts for an affordable price. The owner of this store (whose name is Gift) makes each and every item herself to put the extra love into an item. You can even order or specialize an item to your every wish. You can also check out Handumanan where you will find hand-made and hand-woven tribal jewelry at a great price.
If you are more of a tech savvy person and if you are looking for your perfect tech accessory then you might head to Octagon or to AAC Tech where you can find the latest gadgets and gismos waiting for you. If you don't find what you are looking for then you can simply order your desired product in one of those stores and enjoy your item a few days later of course straight from the Dumaguete shopping scene.
Even though the Dumaguete shopping scene is small, it comes with and charming and intimate flair that attracts people to buy and buy. Maybe the next time you get to enjoy this city, you will probably also enjoy the Dumaguete shopping scene.
The palate of visitors will duly be stimulated in Dumaguete restaurants. Enter the local eateries and high end restaurants and discover the versatile tastes and foods in this city. Dumaguete restaurants have plenty of different things to offer and we take you to the most memorable places.
The first place we are going to take you is one of the Dumaguete restaurants that is probably the most affordable and the most special. We are talking about Gina’s Kabayo-an. This place is more of an eatery where you can get freshly cooked or steamed fish, meat, pork and soup. You can choose from several of desserts and other delicious Filipino dishes. Once a week you can find a special kind of meat in this place. Kabayo stands for horse in the local vernacular and thus Gina’s Kabayo-an serves horse meat once a week. Be sure to be posted on the exact day, because the day changes depending on the demand.
Dumaguete restaurants would not have had a breakthrough in foreign cuisine if it wasn’t for the restaurant and disco bar Music Box Why Not. This place has a deli shop where you can buy the finest European dishes, cold cuts, canned foods and sweets. The restaurant serves everything from European cuisine to Filipino and Asian dishes.
Since Why Not is the fore runner in the European cuisine within the Dumaguete restaurants, the followers were never truly able to compete until Casablanca was opened. Casablanca is one of the priciest restaurants in the city, but the food is just breath-taking. You will be served with Japanese, European, Filipino and American dishes all served in a huge platter to satisfy your hunger. Casablanca also has a deli shop with great cheeses, cold cuts and freshly baked bread.
One of the most original of Dumaguete restaurants is called Gabby’s Bistro. This place takes you back in time to the 50s where you are served by pretty ladies in little costumes. Everything you can order here has been personally created by the owner and Chef Gabby del Prado. The shakes are unique and taste that way too. The deserts and breakfast meals are absolutely delicious and you definitely get your money’s worth.
The last place in the list of Dumaguete restaurants is Boston Market. This restaurant is small but charming. You can get great salads and unique dressings with them. They also specialize in cooking with flowers. You can get great pizzas and meals such as Chicken Cordon Bleu. The meals are affordable and mouth watering.
This has been the guide through all the Dumaguete restaurants that serve delicious food for a great value. Be sure to visit at least one of those places in the future.
The history of the first settlers and its civilization had something to do with the natural attractiveness of the place. The location was said to be looted by Muslim buccaneers that used to 'daggit' or 'to snatch' something out of this place. Another account said; its charm never failed to magnetize visitors to come and stay for good, hence, the word 'dumaguet' (to swoop). Until in 1734, the place was known to be Dumaguete: the City of Gentle People.
The city of Dumgauete has a distinct reputation of being 'the center of learning in the south' for some obvious reasons. The presence of notable universities and colleges made Dumaguete City famous locally and internationally as well. Thus, it was considered a ‘melting pot’ of scholars, artists, professionals and students from different parts of the Philippines and of the world. The presence of Siliman University had given the university town aura since its foundation. The said university is the oldest American-established university in Asia. The Siliman Main Library is considered to be as one of the largest libraries in the Philippines. Other universities and colleges situated in Dumaguete are Saint Paul University of Dumaguete, Negros Oriental State University (or NORSU) and Foundation University. Computer schools or Information Technology (IT) related schools are also prevalent in Dumaguete City as well (AMA Computer College, STI College and Asian College of Science and Technology or ACSAT).
The following are some notable feasts or reasons for merry making in Dumaguete City. Every month of May, Santacruzan and May Flower Festival are being commemorated by the last week of the month. The foundation of Siliman University is being celebrated during August annually. The Buglasan Festival and the founder's day of Saint Paul’s University of Dumaguete are being held every October yearly.
The status of the place as the center of education in the southern part of the Philippines had paved way to the influx of individuals to study, stay and do business. With this thing in mind, the local government of the city of Dumaguete use one of the most effective ways to access the place in the most convenient way. The official website (www.dumaguetecity.gov.ph) is the cyberspace gateway of the city of Dumaguete. It is full of information for individual who would like to have a glimpse of the beauty of Dumaguete City. As a traveler, it is a must to check this website for real-time updates regarding the place.
I know for sure that everybody had 'head-turning' moments in one or two occasions in our life. Being mesmerized to a certain person, to a thing or to a specific place is nothing but natural: it is a fact of life. Nonetheless, here in the Philippines, there is a place that would 'snatch' the hearts of every tourist if ever they would have a chance to see and experience this destination. Get ready and be hooked up by the charms of Dumaguete City!
History dictates some proof why this place’s charisma is simply irresistible. 'Daggit' is one of the root word attributed to the location for two (2) possible reasons. During the ancient times, Muslim bandits or pirates frequently attacked this almost coastal place. Thus the word 'to snatch' or 'Daggit' was relatively attributed to the place. Another instance it was said that the natural charms of this place never failed to attract visitors and stay there for good and consequently another word was coined, 'Dumaguet', meaning 'to swoop' then it was named as 'Dananguet' in 1572 and was referred as 'Dumaguete' not until 1734.
Sea lovers and divers alike would definitely love this place of Apo Island and Sumilion Island dive spots. Apo Island dive site showcases the wonder of the various marine flora and fauna which is one of the best in the world. Scuba diving is another activity to enjoy in this city. Children and the 'young at heart' would definitely enjoy whale and dolphin watching near Bais Bay. Another aquatic related activity or sports is kayaking.
If a tourist loves nature tripping through the land, spelunking in Mabinay Cave System is possible. Long walk or hiking on top of Mount Talinis to enjoy the three (3) lakes is another reason why this island 'snatches' the hearts of tourists and visitors alike. These sites or locations are Dumaguete City's priceless gems and that is why the local government promotes and preserves them at the same time.
The City of Dumaguete is simply appealing. Its enticing charm had been its natural wonders and beauty since the ancient time and history attested to the place's alluring appeal was overwhelming that whoever had seen this place would just like to stay for good. Nature has given Dumaguete City one of the best places to spend a lot of reasons (diverse activities in land or sea) why tourists and visitors should visit this place and be mesmerized.
The 'City of Gentle People' or Dumaguete City, has its own way of ‘snatching’ the hearts of every tourist and visitor who had a chance staying in this very attractive city. History attested that the place of Dumaguete had been very enticing. The word 'danggit', a root word of 'Dumaguete' literally means 'to snatch'. The place was so-called because of the looting assaults of the Muslim raiders on this coastal municipality. Another word, however, could be attributed was the word 'dumaguet' (to swoop) because of the influence or attraction to keep the place’s visitors to stay and live for good.
The city is well-known as an educational destination for the surrounding provinces and municipalities in Mindanao and Visayas Regions. The presence and existence of seven universities and noted colleges are the reasons why it is place of established educational system. Siliman University is one of the distinguished universities in Dumaguete and the first American founded university outside the Metropolitan Manila. Aside from these tertiary education establishments, Dumaguete City has all in all, nine secondary education schools (high school) and twelve institutions for primary or elementary education.
Best dive spots have characterized the area of Dumaguete City as a coastal area. The Sumilon and Apo Islands are some of the noted world-class diving sites in Dumaguete City. Other marine related activities like dolphin watching (nearby Bais Bay) and kayaking are popular among tourists and locals alike.
The onset and the wave of business process outsourcing or BPO in the international market has also been one of the major commercial drive in the growth and progress in the economy of the city. The booming outsourcing process venture is widely branched out with diverse services (editing, medical transcription, publishing, call center industry et al). There are other business drivers in Dumaguete City such as medical services and real estate industry.
The natural beauty of this place since time immemorial, has been one of the reasons why those who had a chance to be in the place, seemed to be 'swooped' to stay in the place. To have a real account, to be a witness, and to have a first hand experience of what it takes to be 'captured' by this place is to stay in Dumaguete City. Dumaguete Travel and Tours is a service travel and tours office or agency based on the city itself (Perdices Street, Dumaguete City).
Since its foundation way back 2000, the agency had served a lot of tourists regarding their travel needs (visa and passport processing). The agency also arranges domestic and international trips and they are also specialized in providing educational and cultural field trips for the students. Dumaguete is certainly one of the best havens of total getaway and vacation. As always good and relaxing timeout has something to do with the right timing and being at the right place.
Getting sick in Dumagauete is something unavoidable especially if you are not accustomed to the climate in the city. The good news is that there are several tertiary and public hospitals that can cater to your medical and health needs. Here is a look at Dumaguete hospitals and health care serving the needs of its patients.
Silliman University Medical Center is one of the top and most preferred facilities in Dumaguete. It specializes in various fields, such as pediatrics and obstetrics. It is normal for patients to see students undergoing internship and residency in the hospital. It has 140 beds so it has room for several patients in the city. It also has various facilities such as medical laboratory, surgery rooms, and pediatric ward.
For those who cannot afford to spend for their medical care, Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital is just one of the facilities providing medical assistance to poor patients. Despite being a public hospital, it offers state-of-the-art equipments and facilities, such as coulter hematology analyzers, CT scan, and an automated microbial detection system. Compared to other facilities in the city, Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital can provide medical help to more patients because it has 250 beds aside from the highly-qualified physicians, nurses, and medical technologists stationed in the hospital.
This 85-bed capacity medical facility provides emergency care to patients so it is accessible any time. It provides services in the field of pediatrics and dentistry. It has modern equipments that can be used for diagnosing the state of health of patients.
If spending for medical expenses is your problem, Dumaguete Doctors Medical and Dialysis Center is the place to go as the fees in this facility are affordable. The establishment provides outpatient care. It is equipped with medical facilities such as a laboratory room, dialysis, and emergency room. Majority of the doctors in the facility are experts in the field of nephrology.
Dumaguete City Regional Hospital is a public hospital providing free medical consultations to patients. It is a teaching facility, similar to the Silliman University Medical Center, and has an emergency room, medical laboratory, and surgery room. It also has a pediatric ward.
As it provides assistance to those who cannot afford, Dumaguete City Regional Hospital sells cheap medicines. The personnel employed in the hospital are licensed and qualified.
These Dumaguete hospitals and health care can help ensure that your trip to the city will be worry-free and healthy.