Dumaguete, city of gentle people

What are some city names that pop into your mind when asked about the Philippines? Cebu City, Manilla, Bacolod or maybe something else? Most people will probably only recognize Manilla since it’s the capital of this beautiful country, but now it’s time to broaden your knowledge and tell you a bit more about a place called Dumaguete.

City of gentle people

I traveled around the Philippines in 2018 and the place that I looked the most forward to was Dumaguete. When we entered the city, one of the first things I saw was a big sign with the words ‘Dumaguete, city of gentle people’.

When I asked my mother why Dumaguete was called the City of gentle people, she gave me the following words an answer; “Why is New York the Big Apple? And Japan, the Land of the Rising sun… the sun shines in all places”. “I guess it’s because the folks there are gentle, and they had to find a nickname for the city”.
It was a very simple answer that put the biggest smile on my face, and I soon realized that she wasn’t wrong. Everyone we met during our stay was indeed very friendly and generous.

Can I call this place my second home?

To me it feels a little strange to call Dumaguete my second home, but since my mom is from there, I guess I’m allowed to call it that. During my whole life, I have only been to the Philippines two times, so I haven’t really been able to get close to my family or even learn their language. So our way of communicating has always been speaking in English and through sharing food.

Must try foods

Here are some of my favorite dishes and desserts that you must try whenever you are in the Philippines!

• Chicken Adobo:
  For this dish it doesn’t necessarily need to be chicken, but basically it is a simple yet delicious dish that doesn’t require many ingredients. It is best eaten with white rice.
• Pancit:
  A noodle dish that anyone can eat. A lot of my friends back in Belgium are either vegan or eat Halal, so everyone is happy whenever I make a vegan version of this dish.
• Pan de Sal:
  One of my favorite types of bread. Not too sweet and not too salty, this soft bread tastes good at any time of the day.
• Banana cue:
  It’s not made with the normal bananas everybody is familiar with, but from plantains. This dessert/street food is skewered, fried and oh so delicious! (I may be biased, but my uncle definitely makes the best Banana Q)
• Halo-Halo:
  The name doesn’t give away what is in it, even when translated. It’s name translates to mix-mix, and it’s a dessert that consist of several ingredients which you mix before eating.
• Buko shake:
  This is the drink that I miss and crave for the most. It is a shake made from young coconut, coconut juice, water, sugar and condensed milk

Tips for foreigners

I was always advised to be wary of street food, drinks specifically. Since a lot of street vendors use tap water for their homemade drinks. Personally, I didn’t come across any troubles, but I advise you to drink bottled water instead.

Do some research before you visit the country and its cities. They are very friendly people, so be kind and always treat the elders with respect.

There are obviously more things that you should keep in mind, but the most important thing is that you enjoy your time, the food, the scenery and the company of others during your stay!