Early June, Mom and I went to her home town, Dipolog City. It is located at the Northern part of Zamboanga and is called the gateway to Western Mindanao.
We stayed at d'Hotel and Suites, which is situated at the heart of the city. I recommend staying at this hotel because 1.) The hotel is rather new so everything is clean and the room rate is very affordable and 2.) You can easily get a tricycle or 'habal habal' to get to your destination or ask their friendly staff for package tours if you want to go outside the city (p.s. they offer free airport pick up and drop off) and 3.) Their restaurants, Tonino's, Umami and Olive Tree serves delicious food at very reasonable prices. I miss their Guinataang Monggo and Tuna Sisig already!
This is the street where mom grew up, Zamora Street, Biasong Dipolog City. Mom told me stories about her childhood and how, at an early age, she would wake up at four in the morning to hear mass and then she'll sell sticky rice or guavas so that she can buy pencil or paper before going school.
The next day, we took a bus to go to Dapitan City which is around an hour ride from Dipolog City. The long trip was delightful because mother nature keeps you company along the way. At Dapitan City, you'll find Dr. Jose Rizal's 16 hectare sanctuary where he spent four years of his life in exile. From here, you can easily take a tricycle or habal habal to Dakak Resort.
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| St. James Church where the Relief Map of Mindanao is located. |
The trip made me love and appreciate mom even more. Her hard work, patience, dedication, strong faith and love for our family is her recipe for success.
As a daughter, it made me think, what I can do to make her proud of me? Though life has been a roller coaster ride for me, I must always keep in mind that our parents will always stand by us and will be proud of our achievements and mistakes no matter what.
Always keep in mind that hope never runs out and everyday is an opportunity to start again.
Love Always,
Gelibee
