S t . C a t h e rin e o f Alexa n d ri a Ca t hed ra l i n D u m a gu ete i s t he o l d e s t s t o ne chu rch on N egro s Isla n d .
Where locals hang out A few meters away from the cathedral is Rizal Boulevard. Named after National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, this thoroughfare is the center of community life in Dumaguete. This tree-lined strip that runs parallel the seawall is a favorite hangout among locals. One would find them congregating in the area, exercising in the early morning or late afternoon, or chatting with friends or family over good food at one of the many restaurants along the way. When the sun sets, it is time for tempurahan. Several stalls sell tempura, which is actually kikiam coated with a delicious batter and fried until crispy. Tables and chairs are set up near the stalls where people can sit and enjoy their food. Occasionally, a musician performs a few songs to entertain the diners. Since it’s a landlocked city, Dumaguete, for some people, is just a place they pass through on their way to someplace else. It is the jump-off point to other towns of Negros and nearby provinces. Some tourists would fly to Dumaguete, drop their luggage,
Dumag uete’ s famous tempura of deep-fried b atte r e d k i k i am .
and go out and explore Valencia, Bais, Apo Island, and even Siquijor.
experiencetravelph.com // Vol. 4 No.3 // 2017
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