Dipolog City Photowalk 2021: Capturing my Hometown’s New and Familiar Places During Pandemic

By vivomigsgee in Photography Travel September 28, 2021

Dipolog City, a 3rd class component city and capital of the province of Zamboanga del Norte, is a modest, yet progressive, place full of interesting sites. This unassuming city is bordered on three sides by undulating hills to the southeast and the historical Sulu Sea to the north. Dipolog is dubbed as Orchid City. Some claim it’s the “Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines.” It has also been called the Gateway to Western Mindanao. But for me, I simply call it “HOME”.

I grew up in Dipolog City and spent more than 15 years until I moved to Cebu for study and work. During the pandemic, I got a chance to revisit my hometown (after failing to go home over the holidays) and spent quality time with my family. As my time in Dipolog is very limited, I made sure to document my short stay and capture everyday life’s beauty, even during the hard times.

If you are a returning resident, an APOR or non-APOR who is planning to visit Dipolog City soon, you may want to check these attractions in Dipolog City, together with some nostalgic places that are probably familiar to you already.

ALSO READ: Dipolog City Pandemic Travel Guide: LGU Requirements and Quarantine Tips

1.) Welcome Rotunda Fountain

Whether you are coming from Dapitan, Polanco or neighboring provinces, this landmark will welcome you as you enter the roundabout. Also known as the Pagsalabuk Circle Fountain, the Welcome Rotunda Fountain has a monument in the middle symbolizing Mindanao’s three groups of settlers: Muslims, indigenous Lumad tribes and Christians. Can you imagine how diverse the culture of Dipolog City is?

2.) Zamboanga del Norte National High School

Ahhh, my alma mater! I missed my high school life at Zamboanga del Norte National High School. Looking at ZNNHS’ entrance, I can see that there are a lot of changes in the vicinity. However, one thing remains the same and that is the beautiful memories I have with my high school classmates and friends — who are now professionals and having a family on their own.

3.) Plaza Magsaysay

Magsaysay Park is located at the heart of Dipolog City, directly across the street from City Hall. I got to see the new face of Magsaysay Park last December 2019 during Pasko sa Dipolog time. It’s a beautifully designed park where people may unwind, stroll, workout in the morning or even enjoy the lights at night. I can even remember those days when we had to practice dance routines and jazz chant as part of school events.

4.) City Hall of Dipolog

This one really struck me the most. I find the new City Hall of Dipolog reminiscent of a European temple. I love its white color, like how it resembles purity and elegance that’s totally pleasing to the eyes. Kudos to the architect and whole development team for this work of art.

5.) Sta. Cruz Marker

The Sta. Cruz marker in Dipolog City is a huge cross that was erected on May 3, 1905 by migrant Boholanos from the Philippines’ Visayan Island. On the other side of Rizal Avenue, this crucifix faces the Holy Rosary Cathedral. I always pass by this famous landmark whenever I go home from school or run some errands in the downtown.

6.) Quezon Bridge

Quezon Bridge is located right next to the Welcome Rotunda Fountain and provides a vital link between Dipolog City and Dapitan City. It has a length of 0.11 kilometres built over Dipolog River.

7.) Dipolog River

There’s a new activity in town and it’s not your ordinary tour by the river. It’s a wellness ecotourism by Dipolog River Cruise in collaboration with Rolling Bean. Aboard a boat, embark on a new cruise adventure by enjoying the panoramic views along Dipolog River while indulging in yummy bibingka (rice cake) and hot black coffee. You may contact Kenny Ong or Arabella Rodriguez via FB for booking and more information.

8.) Provincial Capitol

The Provincial Capitol also got an upgrade into a more contemporary structure. Without a doubt, the good people of Zamboanga del Norte now have an added pride in its locale – – its own state-of-the-art provincial capitol building.

9.) Provincial Library

The Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Library is located just at the back of the Provincial Capitol. I didn’t know I needed to visit the library frequently until I had my thesis which required me to sort some references that can be uniquely found only in the library.

10.) Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School

If I manage to revisit my high school campus in Turno, then it would also be fair to include my elementary school in this post. Yes, I graduated in Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School way back 2000. There were a lot of beautiful memories during my primary school years that made me cherish every little things in life. And oh, that new look of DPDS’ gate is a cool one.

11.) Antonio’s Pension House

If you happen to visit Dipolog during the pandemic and looking for a place to stay for the quarantine period, you may book at Antonio’s Pension House. This is where I spent one whole week of my first-ever quarantine experience before I transferred at home to continue the remaining days of the 14-day mandatory quarantine.

12.) Convention and Sports Center

The current location of the Convention and Sports Center of Zamboanga del Norte is where the old Cultural Center was erected. I can see the huge development in this area given that it was the usual place for graduations, recognition days and interschool contests back then.

13.) Our Lady Of The Most Holy Rosary Cathedral

Dipolog City’s religious nature is symbolized by the Holy Rosary Cathedral. In 1894, the cathedral’s altar was designed by Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero. Dipolog Cathedral is considered the go-to Church by almost all Catholic Dipolognons every Sunday and a post-mass visit to the plaza is a given.

14.) MGM Square (Previously Mennens)

MGM Square is included in this list as it is also one of the noticeable improvements along Rizal Avenue, Dipolog City. This block is between DPDS and City Hall so it’s hard to miss. This is also the spot where the old Mennens Shopping Center was erected, my favorite place to buy new shoes and clothes back then. And yes to Bo’s Coffee in this commercial center!

15.) Three Prominent Pioneers Statue

The Statue of Three Prominent Pioneers is a popular one. The three sculptures of renowned pioneer individuals of various professions and stature stand just opposite the City Hall of Dipolog. At Dipolog’s bustling street intersection, the monument serves as a beacon. Credited as being the first to bring pride and glory to Dipolog are as follows: Hon. Pascual T. Martinez (First Municipal Mayor of Dipolog), Rev. Fr. Nicasio Y. Patagan (First Filipino Diocesan Priest of Mindanao) and Eugenio Redulla Margate (Farmer who pioneered the Margate System of Rice Planting and wrote the book “Humay” among others).

16.) Public Market

Well, this isn’t the dreamiest location ever. However, I have to check out what Dipolog City Public Market looks like today. Well, I can kind of missed the times when I accompanied my mom to buy some fish, fresh fruits and vegetables in this marketplace. She had to haggle one shop at a time. LOL.

17.) Dipolog Sunset Boulevard

I’m lucky to be given a chance to witness God’s precious gifts in life – this beautiful sunset in front of Dipolog Boulevard. No, it’s Dipolog Sunset Boulevard. I have to highlight the “sunset” as it is really one of the highlights in this popular attraction in Dipolog City. My parents would even send me beautiful shots of sunsets whenever they visit this tourist-favored esplanade for their daily exercise starting from Purok Bularan of Barangay Miputak to Sta. Cruz of Barangay Central and vice versa.

18.) Dipolog Watchtower

Back in 2019, this iconic watchtower was not yet finished. I didn’t even know that this will be the location of Dipolog Listo Center, Public Safety and Civil Protection Main Station. To date, I always take selfies with this lighthouse-like edifice in the backdrop. This watchtower can be seen when you visit Dipolog Sunset Boulevard or upon going to Galas Feeder Port.

19.) Explore Dipolog Signage

Just like the tourism tagline of Dipolog City #exploreDipolog and the official slogan of same name, this spot is a must-visit. Explore Dipolog signage is one of the favorites of both locals and tourists alike. At night, you can see the various colors of lights on each letter making it a perfect spectacle for your next social media post. And oh, don’t forget the hashtag #exploreDipolog in your caption. =)

20.) CityMall Dipolog

There are a lot of local malls and shopping centers scattered around Dipolog City and the newest one is CityMall Dipolog. Being the first CityMall in Zamboanga del Norte, it was opened to the public last July 27, 2018 and is located along National Highway in Santa Filomena. Other retail shops include, but not limited to, the following: Roy Plaza, Dipolog Shopping Center, Mennens, MGM Square, and Lee Plaza City Central Dipolog.

21.) A and A Cool Bar

A lot of locals will probably agree that they have at least one unforgettable memory in this old bar near Dipolog Boulevard. This was previously called A and A Cool Bar beside Karyll’s Grill wherein you can enjoy the night with friends and relatives. What’s your story here?

22.) Montaño’s Sardines Outlet

Aside from wild orchids, Dipolog City is best known for its bottled sardines production. The rise of sardines industry stems from the rich fishing area off its shores. One of the famous brands is Montaño’s Sardines, my favorite pasalubong to my friends and officemates in Cebu. Don’t miss in dropping by Montaño’s Sardines outlet in Turno for some pasalubong shopping. It’s the adjacent street before Shell and Michaela’s Fruit Stand.

23.) Dipolog City Public Transport Terminal

Previously the location of Satellite, you can now find the main bus station in Dipolog at Dipolog City Public Transport Terminal. This is the gateway to the rest of Zamboanga del Norte’s towns and other parts of Mindanao such as Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro City and as far as Davao City. It is situated nearby barangay Miputak, just a walking distance from where my parentals live.

24.) Galas Feeder Port

The establishment of the Port of Dipolog, a roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) facility in Barangay Galas, serves as a hub where inter-island operations in Visayas and Mindanao will bring passengers and cargos closer to their homes. Before, Dipolognons would go to nearby Pulauan’s Port in Dapitan City to travel to Dumaguete City or Cebu City by boat. Now, you can save time in travel by choosing Galas Port as the point of origin or destination for its direct trips.

25.) Dipolog Airport

Dipolog can be reached by plane via Dipolog Airport, the main airport serving the general area of the city and surrounding towns. The airport is one of the busiest in Mindanao with one terminal which has a seating capacity of 300 passengers. To be honest, I only got a chance to be at Dipolog airport when I already got a job and I can “more or less” afford booking a ticket on my own to fly to and from my beloved homeland. Now, I can really say that every fare is worth it!

While you’re in Dipolog, other noteworthy places that are worth visiting are the Linabo Peak’s 3003 Steps (highest peak in Dipolog), the Pamansalan-OISCA Forest Park, Sicayab Beach, Sungkilaw Falls and soon Dipolog Bamboo Forest Park. You may also want to visit the attractions in the neighboring towns like Dakak Park and Beach Resort, Villa Angelina Luxury Suites, Taguilon Floating Cottage, Alvenda Peak and more.

Well, I guess you had a fun virtual tour of my hometown. Say hi to the friendly people of Dipolog when you visit there soon. ’til then, keep safe everyone.