In an unspoiled land where fields are a fertile green and coconut trees are aplenty, the sight of a Boeing 737 airplane can cause quite a stir. Such a big bird coming down from the sky can be a sign of bigger and better things to come. Much is eagerly anticipated (and much is being celebrated) now that one can readily fly to Ozamiz City onboard Air Philippines.
This marks the start of a new future for this rather small city situated in the province of Misamis Occidental in Northern Mindanao. The flight, which takes about an hour and 20 minutes and is available four times weekly, has finally made it here after a 12-year wait.
Indeed, it was for 12 long years that the Ozamiz City airport was ailing. Without much-needed funding support, the airport (especially its runway) could not be renovated in order to accommodate commercial flights.
Congresswoman Herminia “Hermie” Ramiro had lobbied for a major renovation since her first term in the year 2000. Today, while in her last term of office, the congresswoman couldn’t be happier that one can now fly from Manila directly to her beloved city. “I’m very grateful to Air Philippines,” she says, “They are the first to agree to fly here.”
The newly renovated airport, which received a lot of support from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is now operational and ready to welcome visitors. “There’s something different that Ozamiz can offer,” Congresswoman Hermie proudly declares.
By that, she means an endless array of seafood, tranquil time by the sea, and much more. And along with VIPs from Air Philippines, we set out to explore and experience the best of Ozamiz.
While in Ozamiz, your home is the Bethany Gardens. Here, you can relax in one of the resort’s many air-conditioned family rooms, take a dip in the swimming pool or simply indulge yourself with the luscious seafood creations in its restaurant.
In this city, seafood is actually king. Wherever you go to eat, you would most likely chance upon dishes featuring crabs, prawns, fish and other seafood. Refreshing the palate after your seafood feast are the famed mangoes of the nearby Tangub City, which are at their ripest best even when still green. Afterwards, you might also want to try one of the many freshly brewed and/or freshly blended coffee creations from Dewberry Cafe, along with its array of pastries and other snack treats. And after such a sumptuous meal, I bet you’re just about ready to go around the city and have a fill of the sights.
Ozamiz City provides a glimpse of its past wherever you go. Spanish-era houses still stand. And then, standing right beside the sea is the Fort of Nuestra Señora del Triunfo dela Cruz, a historic landmark that dates back more than 250 years. Built sometime in the 1750s, this fort or cotta protected the city from Moro pirate raids at one point. The place is also where you can offer prayers to the miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin, whose feast day is celebrated in grand fashion on July 16. According to Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo “Aldong” Parojinog Sr. explains, it always attracts droves of visitors each year, especially since the Subayan Keg Subanon Festival takes place on the same day.
Take some time to stroll through the seaside park around the fort or pose for pictures beside the pre-World War II lighthouse that still stands there today.
After a stroll at the fort, it’s nice to relax by the Regina Swimming Pool. What awaits you here is a refreshing dip in natural, cold spring water that flows down from Calusaran Barrio Bagakay, located some three kilometers from the city. Afterwards, you can check out Naomi’s Botanical Gardens, where you can buy some ornamental plants as well as try those famous Ozamiz galletas (biscuits) from the bakery.
A further drive of about 30 to 45 minutes will take you to the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP). This is an eco-sanctuary with a small zoo, some fishponds, and a number of cottages. From the docks of this aquamarine park, you can also take a boat to the Dolphin Island, where you will enjoy the company of nine adorable dolphins that you can feed as they swim along. There are also other colorful sea creatures here, including small fish, a big turtle and some starfish. Enjoy a good seafood lunch here, then go off to do some snorkeling and scuba diving. And when you get tired, lie down on an inviting stretch of white sand that reveals itself at low tide.
With just 25,641 hectares of land, this place may be small. But if there’s one thing in this part of Mindanao not to be missed, it’s definitely Ozamiz.
For further flight information, visit airphils.com.
* * *
E-mail the author at ravin.facts@yahoo.com.