The pro
The
province was previously called Misamis. It was originally peopled by indigenous
people called Lumads, in which the Subanon tribe was dominant. Circa 1700s, Misamis
was threatened by marauding pirates from nearby Lanao.
The
pirates used to abduct 500 Filipinos a year to sell as slaves to the Dutch’s United
East India Company in Java, or to the Portuguese in Jakarta. Northern Mindanao
was hardest hit, particularly Misamis.
To
evade the pirates, many Subanons migrated to Misamis Oriental and Zamboanga del
Norte, particularly Dapitan.
In
1756, Father Ducos built the Fort Santiago Ozamis to defend against the pirates.
He named it ‘El Fuerte De Nuestra Señora Del La Concecion Del Triunfo’ (Our
Lady of Triumph) in honor of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. He also created
a naval armada he himself commanded.
In
1929, Misamis Occidental was founded following the division of Misamis into
two… the other half is Misamis Oriental.
In
World War II, the province was briefly occupied by the Japanese invaders.
It was liberated in 1945.
Finally,
peace embraced the province.
Its
capital is Oroquieta City which also seats the Provincial Capitol.
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| The Capitol Building |
Subdivisions
The province has 3 cities… Ozamiz, Oroquieta, and Tangub.
It
has 14 towns… Aloran, Baliangao, Bonifacio, Calamba, Clarin, Concepcion, Don
Victoriano, Jimenez, Lopez Jaena, Panaon, Plaridel, Sapang Dalaga, Sinacaban,
and Tudela.
Language
The dominant tongue in the province is Cebuano.
The people also speak Tagalog and English. A native dialect called Subanon is
spoken by the Subanon Tribe.
Subanen
TOURIST ATTRACTIONSSubanen
The
original people of Zamboanga were the Subanen of Indonesian origin who
came at about 2,000 to 6,000 years ago. They were coastal people who
believe in the spirit of their ancestors and the forces of nature. When
the Muslims arrived, they were pushed into the hinterlands and lived
along the riverbanks. Thus, the name ?Suba,? meaning people of the
river. The Subanens who communicate through their Subano language prefer
and wear colorful clothes and accessories. Black, red, and white
are their favorite colors. The women often wear red earrings that match
with beaded necklaces. Like other tribes, Subanens have their own
entertainment or way of enjoying life. They like music. The Ginarang or
Migboat, Basimba, Gatagan and Sirdel or Sumumigaling are some of their
songs. These are sung with the accompaniment of their instruments like
Gong, Kutapi, Sigitan, Lantoy, Kulaying and Tambubok. court through
songs and dances. Their marriage custom is done through taltal. But
aside from their court dance, they also have war and ritual dances that
they perform during social gatherings and special occasions
such as weddings, etc. The tribe?s political structure consists of a
Timuay equivalent to the barangay captain that we have today. The Timuay
tries cases involving crimes and moral turpitude. In case the Timuay
cannot decide on the case or if the case involves heinous crimes, he
does not give the final verdict.
The Tribe
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| The Tribe |
Historical Attractions in Misamis Occidental
Fort Santiago (Cotta) in Ozamis City
This fort is an officially declared historical landmark. It was built in 1756 by Jesuit Fr. Jose Ducos as defense against marauding Muslim pirates.
Is a popular spot for tourists in Ozamis
City, Philippines. Built between 1755 and 1756, this old Spanish fort
has been declared a historical landmark. Inside the wall, is a chapel
and an image of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. Outside the
wall facing Panguil Bay is a carved image of the Virgin. The carved
image on the wall of the Cotta believed to be miraculously growing and
oftenly visited by religious devotees.
In 2006, this old Spanish fort undergone
major repairs. Landscaping of the fort and restoration of the damaged
portion of the walls were few of the things been done to bring back the
fort to its original look.
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| The Church |
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| Vintage Canyon |
Outside the western wall of the Fort is the Shrine of the Nuestra Señora de la Conception del Triunfo (Our Lady of Triumph). The miraculous Image of the Immaculate Conception is carved on the walls of the Fort. Its size is enlarging over time. Pilgrims from all over the country visit it.
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Century-Old Nazareno Dam in Plaridel
Heritage Houses
There are several ancestral homes in the province. Here's the Baccaro Ancestral House which is now being used as a printing house.
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| Jose Ozamis Ancestral House |
Cultural Attractions in Misamis Occidental
Pipe Organ of Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Ozamis City
Composed of 1,936 pipes, it is the only pipe organ
in Mindanao. It is only surpassed in size by the pipe organ of the Manila
Cathedral.A tourist attraction right at the heart of Ozamiz is the pipe organ
found in the choir loft of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. It is
the only existing pipe organ in Mindanao and one among the few
throughout the country.
Pas'ungko S'g Mis Occ Festival of all Festivals
This festival commemorates the Founding
Anniversary of the province. It is held every 1st week of November. Pas’ungko
is a Subanen word for ‘thanksgiving’.
Dalit Festival of Tangub City
This festival celebrates the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel every 29th of September. Dalit means ‘offering’.
Subayen Keg Subanon Festival (Ozamiz City)
A week-long festivity marking the feast of Nuestra Señora de la Conception del Triunfo (Our Lady of Triumph) every 16 July each year. Here are real Subanon Tribesfolk at the Subayen Keg Subanon Festival.
Sinacaban Fluvial Procession
It’s an event practiced by the Aglipayan catholics
of Sinacaban honoring Saint Joseph.
Natural Attractions in Misamis Occidental
Mount Malindang Range Natural Park
This 53,000-Hectare Asean Heritage Park is a wildlife sanctuary to such species as the Philippine eagle, Philippine deer and tarsier. It’s a great bird watching site, too.
Sibucal Hot Spring (Oroquieta City)
Natural hot spring in Mount Malindang Range, ten kilometers from Oroquieta City proper.
Siatong Falls in Mount Malindang Range |
Sapang Dalaga Falls of Sapang Dalaga
Formerly called Baga Falls.
Sunrise Beach (Baliangao)
Man-Made Attractions in Misamis Occidental
The
main attraction of MOAP is this offshore man-made structure called Dolphin Island which serves as
rehabilitation center for injured dolphins.
Naomi’s Botanical Garden and Tourist Inn in Ozamis City
The
province has adequate and increasing shopping establishments which also count
national brands.
Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP)
The
province’ top resort destination co-located along the mangroves of Tudela and
Sinacaban. It is inherently a wildlife sanctuary for both marine and
terrestrial animals.
Here's part
of the park’s network of boardwalks….
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| MOAPS Long Boardwalk Stretching Seaward |
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| MOAP Inn |
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| Swimming with the Dolphin |
Naomi’s Botanical Garden and Tourist Inn in Ozamis City
This
13-hectare garden showcases a variety of plants and flowers, orchards and other
different species of flora and fauna. Located about 1 ½ km. from the city southward and is 100 meters from the
National Highway. The garden has a total area of 13 hectares, planted
with all kinds of fruit trees (9 hectares) and ornamental plants (rose
gardens, rare collection of flowering plants, orchids, bonsai). In
addition to the plants, Naomi’s has a ceramic shop producing home decor,
jars, and office ornaments, among others.
Hoyohoy Highland Park in Tangub City
A scenic, cool adventure park. It operates two ziplines, the country’s longest.
Regina Swimming Pool of Ozamis City
It offers a natural pool from the cool Calusaran SpringsCoco Island Resort in Clarin
RAFI Beach Resort in
Baliangao
Oroquieta City Plaza
Located in front of the Oroquieta City Hall… considered as the mini Luneta Park of the province.Cotta Park and Shrine
The public park in the vicinity of Fort Santiago Ozamis.
Religious Places of
Interest in Misamis Occidental
Immaculate
Conception Cathedral in Ozamis
City
Oroquieta City Parish Church
St. John the
Baptist Church of Jimenez
HOTELS
Plaza Beatriz Hotel, Ozamis City
Rhovics Place Hotel
& Restaurant in Oroquita City
Sheena Hotel in
Oroquita City
Where to Eat in Misamis
Occidental
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La Veranda Restaurant |
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House of Suman in Clarin |
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Palayan Seafood Restaurant in Sinacaban
Delicacies of Misamis
Occidental
Moron of PlaridelA sweet tasty treat made of glutinous rice or rice flour mix, chocolate, sugar and coconut milk, rolled and wrapped in banana leaves then boiled or steamed. |
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Suman of Clarin – The World’s Best of Its Kind
The specialty of Clarin is hard to miss. It’s my favorite anytime of the day. It’s
made from ‘malagkit’ rice, pure coconut milk and sugar.
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Shopping in Misamis Occidental
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Ozamis Public Mall |
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Souvenir Shop at Aquamarine Park |
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Gaisano Mall in Ozamis CityNightlife in Misamis OccidentalThere are very few outlets to swing in the province during the night. So far, the best is… Celtic Lounge in Ozamis City
HOW TO GET THERE
By Land
The city is accessible by motor vehicles and buses from various points in Mindanao.
By Sea
There are passenger
vessels serving routes to and from Cebu, Manila, Tagbilaran, Dumaguete
and Iloilo. Shipping companies serving the Ozamiz City port include
WG&A, Supper Ferry, Sulpicio Lines, Negros Navigation, and Trans
Asia.
By Air
Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific Air &
PAL Express has daily direct flight from Ozamiz to Manila and vice
versa, also Cebu to Ozamiz.
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR ???TRAVEL AND EXPERIENCE MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL |
