AMAZING MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL

The pro

R          All About Misamis Occidental

                                    

                                     

                                    

                            History

 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.

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

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

                TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

                      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.

The Church

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.

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.

                      

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

Guiban Falls of Conception

Sapang Dalaga Falls of Sapang Dalaga

Formerly called Baga Falls.


                


Sunrise Beach (Baliangao)

             Man-Made Attractions in Misamis Occidental

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….

MOAPS Long Boardwalk Stretching Seaward

          

MOAP Inn

Swimming with the Dolphin

   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

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 Springs

           

Coco 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    

La Veranda Restaurant

 

House of Suman in Clarin

 

            

Palayan Seafood Restaurant in Sinacaban

 

Delicacies of Misamis Occidental

Moron of Plaridel

A 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.  
 

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. 

            

 

Shopping in Misamis Occidental

The province has adequate and increasing shopping establishments which also count national brands. 

Ozamis Public Mall

Souvenir Shop at Aquamarine Park

 

Gaisano Mall in Ozamis City

 

 Nightlife in Misamis Occidental 

There 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
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MISAMIS
OCCIDENTAL