Dipolog City greeted us with a blistering hot day. The sky was cobalt blue with a few fluffy clouds sailing along its horizon. I finally outran the dark rain clouds that kept pursuing me all the way from Ilocos Norte up to our ferry crossing to Dapitan City. It looks like it’s gonna be a scorcher of a day, but I prefer this over rain anytime.

We were instructed to meet up at the Zamboanga Del Norte’s regal white neoclassical Provincial Capitol for a visit to the local tourism office. Fliers were handed out, stories passed and have funs flew. From two we became seven; the group now consists of C of Juanderful Pinoy, L of Pinay Travelista, J or Travel Jams, K of Karenade, X of Purple Slipperz and with S of Shekinah Photo Diary joining us later. And, like most travelers, they love to have their photos taken.

Another tricycle ride later and we were hopping along the avenues of Mediatrix Homes. These guys have been building housing projects left and right across the Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao, everything from middle-income to high-end homes.

We got a tour of their place and sat down to a hefty lunch of lechon baboy (roasted pig), inihaw na bangus (grilled milkfish) and tinola. The guys were relating to us how Dipolog City’s lechon is one of the most underrated in the country. Most lechons served in the city are not the full-grown pigs which most Filipinos are familiar with, but slightly younger piglets which are more tender than their bigger counterparts.

They cut me a portion and laughed when I asked for a Mang Tomas sauce. No need, they said, and I have to agree. Dipolog City’s lechon baboy is so succulently tasty and crunchy. R, one of the head honchos of Mediatrix says he’ll even bet on it for a head to head with Cebu’s famous lechons. And to be honest, I won’t know where I’d be placing my betson that one.

The grilled milkfish and tinola were almost forgotten. Roasted pigs are synonymous for parties and occasions in Dipolog City as you can get one for a measly Php3,500.00. You can feed a gang of twenty at only Php175.00 per head! Better than a treat at Jollibee I’d say!

Super full from the lunch, the guys from Mediatrix Homes then toured us a bit around town, taking us to one of the higher vantage points in the area for a panoramic view of the city. It’s comforting to see that Dipolog City is still filled with trees.

The group then proceeded to Linabo Peak, or more precisely, the base of the said peak. To reach the highest point, one has to tread all 3,003 concrete steps which takes about an hour.

The passage however is not at all unpleasant. Huge towering trees act as a giant canopy against the sun. Along the steps, one will pass fourteen life-sized Stations of the Cross. The place of course is a hit during Holy Week and is the venue for Katkat Sakripisyo every April.

I would’ve liked to walk all 3,003 steps and see the peak but taking a cue from my fellow travelers I kept it to myself as the day indeed turned out to be a scorcher. The sun fried eggs on the pavement and it was agreed that we let it cool down for a bit before continuing our primer of Dipolog City.

Zamboanga Del Norte Capitol
Address: Gen. Luna St., Dipolog City
GPS Location: 8.584464,123.345769
View Location on Google Maps: Click Here

Linabo Peak
Entrance Fee: Donation
GPS Location: 8.586368,123.391987
View Location on Google Maps: Click Here