1. Ozamiz City Hall
After my historical tour in Dipolog and Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte, I traveled to Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental (Region 10). Its capital is Oroqueta City, but I chose this place because I want to see and touch Fort sa Cotta and the Cathedral. On the way, I noticed the wide farmlands, but when I arrived in the center, this city was the same as the other cities, business establishments were on every corner, transportation was continuous, and the streets were undeniably busy. From the Integrated Terminal, I rode on a tricycle to the different tourist spots, attractions, and destinations.
2. Osrox Park
3. Ozamiz Cathedral
This cathedral houses the most significant relic and patroness of the city - the Our Lady of Misamis, also known as the Virgin sa Cotta, The Blessed Virgin of Cotta, and Birhen sa Cotta. Originally, the statue of the patroness was set up outside the walls of the Fort, but fray Jorge Carcabilla moved it to this church. In 1975, the statue was stolen and was only returned on December 8, 2017. Also, this cathedral is the home of the second largest bamboo organ in the Philippines, after the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ.
4. Fort sa Cotta
This is one of the Spanish-built fortresses in the Philippines. The main purpose of this edifice is the same as the function of Fort Santiago in Manila and Fort sa Pedro in Cebu, which is to protect the city/town against the attacks of the Moro pirates. This sturdy structure is made up of coral stones; thus, during World War 2, Fort sa Cotta served as a garrison, barracks, and storage area for the military. Today, it is one of the most popular historical sites and a landmark in the province and in the entire Northern Mindanao region.
How to Get to Ozamiz City:
Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have their regular trips to the airports in Dipolog City and Pagadian City. These two cities have their own Integrated Bus Terminal where you can ride on a Rural Transit bus or UV Express van to the city. Dipolog takes 5.5 hours, while Pagadian takes 3 hours. READ: SOLO-BACKPACKING IN ZamBaSulTa, Region 9, and Misamis Occ
Other Stunning Places to Visit:
- Rodriguez Ancestral House
- Naomi’s Botanical Garden
- Heroes Park
- The Bells of Bukagan Hill
- Balay na Bato
- Cobra Falls
- Sapang Dalaga Floating Playground
- Hoyohoy Highland Adventure Park
- Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park
- Bawbawon Beach Resort in Plaridel
- Oklahoma Island Rafi’s Resort (Baliangao)
- Dela Paz Beach Resort (Panaon)
Stunning and Colorful Festivals in Misamis Occidental:
- Subayan Keg Subanen Festival
- Dalit Festival (Sinulog de Tangub
- Perangat Festival