I would often see Rajo Laurel 's Instagram posts of his childhood playground, Dumaguete. Tagged humorously #DIVAguete, the city boasts of blue green mountains, beautiful marine life, and the first American University in the Philippines and Asia. Last week, I was invited by a dear old friend to join her and other friends for a long weekend holiday in this tropical paradise. Located at the southern tip of Negros island, it is less than an hour away by boat to Oslob, Cebu or Siquijor Island. At a very relaxed pace, we enjoyed the cuisine, lounging by the pool, the windy boat rides, and the swim with the gentle whale sharks in Oslob. I heard Julia Roberts stayed for five days, now, I know why. A bird's eye view of Sumilon Island , 5 mins before landing in Dumaguete . Dumaguete's Boardwalk Monument to Paulinian Nuns who came to the city in 1904 Home of Dumaguete's famous Silvanas The oldest known bellfry in the province stands next to the
by JC Buendia