Video: Watching the Traffic Go By in Dumaguete

Last month, I published a post on what it's like to drive in Dumaguete. Today, while waiting in the car while my wife was on an errand, I videoed the traffic as it passed by.

What one sees in this two minutes is a relatively tame example. The traffic wasn't so heavy, so the driving wasn't horrible.

There are, of course, cars, buses, large trucks and small trucks. There are tricycles making u-turns, motorcyclists carrying umbrellas; some folks in shorts and others wearing hoodie jackets.

Maybe next time, I'll video the joys of driving near the downtown market during lunch. That will give an example of Dumaguete traffic at it's worse.

The Rollin' Pin

Tuesday, the day after writing my last post on this blog, I went into Dumaguete to take photographs which might end up, in one way or another, on the Dumaguete website.

Starting on Rizal Blvd., I made a snake-like path to Harolds Mansion, then a left on Amigo, left on Mango Ave. to Aldecoa Dr. by Silliman Univ. Hospital up to Real.

This was on foot.

Before Cang's, I took a tricycle back to Perdices. It was quite the exercise.

Early in my adventure, I took a left off Flores - which up until now, I believed to still be Rizal Blvd.-. This little road had no name that I could find on any Google map of the area. For those familiar with the area, you'll find the Charles Bachelor Building and Calderon Hall.

It was on this little road - next to DSS Fireworks- that I came upon a cafe called The Rollin' Pin. As one can see by the photo, The Rollin' Pin specializes in coffee, pastry and snacks. I couldn't resist the urge to stop in for said pastry and coffee.

I had the coffee, of course and a deliciously flaky pastry that looked a like a cinnamon roll - without the cinnamon. It was called a Norwegian something or other. I can't recall the exact name.

My little snack was very enjoyable. However, the most surprising thing about The Rollin' Pin was their choice of music playing in the background.

Voodoo Chile from Jimi Hendrix' 1968 Electric Ladyland  LP.

For anyone interested in finding this wonderful little cafe, I've included a Google map showing the location of DSS Fireworks. I've since learned that the name of the street is Cantada St.


Update:  I just learned that the cafe has it's own Facebook page.

Tarbush Restaurant Dumaguete


Depending on the time of day that I'm driving into Dumaguete, if I believe the traffic might be to heavy going via North Rd/Real street, I'll take a left on E. Rovira Dr to Hibbard Ave into the city. One morning while taking this alternate route, I saw an eatery on the right, at the corner of Hibbard Ave and E.J.Blanco Dr., called Tarbush, claiming to be home of the original shawarma. I promised myself I would return one day to give them a try.

So, today after Mass (and after going to Lee Plaza to replace a broken mirror) we made our way to Tarbush.

I've had shawarmas prepared in three different eateries in Dumaguete and I must say the ones at Tarbush are the best I've tried so far. Personally, I prefer the chicken to the beef. Tarbush is also a bit more generous with the vegetables they put in the shawarma. Their shawarma cost a little more but you get what you pay for.

On the down side, we ordered multiple items and they did not arrive at the same time. Unfortunately, that's pretty much standard for Philippines. The same is true of every restaurant we've ever been to here.




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Hotel Camila


Hotel Camila

Address: Real St, Dumaguete

Phone: 035 212 3008








My Blogs




In addition to this website, I have blogs which may be of interest to those who find them selves here.

Dumaguete Website is specifically geared to what I'm going thru getting this this website up and running. That blog has been going since December, 2006 - Hard to imagine it's nearly 10 years old. I'm not exactly certain when I purchased the domain name, dumaguetecity.net but I think it was about the time I started the Dumaguete Website blog.



My other blog, Sorry, all the clever names are taken, is three days older than the other. Although the age of the two blogs is close, the output is even close. The number of posts published on SATCNAT dwarf the number on the Dumaguete Website. With SATCNAT, sometimes I write about my life in Dumaguete, but more often, I'll deal with anything from Nigerian Scammers to U.S. politics. Some might say there's not much difference between those two topics, but I'll write about anything that suits my fancy.


New Paradise Massage Clinic



New Paradise Massage Clinic

Lupega Building 42 Dr V. Locsin St. Dumaguete

Open Daily 12PM to 12AM







Massage:
Combination        php 300
Harmony              php 250
Swedish (w/oil)    php 250
Shiatsu (dry)        php 230
Thai (w/oil)          php 200
Thai (dry)             php 180
Back (w/oil)          php 180
Back (dry)            php  150
Foot Massage      php  150
Foot Scrub           php 250
Facial Scrub        php 250
Body Scrub         php 400








Gao Thai Foot and Body Massage




Gao Thai Foot & Body Massage
Cervantes Street, Dumaguete














Services:

Body Massage

Thai Foot Massage php 170
Thai Back Massage php 170
Thai Body Massage (Dry) php 170
Thai Body Massage (Oil) php 190
Swedish Massage (1hr) php 250
Swedish Massage (2hr) php 490

Facial

Facial with skin tightening php 320
Facial Cleansing php 200

Waxing

Full Body php 1,200
Full Legs php 450
Half Legs php 230
Full Hand php 300
Half Hand php 150
Under Arm php 150





Royal Thai Spa



Royal Thai
Beauty and Wellness Spa.
San Jose Street, Dumaguete

Open 24 hours

Swedish Massage :
1 hour   240 php









Dumaguete Area Spas





Below are links to a number of Spas in Dumaguete which provide massage services. This list is not complete, by any means. Expect more links to be added as they become available.

Total Wellness Spa

New Paradise Massage Clinic

Grand-Royal-Spa

Hotel-Essencia-Spa

Gao Thai

Lotus Spa and Massage

Royal Thai


Lotus Spa and Massage




Lotus Spa and Massage

Address:
San Jose St cor. Sta. Catalina St, Dumaguete, 6200 Negros Oriental, Philippines

Phone:+63 35 422 6101

Hours: · 11AM–1AM

Lotus Spa and Massage on Facebook.




Hotel Essencia Spa

Located inside Hotel Essencia
Real Street 
Dumaguete.













Hotel Nicanor


Right in the middle of downtown Dumaguete, amidst the bustle of the city, lies a refuge of tranquility as Hotel Nicanor opens its doors to the weary traveler. Equipped with all the necessary facilities, Hotel Nicanor only offers its guests pleasant stays in Dumaguete City.

Hotel Nicanor is just a walkaway from the famous Rizal boulevard, major banks, hospitals, restaurants, department stores, universities and the sea port.




San Jose St., Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines 6200
Tel. Nos.: (035) 226-3330 / (035) 422-5114 / (035) 421-0787
Mobile Nos.: +63922-889-4911 / +63917-631-2109


Hotel Essencia



Hotel Essencia is a brand new 9-storey hotel located in the very heart of downtown Dumaguete’s main business and shopping district. It offers a pleasant accommodation with an overview of the Dumaguete Bay having a variety of amenities at the right price. It is very accessible to the famous Rizal Boulevard and Silliman University and is close to all means of transportation available in the city.

The Hotel has 150 fully air-conditioned rooms all fully equipped with cable TV, safety deposit box, coffee/ tea counter, refrigerator, hair dryer and direct-dial telephone for both national and international calls. It uses an electronic keycard entry system and has a 24-hour fully stand-by generator.

The hotel features a wide range of on-site facilities including a restaurant, coffee shop, spa, souvenir shop, travel agency, basement parking and function rooms ideal for events, conferences and meetings. Services also include wake-up calls, laundry, pressing and transportation for guests.




Room Type                                                                 Rack Rates


Standard Economy                                                      ₱ 1,600.00
Deluxe Twin Room                                                    ₱ 1,900.00
Deluxe Queen Room                                                   ₱ 1,900.00
Deluxe King Room                                                      ₱ 1,900.00
Deluxe Family Room                                                  ₱ 2,700.00
Deluxe Suite                                                               ₱ 4,900.00
Extra Bed                                                                    ₱ 500.00
*Rates are subject to change without prior notice.


#39 Real St., Corner San Juan St., Dumaguete City
Telephone: (035) 422-1137 or (035) 422-1136
Mobile phone: 0917-700-7735 / 0908-820-2123 / 0925-888-7292
Website: hotel-essencia.com







Grand Royal Spa




Grand Royal Spa

2nd Floor RM building National
East Roviro Road
Dumaguete Oriental Negros
(035) 255-4364 / 09159107858

R and R Building DR V. Locsin St.
Dumagute City
(035) 255-5561 / 09352937828

Today's busy and hectic world gets sometimes too hard to handle. One needs to simply get out and unwind after a whole day at work or school. Every mind and body needs that special pampering to be able to perform at its best again the next day. That's what Grand Royal Spa offers to today's hardworking individuals. Find a comforting sanctuary in the spa's relaxing ambience and soothing services. Grand Royal spa offers a variety of spa services to help ease those tired muscles. Indulge and find solace at the Grand Royal Spa because everyone deserves to be treated like royalty.

Profile
Grand Royal Spa's pioneer branch was opened last March 2004. It is operated and managed by Business Administration graduate, Merrick Athony Siao. Due to the very good reception and increasing clientele, a second branch was opened in Capitol Cebu City within four months.

Today, Grand Royal Spa has grown to have four company owned branches within Cebu City and six franchises located in Luzon and Visayas.

Grand Royal Spa has captured the tastes in pampering and relaxation of a wide market within and outside Cebu. We take pride in delivering excellence through our spa services, facilities and customer care.

Grand Royal Spa is also the recipient of the Consumer's Choice for Best Spa in Cebu in 2009.

Vision
To be an established name in the Spa Industry internationally by providing excellent facilities, services and customer care.

To upgrade the services and expand to accommodate the high end market.

Mission
To be a venue for unwinding and relaxation by delivering excellence in terms of service, personnel and ambience to a wide range of market.

Goal
To make a spa day a part of the typical routine of all individuals. To help build and foster relationships among families and friends by providing a sanctuary for leisure and relaxation.



Services

Body Scrub
Chocolate Scrub
A moisturizing scrub made from 100% cacao rich in antioxidants for smooth and supple skin.

Milk Salt
Exfoliating milk scrub for a fairer and softer complexion.

Stone Massage
Experience the healing properties of hot volcanic stones in an hour of relaxing hot stone massage.

Bentosa Cupping
This soothing treatment is a combination of a relaxing body massage and the old tradition of Suction Cupping to alleviate pain, stimulate the nervous system and helps keep the body in balance.

Thermal Massage
This massage is a calming combination of our signature body massage and thermal pack. The heat helps relieve tension, alleviate pain and promotes circulation.

Body Massage
Treat yourself in an hour of our signature body massage. This combination of Swedish and Shiatsu strokes relieves stress and eases muscle tissue.

Facial Cleansing
Indulge in 45 minutes of complete facial cleansing. Our revitalizing facials involves our signature 5 step process-cleanse, scrub, mas, serum and sunblock. Choose from Age Defying, Acne Control, Whitening or Sensitive Skin.

Foot Scrub
Rid your tired feet of callouses in an hour of soothing footscrub with slight foot massage.

Thai Massage
An energizing hour of full body treatment starting at the feet and progressing up to the head. This ancient Asian massage uses a combination of exercise and stretching techniques to relieve pain, stiffness and improves movement and coordination.

Foot Massage
Soothe your stress away with 45 minutes of foot massage giving your feet renewed vitality. This treatment comes with a slight hand and back massage.

Waxing
Dare to go bare with smooth hairless skin. We only use the top, imported wax and after care products to ensure your waxing experience is a breeze.

Nail Care
Get perfectly groomed nails using only the best products from LA colors and Orly.




Florentina Homes Apartment Hotel




Florentina Homes Apartment Hotels offers fine apartment-style living with a Worldwide twist. Each apartment has been Spanish, Swiss, or British inspired in design, and offers you the familiar feeling of comfort and relaxation.


Florentina Homes also has spacious Mediterranean inspired hotel rooms, a private garden room, our famous Tower Room, all for those who are looking for a lovely hotel experience.


Ideally located in a quiet residential area in Bantayan, make this happy place your home while you enjoy your stay in our lovely town of Dumaguete City.








FLORENTINA APARTELLES.

Ideal for families and group travelers
Fully Furnished 2 Bedroom apartment units, good for 4
Shared Bathroom with hot and cold shower
Living Room with Telephone, Cable TV and Wifi
Air conditioned bedrooms with electric fans
Kitchenette and Dining area
Service area with Laundry space
Safety Deposit Box

Swiss: P3,800
Spanish-Mediterranean: P3,800
English Tudor (2 bathrooms): P4,000
English Liverpool (2 bathrooms): P4,500



FLORENTINA HOTEL ROOMS

Air conditioned Bedroom
Good for 1-2 occupants
Bathroom with hot and cold shower
Telephone, Cable LCD TV and Wifi
Safety deposit Box
Spiral staircase only, no elevator

Standard Room (choice of double or twin bed): P1,500
Deluxe Room (big twin bed) + ref: P2,000
Garden Room (double bed and private garden): P2,000
Tower Room(double bed, outdoor bathroom, kitchenette): P2,500



L. Rovira Road
Bantayan, Dumaguete City
Negros Oriental
Philippines 6200
Phone : +63-35-422-0827
+63-35-422-4338
Mobile: +63-929-796-9653

Website:  http://florentinahomes.com



A Brief History of Dumaguete

According to a popular legend,"Dumaguete" was coined from the Visayan word "daggit" which means "to snatch". The legend says that because of the frequent marauding attacks of the Muslim pirates on the coastal town, and the power to attract and keep her visitors for good, hence, the word "dumaguet", meaning "to swoop," was christened to the village of Dumaguete.

Diego Lopez Povedano in 1572, indicated the place as "Dananguet." In 1734,Jesuit cartographer, Murillo Velarde referred to it, using its present name, as Dumaguete.

In 1890, the island-province of Negros was divided into two politico-military provinces,Occidental and Oriental. As earlier constituted,in 1898,Dumaguete was included in Negros Oriental.

After the Philippine-American War, on May 1,1901,a civil government was established by the Americans in the Province of Negros Oriental, including Dumaguete.

When World War II broke out, the city was occupied by the Japanese Imperial Forces on May 26,1942. It was liberated on April 26,1945 by the combined forces of the U.S. Army and the Filipino guerrillas.
On June 15, 1948 or three years later, Republic Act No. 327,created the City of Dumaguete. Later,on June 21,1969, Republic Act No. 5797 was enacted,otherwise known as the Revised Charter of Dumaguete City.

Dumaguete's No-Tell Motels

As one leaves Dumaguete city proper, on the North Road, passing the Airport you will eventually come upon the town of Sibulan. As you approach Sibulan from Dumaguete, you come to, what is called, by Google Maps, San Antonio Street. Of course, there are no street signs - Maslog Elementary School is on the corner.

Traveling up San Antonio Street, you will also wind up in Sibulan via the barangays of Maslog and Cangmating.

The peculiar thing I've found about San Antonio Street is the prevalence of, what are called in Philippines, Drive in Motels. In the U.S., we might call such places No-tell Motels.

Word is, these motels are basically used as the location for a ....uh.... "third rate romance, low rent rendezvous".

There are four of these No-tell Motels, located very close to one another, on San Antonio Street; Wild Wind, Queen of Hearts, Triple 888 and Honey Bee.

I don't have personal knowledge of the workings of the motels, but I'm told by reliable sources that the rooms are rented by the hour, with a hidden garage available for each of the rooms.

As I mentioned, the main highway is called Negros North Road - heading north from Dumaguete toward Sibulan. The Google map calls this highway South Road.......I suppose it is for folks heading into Dumaguete from Sibulan.