Dapitan City | Gloria De Dapitan

Gloria de Dapitan

    Aside from the enchanting Dakak Park and Beach Resort and the historic Rizal Shrine which are among country’s favorite tourist destinations, Dapitan City can now boast of a world class commercial center. Gloria de Dapitan, which is situated at Sunset Boulevard, is a one-of-its kind three hectare commercial complex.

    Right at the very heart of Gloria de Dapitan is Gallera de Dapitan which architects Fernando Mirasol designed. It has a deluxe cockpit which may also be used for live entertainment shows, boxing matches and other crowd-drawing competitions. There is fully air-conditioned ExodusBowling Center, which is the first of its kind in northwestern Mindanao, and could be at par with best bowling lanes in Metro Manila. It has eight lanes and setting the pins are computer-aided. Those who enjoy boxing, aerobics and belly dancing, there are state-of-the-art fitness equipment at Powerhouse Gym-the biggest gym is Zamboanga peninsula.

    Gloria de Dapitan also has a computer game arcade, internet café, disco pub, resto bars, coffee shop and bakery, boutiques, shoe and souvenir shops, fruits gallery, flower shop, pharmacy, derma and spa center, money changer and foreign exchange and an automated teller machine. Directly in front of Gallera is a colorful and intricately designed fountain-the main attraction, in fact. Not far from the fountain is Bistro Paborito where one could unwind listening to music, live acoustics and keyboards. Bistro Paborito serves meals, cocktail drinks and beverages.

    There is a meat shop for fresh meat, ranging from beef, pork (including native pig) and fish. Exotic products, imported wines and varied types of cheese are also available. Just within the vicinity is the Cold Front where fresh fruits, ice-cold shake and juices are served. Beside it is the Nize Pizza where one would have a wide array of choices for toppings and even crusts. Then, at BB Edna Restaurant, one could enjoy native dishes form litson to seafood, barbecue to sutukil (sugba-tula-kilaw) and bas-oy (a mixture of several types of leafy and fruit vegetables) to satisfy one’s craving for distinctively Filipino.

    Yummy snacks are also available at Sweet Angels-pork siomai, puto cheese, suman, bibingka, fresh lumpia and what you have. A place to get loose and enjoy will be the Willem’s Sport’s Bar. Aside from dart boards and billiard tables, it has a videoke bar and once in a while, an acoustics night. Soon to open is a beauty and grooming salon which will be named, High-End. It is going to be managed by Manila-based Jessie Mendez.

    The amusement facilities include a carnival where one will find a carousel, mobile rides such as pagoda wheel, horror train, ferries wheel, wagon, bumper boats, merry mix-up fish coaster, majestic swan, red baron, astroliner, mini-safari, scramble, convoy ride dragon, mini lantern, sea birds and mad house. These are operated by Luzvimin Carnival Grande. The designers are architects Aaron A. Hamak and Delito Sagario Calasang Jr. of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP). The project manager is Birnoben Nayal.

    The entire commercial complex is fenced and further secured by guards who are on duty for 24 hours. It has wide spaces for vehicle parking. Literally means “to bring glory to Dapitan,” Gloria de Dapitan is 12 kilometers the airport, six kilometers from the seaport, and 14 kilometers from the urban center of Dipolog City. It is just 20 minutes from the Dakak Beach Resort, 10 minutes from Rizal Shrine and eight 8 hours bus ride form Cagayan de Oro City.