Dumaguete City can be found in the province of Negros Oriental, located in the southwestern part of Visayas. Being the largest city in the province, Dumaguete is also the main seaport, producing fine ocean produce for the country. The city is also known as a university town because of the number of universities and schools that are found therein, the most famous of which is the Silliman University, the Philippines’ first American private university in Asia.Dumaguete has a population of more than 120,000 people, and has been dubbed as The City of Gentle People because of the hospitable nature of its dwellers. Considered to be a main tourist spot, Dumaguete is easily accessible from the main land of Cebu, and is also a boat ride away to the islet of Siquijor. For the adventurous, making a stop at Dumaguete to experience the culture, meet the people, and taste the food is a must when going around the Visayan regions.Siquijor Island is a hilly, limestone island located 30 km east of the southern tip of Negros Island. It is the country’s smallest province and the least known of all provinces in Central Visayas. The island is also bordered with mangroves, white sandy beaches and coral reefs. Its native name was Katugasan, from the word tugas – the molave trees. These molave trees harbored swarms of fireflies, leading the Spaniards to call the place ‘Isla del Fuego’ (Island of Fire), and later renamed it Siquijor.
