Damp Dreams in Dumaguete: Humidity & Half-Finished Thoughts
okay, so i’m pretty sure my brain is currently operating at 78% capacity. it’s like a dial stuck between ‘slightly functional’ and ‘actively trying to forget what i ate for breakfast.’ i just landed in Dumaguete, Philippines, and honestly? it’s…sticky. like, aggressively sticky. the air feels like a wet towel draped over you. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the temp is 25.49, feels like 25.49, min 24.79, max 24.79. pressure 1009, humidity 83, sea level 1009, ground level 996. it’s a weird combination of oppressive and…peaceful? i don’t know. i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee.
Spent the morning wandering around Rizal Boulevard. it’s basically a long, shaded walkway along the coast. loads of street vendors selling everything. seriously, everything. I snagged a mango smoothie - tasted vaguely of regret and sunshine - and watched a bunch of kids playing frisbee. it was…nice.
I overheard some guys at a nearby sari-sari store (basically a tiny convenience store) talking about the jellyfish situation. someone told me that the jellyfish blooms are particularly bad this year, especially around Tinjeran Island. definitely wouldn’t recommend swimming unless you’re, like, a professional jellyfish wrangler. I heard that the local dive shops are offering guided tours to areas with fewer jellyfish, but they’re charging a premium. check out some dive spots here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g298460-Activities-Dumaguete_NegrosOriental_Visayas.html.
Speaking of locals, if you get bored, Bacolod is just a short drive away. I met this old woman selling woven baskets - she had the most incredible wrinkles and a smile that could melt glaciers. she kept saying ‘mabuhay’ which i think means ‘hello’ or ‘good luck’ or something equally profound. she was wearing this bright orange dress and a huge straw hat. seriously, the color was insane.
My accommodation is this little guesthouse called ‘Casa de Luna’ - it’s pretty basic, but the owner, Leo, is a total legend. he makes the best silog (a Filipino breakfast staple) i’ve had in ages. it’s like, garlic, egg, and rice. pure bliss. I’m trying to capture the vibe with my camera, but honestly, it’s hard to translate the humidity into a photograph. it’s more of a feeling, you know?
Here’s my gear list, because i’m a sucker for lists:
Camera (obviously) - a battered Sony a6000, still kicking.
Extra batteries (always).
MicroSD cards (don’t be a hero).
Lightweight rain jacket (dumaguete is basically a rainforest).
Insect repellent (seriously, don’t skip this).
Flip-flops (essential).
A notebook and pen (for capturing all these half-formed thoughts).
A healthy dose of cynicism.
I also found this amazing little cafe called ‘The Coffee Bean’ - seriously, the coffee is strong and they have these ridiculously decadent pastries. I’m pretty sure i’m going to live on pastries and caffeine for the rest of my trip. check out Yelp for more local eats: https://www.yelp.com/directory/restaurants/dumaguete.
I’m trying to find some decent street art, but so far, it’s been pretty sparse. I did see a mural of a giant carabao (water buffalo) though - it was pretty impressive. I’m hoping to find some hidden gems, you know?
Okay, I need to go refill my coffee. Seriously, this humidity is making me crave caffeine like it’s oxygen. Someone told me that the best time to visit Dumaguete is during the dry season (March-May), but honestly, i’m kinda digging the dampness. it’s…atmospheric.
Seriously, if you're looking for a chill, slightly chaotic place to unwind, Dumaguete might be your jam. Just…bring a lot of deodorant. and maybe a dehumidifier.
And don’t forget to check out the local markets - they’re a sensory overload in the best way possible. I heard that the Dumaguete Public Market is a must-visit, but be prepared for a bit of a crowd. https://www.dumagueteblog.com/dumaguete-public-market/
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