THE DALAKIT TREE -  ORIGIN OF THE NAME DALAGUETE 

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The dalaket (Ficus benjamina linn) tree is the foundation  of the origin and name of Dalaguete. In ancient times, before the coming of the Spaniards, these trees have been used by people as major landmarks. People gathered under its encompassing shades and conduct social and economic activities such us festivities, contest, trading meetings and other community gatherings. They establish market places under the shades of the dalaket where they sell their products and conduct trade with local roving traders bringing in Chinese and Asiatic goods from the port of Cebu.

The place where the church or the poblacion were laid have been the site of a communal gathering area for the natives. It was also the abode of a huge dalakit tree which provide shade and shelter while people conduct their activeities. “Adto ta mag-abot sa dalakit.” “Adto ta magtigom-tigom sa dalakit” [Let us meet at the dalakit]. These and other popular phrases have the common practice of our ancestors when coming up with an agreement to meet or conduct an activity specifically at the site where the dalakit is situated. For several generations in pre-hispanic 

Dalaguete, the area have always been unofficially called as dalakit. Its accessibility and its reputation as a communal area for community gathering have prompted the leaders Spanish authorities to construct the church and eventually establish the area as part of an encomienda. From this common ground, and from this tree, begun the conception of a larger town which later come to be known as Dalaguete.

Language experts know that in Spanish, the letter “G” is often pronounce “K” so that the word dalakit is in fact spelled out by them as dalaguet. There is no “K” in the Spanish language. The nearest other spelling would have been “Dalaquet”, with a “q” instead of a “g” which, when written by hand in those early days, would also have been interchanged. Whatever the case, thus was born christened the town of Dalaguete.

OBONG SPRING

The Obong Spring is a fresh water spring which emanates near the beach. Because of steady outpour of water, a pool of freshwater meets the sea especially when the tide is high and the water become brackish. So, that’s the explanation behind such mystery.

The spring is located in Dalaguete, Cebu. From Cebu City, you still have to pass scenic towns that is worthy of visit like Argao, Carcar, San Fernando, Naga, Minglanilla and Talisay. Obong Spring rests in the southernmost or the last barangay before reaching Alcoy. Obong Spring signboard can be seen before the sign, Alcoy Ahead.

The spring is in the humble municipality of Dalaguete, where Dalakit trees are found. One local legend narrates how the town got its name. Accordingly, Spaniard soldiers passed the place where a woman took her bath. The visitors asked the name of the place. The woman got the wrong idea, thinking they were asking the name of the tree where Spaniards were standing, she answered “Dalakit” and eventually recorded as “Dalaguete.

OSMENA PEAK

Osmena Peak is known to be the highest peak in the province and Island of Cebu. Base on actual GPS altitude, it stand approximately 1000 meters above sea level. Osmena peak is located in the vicinity area of Mantalongon, (a town that is around 700 to 800 meters and probably one of the highest towns in Cebu. Mantalongon has been known as the vegetable kingdom of Cebu. Its really unusual finding this town where you feel it was like an area in the Cordilleras were they have their trading post for vegetable dealers and townfolks and children are wearing jackets at high noon. Reminds me of Baguio City and La Trinidad).

GAKUB SPRING

Located at the heart of Banhigan, Dalaguete, Cebu. This is one of the distinations of the locals here during holidays or family picnics. There is no entrance fees collected except for cottage that only cost about P50.00 only.

ROCK FORMATIONS

  Rock Formation is located a few kilometers outside the borders of Barangay Mantalongon. It is located already in the premises of Sitio Lugsangan, Barangay Tabon. It is also a favorite destination of mountaineers, not only from the town itself but also by people from other municipalities, for its fresh cool air and mountain view top.

DELICACIES 

BIBINGKA (with latik)

So delectably lip-smacking good, our bibingka is unique from all other bibingkas elsewhere. Made even juicier and with just the right sweetness, one would often wonder and marvel if these rice cakes are baked in heaven. These are made of ground glutinous rice baked to perfection in unconventional ovens called “hudnohan” heated by red burning coals and glowing embers. Green banana leaves are used as drapes to keep it from sticking on the pans, enhancing a richer flavor and texture. What makes our bibingka is the thick, sweet sauce or latik, which is made of pure coconut milk and brown sugar. Hot latik poured lavishly on steaming freshly baked bibingkas are delightful for snacks or dessert. Available fresh and syrupy all year round at P5.00 a piece. 

                                          TORTA

Call this the Queen of the Bring-house phenomenon. It has the shape of a crown and dusted with the white sugar crystals which glitter like tiny diamonds. There are differing traditions and recipes of the majestic Torta. The Dalaguete Torta distinguishes itself from all other tortas in its yolk to oil ratio content; that’s what makes it Dalagitnon. Guarded family recipes require the best eggs from free-range native chickens and pure home-produced pork oil. The ultimate torta has loads of yolk and oil per square millimeter making it the cholesterolic climax of pastries. Goes superbly with coffee, “tsokolate” or cola. Ideal for bring-house, pasalubong or giveaways, the torta has always been pinned for, here and abroad. It can remain soft, good and sugary for 5 to 6 days and would surely pass strict airport regulations.

BANANA MEAT

In my hometwon in  Dalaguete, deep-fried bananas (ripe cardava variety), immaculately stuffed with prime ground meat would seemingly grow on trees every fiesta. These potassium rich bananas have amazed many famished eaters and undaunted visitors. At first sight it looks just like your ordinary “pritong saging”. At first bite, it’s a culinary wonder: soft, sweet and juicy outside, meaty and spicy inside. Appetizer, main dish or dessert, the Banana Meat can be found in every table during fiesta – only in Dalaguete. It’s so easy to prepare and it has become a mainstay in many households on fiestas, holidays and special occasion buffets. It has become as much a tradition as the lechon. It’s not for vegetarians but it’s the ultimate banana experience one can never have enough of!!