Random Roaming in Dumanjug, Cebu



Dumanjug is located in the south western part of Cebu facing the Tañon Strait. It is about 2 hours ride from the Cebu City. I've been to this times multiple times since I was little and it is only recently that I began actually documenting the trip there. It is the hometown of my mother and her parents which is one of the prominent clans of the area: the MELGARs.


It is also popular for its very tasty "Bisayang Manok", a native chicken deliciously cooked and you can only find the best in Dumanjug Town. (Well I ate one for breakfast but failed to take a picture of it since I got too excited)
Churches were one of the 1st structures erected by the spandiards --Dumanjug Church
Quick History:
It is also the hometown of the Garcias, the present ruling political family of the province of Cebu. The town was established in 1855 by Capitan Pedro Ricamora and Padre Agustin Melgar. It is 74 kilometers southwest of the provincial capital, Cebu City. It has a land area of 11,958 hectares. It is bounded on the, north by the town of Barili, on the east by the town of Sibonga, on the south by town of Ronda, and on the west by the Tañon Strait.

This scenery never changes, but what did change was there were more foreigners living here, I asked around and found out that many balik-bayans and foreigners are choosing this as a retirement place. Well I can't blame them, this place is very peaceful [except for the occasional entertaining locals running around with a 'sundang' :D] and soothing.
Town Fiesta:
Dumanjug celebrates its town fiesta every October 4 to honor Saint Francis of Assisi. During the fiesta one can witness the Sinanggiyaw Festival ("sangi-sayaw" meaning "dancing while harvesting"), a colorful and festive way of giving thanks to the patron saint for the good harvest of corn, fruits and vegetables. [It is participated by students from the schools of the different barangays of the Dumanjug] It could also be said that this ritual is of pagan origins and was later 'Christianized' during the Spanish occupation.


Name Etymology (How the Town Got Its Name?): 
The Dumanjug Etymology is quite an interesting name and several sources have claimed its etymology. Here are some of the stories that tell the history of the name. Below are three versions I have come to research:

1st: As the legend states, there was once a very brave chieftain who had a very loud voice. His voice is so loud that even in far-flung places surrounding the village, his voice can be heard. In his memory, the village was called “Dumahunog” which means “loud” in Cebuano language. Eventually, the name evolved into “Dumanjug”.

2nd: During the time when Spaniards took control of the land, the village was famous for its tuba, a strong yet sweet alcoholic beverage derived from coconut juice. Duman was the most famous among tuba gatherers in the village and raised several coco trees in the village, One fateful day, Duman fell from the coconut tree while gathering for his tuba. It was also that day that Spanish Civil Guards visited the place, asking the name of the town (pueblo) in Spanish language.

The natives failed to understand the foreign language and misinterpreted the question. Thinking why the people were gathered in grief, the natives replied, "si Duman nahug" which means “Duman had fallen”. The guards thought that the name was "Dumanjug" and recorded it as it is.

3rd: Another version emerged. Duman was the mighty king and ruler of the municipality. Similar to the 2nd version, "Nahug" means “had fallen” which was the cause of the king’s tragic death. As years passed, it evolved into the name Dumanjug.

The newly renovated plaza dedicated to Doña Josefa Paras Garcia and also the local Farmers
Dumanjug Today:
Dumanjug is one progressive town in the south. It has gained importance for the traders as the “transshipment point” and the gateway to the neighboring island, Negros Oriental. Commerce is promising in the area while other industries like fishing and agriculture also flourished.

More information about Dumanjug can be found via wikipeda.







FOODIE TIP: Also, the halo-halo stores right beside the Plaza are really awesome, you should give it a try!

How To Get There: If you are coming from Cebu City, you can 1st go to the Cebu South Bus Terminal where you can get a bus that can directly take you to the town of Dumanjug or via Hired Vans. Reaching the town may take 2-2-1/2 hours land trip. Tangil Dumanjug, also has smaller ships that transport passengers from Negros to Cebu
Random Roaming in Dumanjug, Cebu Random Roaming in Dumanjug, Cebu Reviewed by Vernon Joseph Go on Thursday, January 19, 2012 Rating: 5

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