Teachers from the Magsaysay Memorial Elementary School took a rest from their classroom tasks during the recent holidays, and went on an educational trip to Dapitan City in Zambanga del Norte in Mindanao.
First stop of the trip was the famous Rizal Shrine. We were really amazed at the ancient house where our national hero lived during his exile. We saw the letters and poems written by Rizal, his own version of the Code of Ethics, his shell collection which were beautifully preserved by the local government, the black board and table used by Rizal during his stint as teacher to 24 students, and a water system Rizal himself assembled.
Indeed, visiting the shrine was like walking with Jose Rizal a century ago.
After taking a glimpse of the past, we went to the newly- inaugurated Gloria’s FantasyLand. Completed in 2009, this P200 million structure within the Gloria de Dapitan commercial complex is owned by Zamboanga del Norte Cong. Romeo Jalosjos. It is the biggest theme park outside Metro Manila with 35 various rides.
Indeed, it was reminiscing time on childhood memories for the Magsaysay teachers as they took turns riding the 18-seater Old Western Train powered by a diesel locomotive that pulls the it through a mini forest; the Midi Flume Ride, which creates a river wild atmosphere; the Mini Coaster Ride which is like a roller skate ride, etc.
And what could be the most fitting finale to the trip? Spending the rest of the day at Dakak Beach Park & Resort, where we enjoyed jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling.
Dakak prides in having designed its park and resort adapting to its natural surroundings. The distinctive native style cottages are constructed in traditional bamboo and nipa leaves, and feature marble-tiled bathrooms and capiz shell window panes. The beach is adorned with wild orchards of papaya, mango, coconut, banana, and frangipani; the entire village simply following the natural contours of the vast 15 hectare resort.
Indeed, the trip of the Magsaysay teachers was fun and educational. It did not only help relieve stress, it also opened the eyes of the educators to the rich history of our forefathers. (Contributed article/Victoria Maquiling)
