The Rizal Boulevard is unequivocally Dumaguete City’s foremost landmark. It no doubt dictates and influences the City’s rhythm and the Dumagueteños lifestyle.
It has become an icon for the curious traveler that draws almost every first time visitor to the City, a kind of roof brain tick box that necessitates completion. One has to see the Rizal Boulevard if one ends up in this part of the world, or one would leave it without the feeling of passing or the fulfillment of memory.
Locals call it the “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” one writer called it the “Boulevard of True Confessions,” whimsical allusions but in a way, quite candid, since it can, even to the wary traveler on a passing momentary glance, subconsciously induce a pondering reflective stance.
Walking along its cemented pathway and the stone-clad embankment, or sitting out an afternoon in the grass under the sheltering canopy of the age-old rain trees, one cannot help but be drawn into a retrospective consciousness, and suddenly find oneself simply philosophical about things.
Could this be possibly evoked by the sight and sound of the waters edge on both land and sky? Or could it be the asymmetrical alignment of the exotic acacia trees brought over by the home-sick Mexican official during the colonial days to make their new assignment feel like home?
It could also be that, all elements in place, trees, grass, sea, sky and the slanting sun create an overwhelming sense of innate familiarity that really makes one feel at home, or the weary tourist feel that he has finally arrived at the journeys end.
It would be interesting to dissect how the boulevard has sort of developed this reputation, and understand how space and the orientation of elements both natural and implanted can create such an influential ambience as the case maybe for this distinct promenade.
The City government of Dumaguete understands the importance of the Rizal Boulevard, and the role that it crucially plays in the City’s economy in terms tourism and social and cultural development.
This concern is apparent in the recent redevelopment and extension of the boulevard’s breakwaters. Foundation University’s Department of Fine Arts & Architecture is also working closely with the City to come up with master plan for the Boulevard, and transform it into a distinct landmark that can hold its place among all the great waterfronts in the world with the likes of Singapore or Sydney.
Last May 27, 2012, the City Tourism Office headed by RR Maquiling, in cooperation with Island Life Adventure Shop, organized the Santacruzan Kayak Competition.
About 48 paddlers competed in the half-day event — about six paddlers coming from as far as Lake Balanan in Siaton, and four paddlers from Lake Balinsasayao in Sibulan. The majority of the paddlers were all locals.
The primary objective of the event was to introduce and encourage water activities along the Boulevard. The walkway is widely used but the water does not seem to encourage much activity like paddling.
Of course, we understand that it is not at all inviting, considering that all of the City’s sewage pours out into the sea, except for the sewage water from the public market that now gets cleaned out and filtered at the Quezon Park.
I have a couple of friends who surf the boulevards breaks during the Amihan season, but they all feel like taking a bath in alcohol afterwards. It would be a very great improvement if all of the city’s sewage water would be redirected to a filtration facility, and cleaned out before it would be released into the sea. This would definitely promote any water activity in the boulevard without suspicion.
Since most of the paddlers were local fisherfolks, and were not accustomed to double-bladed paddles, the kayak competition started with a short demonstration on kayak paddling and re-entry should a boat capsize. Personal floatation devices were mandatory for each paddler.
The competition was divided into two events, a four-kilometer elimination circuit, and a two-kilometer sprint for the final round.
Third place went to Team Balinsasayao Uno with members Albert Bulagao and Mier Jamer both from Enrique Villanueva, Sibulan receiving P2,000 and a trophy. Second place went to Team Balinsasayo Dos composed of Daniel Batal and Diocles Rubio also from Enrique Villanueva, Sibulan who got P3,000 and a trophy. Brothers Danilo and Dino Ysola of Team Budoy from Canday-ong, Dumaguete City, champion of the SantaCruzan Kayak Competition received a trophy and a cash price of P5,000.
The event was made possible and successful with the help of Cindee Makasiar and the staff of the City Tourism Office and Provincial Administrator Arnel Francisco. The event was also supported by Mayor Chiquiting Sagarbarria, Gov. Roel Degamo, Habagat Outdoor Equipment, Third World Outdoors, and Fluid Surf Industries.
City Tourism Officer RR Maquiling plans to hold a bigger Kayak Festival on this year’s City Fiesta Celebration. A definite event to watch out for in the waterfront since we really need both events and infrastructure in promoting the Rizal Boulevard and the town on its side. (Babbu Wenceslao)
