What to See in Ozamiz City

Ozamiz is a third-class city in the province of Misamis Occidental located in the northern part of Mindanao. The history of Ozamiz is inscripted in their city seal which is symbolized by the Structure, Blessed Virgin and inscription Fortes en Fide.

According to their website http://www.ozamiz.gov.ph/about-us/history/city-seal/ the seal means:

Structure “ cotta, Spanish Fort Santiago and oldest structure in the city; also a symbol of the heritage and peace and order in the city.

Blessed Virgin “ patron saint of the city.

Inscription “ motto of the city “ Fortes en Fide“, meaning strength in faith.

WHAT TO SEE IN OZAMIZ CITY?

The Tourism industry in Ozamiz City is underdeveloped and their is not really much to see, but when you visit don’t forget the following spots.

1. Immaculate Conception Cathedral

The cathedral is located in the heart of the city at Rizal Avenue.The Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish which has ever since been under the protection of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception was established by the Recoletos in 1789 or before this date. It was then known as the Immaculate Conception Parish. http://iccpozamis.com/about/

The church interior is amazing.

2. Fort Santiago: The Cotta of Misamis

Also called Cotta Fort, built approximately 255 years ago for the purposes of providing shelter for the ships of Spanish fleet and to repel the Moro piratical raids. The cotta was a military stronghold since 1750’s.

Some of ruin at Cotta Fort.

The museum inside Cotta Fort. I came in a little late so I was not able to take a good shot.

3. Cotta Shrine

Beside Fort Santiago is Cotta Shrine. Officially named Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepción y del Triunfo de la Cruz de Migpangi, they call it Ang among Pinangga nga Birhen sa Cotta or Shrine of the Virgin at the Cotta. For more than two centuries people have come to the Shrine of the Virgin at the Cotta which claimed to be miraculous, to invoke her protection.

Around the year 1758 an image of the statuette was etched into the wall of the Cotta which the people started and continue to venerate. http://iccpozamis.com/cotta/

Pieta figure at Cotta Shrine.

4. Cotta Beach

Just behind Cotta Shrine and Cotta Fort is the Cotta Beach or Panguil Bay. If you want to spend a relaxing afternoon in Ozamiz, go to the beach. Also, try to experience local street food being sold in the area.

“Ihaw-ihaw” all you can.

This is what I ate. It costs Php 90.00 (Rice, chicken thigh, fish and soda).

HOW TO GO THERE?

You just need this. One-way ride from the cathedral is is Php 10.00. I gave Kuya another Php10 for a tip.

There you go. Happy traveling! ?

10% discount code as an extra treat: Code: “offer-10-mars”