Dapitan City Poem by Edgar Eslit

By its name, it typifies the word welcome, “Dapit”.
Nestled in the province of Zamboanga del Norte
Once a sleepy town but made a significant history
when Dr. Jose Rizal; a polymath and nationalist visionary
was once exiled and whose martyrdom serves as catalyst
that precipitated the Philippine Independence day.

Now, Dapitanons are reaping seeds of Dr. Rizal’s sojourn.
That they can tell the world or the first sunrise of the sun
the first kiss that his bosom inflamed; when thousands of
good memories surged out from within and prospered the
heroic depth to the height that mounted to wherever Rizal’s
kiss of wisdom and nationalistic vision transform into reality.

Still, over the shore and beside the tranquil and lucid bay,
the breeze idly cools in its firmament buzzing ways.
The waves always whisper in sighs on the docile wind
as it tells of its timeless stories beneath the shroud of the sea.
'Come one, come all' there musing like accolades everyday.
For visitors, serenely, it’s an all time eco-elegant sanctuary.

Where could I find that place? What is the name of that place?
In one of the rotundas it says “The shrine city of Dapitan”.
On the post card: a meeting place full of golden memories.
Oh, yes, it’s the place in southern Mindanao that once seen,
one will never say “Farewell, sweet stranger, my friend”.
Come to where the paradise and heritage convey-Dapitan City!