Despite being born and raised in Mindanao, it took two decades and an invitation from the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) to finally bring me to Dipolog City. I arrived in Zamboanga del Norte to cover the 2026 Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW), stepping off the plane into a stifling 40-degree heat.

Yet, the scorching weather couldn't overshadow the city's immediate charm. The drive from the airport revealed sprawling green fields and winding waterways, quickly convincing me that this province was a hidden gem. After settling into our hotel near Plaza Magsaysay, we grabbed lunch at a nearby local spot. The chicken inasal was tender, flavorful and remarkably better than meals I've had at high-end restaurants.

The following morning, before the RSTW opening ceremony, I took an early walk around the plaza. Even at 8 a.m., the heat was palpable, but the space was entirely alive. The architecture of the city hall, neighboring houses, and the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral lent the area a distinct Spanish-era charm, seamlessly bridging the present with its colonial past. Beneath the shade of old trees, dancers rehearsed routines, vendors hawked street food, and tricycle drivers waited for passengers. It wasn't a grand, staged tourist spectacle; it was just an ordinary morning in Dipolog — and that quiet authenticity made it deeply memorable.

The trip successfully balanced demanding coverage with brief, beautiful detours, including visits to the Cogon Eco-Tourism Park and the historic Rizal Shrine in neighboring Dapitan City. On my final evening, determined to make the most of my remaining hours, I wandered back to the plaza. I chatted with teenagers practicing dancesport and photographed the quiet elegance of the City Hall. By then, the stifling heat of my arrival was entirely forgotten, replaced by a deep appreciation for the province's landscapes, architecture, and the steady, welcoming rhythm of its people.

Dipolog reminded me that meaningful travel doesn’t require a packed itinerary of famous landmarks. Sometimes, it is enough to stroll through a public square, share a meal, and observe a city simply living its life. For a Mindanao native stepping foot in Zamboanga del Norte for the first time, this brief work assignment offered plenty of reasons to return as a traveler. Next time, though, I hope the sun is just a little bit kinder.