7 Destinations at Jimenez,Misamis Occidental

A 40-minute drive from the commercial center of Ozamiz City is the heritage town of Jimenez.Established in 1829 as a pueblo then as a town in 1859, the said municipality is the oldest town in the province.

Here is rundown of 7 destinations you must not miss at Jimenez Misamis Occidental.

  

1.Heritage Houses

With its 103 heritage houses, a walk in the alleys of Jimenez is like traveling back to time. Beneath the wooden walls and wide windows—mostly made from capiz shells—of each Spanish colonial period houses are interesting stories of the people who resided there.

Perhaps, this was my fave part of the trip, being enthralled with the narratives of each house:like as if you're there witnessing all of it.

 Rosito Z. Bacarro house

One of the famous houses in the area is the Aldren Nacion's residence formerly known as the Rosito Z. Bacarro's house. The facade is an archetype of rich people mansions from the colonial era.Yet,would you believe that this house played a key role in the history of the Philippines. 

Yes! You read it right! mundane as it seems but this house used to be a printing press of bank notes during the World War II.

So how was that possible?

From 1941 to 1943, the Japanese troops gradually invaded the Philippines. Since the country is an archipelago, the southern parts were conquered on a latter period. On those times, the US soldiers based in Mindanao were having a problem to finance their military force. 

Luckily for them, they knew that the Misamis Occidental Currency Committee only printed a small fraction of bank notes their authorized to produced. Thus, the US troops ordered to print the remaining sums of money.

Following this, it was also discovered that the Mindanao Emergency Currency Board still has remaining bank notes for printing. Yet, the original members of the board already surrendered,thus, the US force reconstituted new members.

It was in April 1943 at this house where the printing of the remaining bank notes happened and the rest they say is history.

FAST FORWARD to present. The house was kept by its new owners and remains as one of the favorite tourist attractions in the area.

 

If you're lucky, you can also have a tour inside. The care taker mentioned the current owner collects antique items. Say for instance, the house has a collection of wooden corded phones.

Senator Jose Ozamiz' house

Another house to see at Jimenez is the house of Senator Jose Ozamiz—the first Congressman,Governor, and the first and only Senator from the province.

A Casa and a Convent

From left: Jimenez' first casa,Convent of Maryknoll sisters.

So here's something I don't usually see.Convents on those times are just like the average houses. The distinction is that the house has a cross on it.

Not afar from the convent is the first casa in the town—Spanish term for house but is also associated as brothel.

2.St. John the Baptist Church

 

Built in the 19th century, the St.John the Baptist Church is one of the national culture treasures in the country. The Church houses a fully restored pipe organ and more than century old bells.                          

 3. Shanghai Noodle House

For the foodie, don't forget to drop by Shanghai Noodle House and try their Ngo Hiong: variety of spring rolls or lumpia. For just 90 Php you can get to enjoy this traditional Chinese fried dish. What I like about this appetizer is that it is lightly salty and at the same time crunchy. 

 4. Largest Tree

Perhaps, this photo will remind you of some creepy scenes on movies.This is the largest tree in town at the public cemetery. I find it cool since I don't usually see this kind of stuff during my trips.

Yet visit with caution, I have a friend who told me that the "elements" living in the tree were not happy to see us. He was terror-stricken and wanted to go out of the cemetery. 

We were then asked to do a ritual before going out of the cemetery since the locals believe that it will protect us upon leaving the cemetery.

5. Baluno Tree of Rizal and Shrine

Here is something you don't learn from school: a more than century old tree that was planted by our National Hero--Dr. Jose Rizal-- himself is an attraction here. Not so sure about the full account of this story but the locals said that Baluno is not a native tree in their hometown and Rizal was the one who brought it there.

6. Kamil Tree

Regarded by the locals that is something mystique, the Kamil tree facing the river is a must see place. I don't have a decent photo of the tree but here's a photo of the river.

 7. Pasalubong Center

And what perfect way to end your trip?: pasalubong hunting.Located at the Jimenez integrated bus terminal you can buy local items ⸺from spanish sardines to tasty fish paste and from corn coffee to sweet peanut products ⸺at the Jimenez Pasalubong center.

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