When an opportunity to do a speaking engagement in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental came about, I gladly accepted the invitation. For one, I haven’t been to Misamis Occidental and two – of course, I always love talking in front of people.

And so I immediately searched the net as to what I could possibly visit in the city dubbed as The City of Good Governance. One specific place that popped through my search is Cotta Fort – known to be Ozamiz version of Fort Santiago/Intramuros (only that it is way smaller).

So during my last day, I woke up pretty early to catch the sunrise at the port which is beside the fort. I did some brisk walking while waiting for the sun to hover over Panguilo Bay. It’s great to see a lot of locals jogging along the baywalk. Some even go inside the Cotta Shrine and Cotta Fort to run around. I, myself went up where the lighthouse is found and captured the morning’s first glow.

After satisfying myself with the sun’s glorious rising, I walked around the fort which is officially named Fuerte de la Concepcion y del Triunfo. Upon entering its impressive gate, I noticed already the square shape of the fort to which as there were bastions in each of the four corners.  There is a small outdoor chapel and a museum inside. It is smaill so a few minutes of walking will do.

After taking some photos, I walked my way to the nearby shrine where I was greeted by vendors selling prayer candles. The candle area is pretty unique as tin cans were used to place the lit candles. Adjacent to it are benches painted in the Marian colors of blue and white that faces an altar with a shrine. I spent sometime to pray in the area before I headed back to my hotel and pack my things.

How To Reach Ozamiz Cotta Fort and Shrine

From Manila, fly your way to Ozamiz City (Labo Airport). Once at the airport, ride a tricycle and inform the driver to take you to “The Fort or port” (as these to or just beside each other). There is an entrance fee of Php5.00. It is open as early as 5:30am.

Don’t be a wasted soul, be “juan”derlust. Take it easy ebri”juan”…