Dasmarinas City Hotels

Just south of Manila is Dasmariñas City, the Industrial Giant of the CALABARZON region. With its fast-developing commercial businesses and service-related enterprises, this busy city has indeed come a long way from its small-town beginnings. Its proximity to the capital and its various entertainment and retail centers make Dasmariñas an amazing destination to visit during weekends and holidays.

The thriving city of Dasmariñas takes its name from the 7th Spanish governor-general of the Philippines, Gómez Pérez Dasmariñas. Don Gómez Dasmariñas hails from Viveiro in Galicia, Spain, where the word dasmariñas means “from the marines.”

What used to be a small town in the 1860s became an incorporated city in 2009, and is now a progressive urban and commercial center buzzing with life and teeming with activity. Through the combined efforts of the local government and its citizens, Dasmariñas is now the largest component city in the country, certain to keep travelers occupied with various tourist attractions and places of interest worth visiting.

 

How to Go

By land

Private cars can get to this city by driving through the Aguinaldo Highway or the Governor’s Drive south of Metro Manila. Commuters coming from Manila can board buses and vans in Baclaran and Cubao that ply routes to Dasmariñas.

Getting Around

Jeepneys and tricycles are common modes of transportation here. Jeepneys are cheaper and have fixed routes that will take tourists to different points in the city. For nearby attractions, travelers can ride tricycles.

Tourist Attractions

Dasmariñas City is the largest city in Cavity and is a hub of commerce and trade, as well as home to an array of interesting sites to visit. Learn more about the 19th-century Philippine ilustrado (Spanish for “enlightened ones” or “erudite”) lifestyle by visiting the Museo De La Salle located inside the De La Salle University- Dasmariñas campus in DBB-B. Here, a collection of antique family heirlooms, furniture, and other objects related to the ilustrado lifestyle can be found on display.

Tourists can also stop by the Immaculate Conception Parish Church at P. Campos Avenue. This is the first Catholic parish church in Dasmariñas. Renowned sculptor Don Esperidion Arevalo carved the church’s iconic image of La Purisima Concepcion (Immaculate Conception) in 1867. It was also here that the bloody Battle of Perez Dasmariñas on February 25, 1897 took place.

The Kadiwa Park found along Congressional Road is another destination travelers shouldn’t miss. This quiet and peaceful park features striking artificial birds, colorful lights, and beautiful waterfalls. It’s best to visit this park at night.

Top Things to Do

If the usual shopping and dining experiences aren’t your cup of tea, indulge in a laid-back game of golf instead at one of several courses located in Dasmariñas. Travelers can play a round of golf at the stunning Orchard Golf and Country Club at Kilometer 27, Emilio Aguinaldo Highway.  Their golf course has 18 holes, small hills, a lagoon, and a lake. The club also has a fitness center, a salon, a café, and a driving range.

Visitors seeking water activities can go to Fisher’s Eco Farm Resort at Burol Main. Aside from the many pools and slides they offer, this resort also has floating cottages where tourists can fish. Fishing gear rentals are available and patrons can even grill and eat the fish they’ve caught.

Of course, travelers should try to join in at least one of the exciting festivals of the city. One such festival is the Paruparo Festival held every November. This festival celebrates the transformation of Dasmariñas through the years. The city’s changes are likened to how a caterpillar goes through metamorphosis to become a butterfly. As such, this event is famous for a parade where the residents dress up as striking and vibrant butterflies. Dance and song performances and various contests are also held in this event.

Where to Eat

Hungry travelers will find delight at the variety of dining options in the city. From fast-food chains and fine-dining restaurants in SM City Dasmariñas to the small eateries along the streets offering a taste of Filipino favorites, there’s something for everyone.

Visitors can opt to skip fast-food places and dine at the Saddle Ranch Sizzling Steak House at Pala Pala. This budget-friendly carinderia-style (canteen) restaurant serves delicious sizzling sisig (grilled chopped pork marinated in vinegar or calamansi), tapa (dried beef), and of course, grilled steak. The establishment is known for its homey atmosphere, good service, and generous servings at affordable prices.

Those hungering for something a bit different can head over to Ippon Yari Ramen House at Langkaan. Delectable and authentic Japanese food like katsudon, sashimi, tempura, and ramen are cooked and served by cheerful and accommodating staff. The establishment’s warm ambiance and fast service is sure to please all customers.

Looking for a relaxing morning or afternoon just sipping coffee and having something sweet? Then SARI at Don Placido Campos Street is the place to be! SARI is short for Sariling Atin (Our Very Own in English). This quaint café is the perfect hang-out spot, with mouth-watering desserts, pizzas, shakes, and coffee as well as board and card games that customers can play.

Nightlife

One of the city’s most popular nightlife choices is Padi’s Point Restaurant and Bar at Robinsons Place along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway. They have a wide selection of local and imported beers, cocktail towers, liquor, and group meals to munch on. Live bands, both in the national and international scene, perform songs every night.

There are also various resorts and hotels that have bars for patrons to relax in, such as the Palmas Del Sol Resort at Marilag Subdivision. Aside from being a premier resort, it also boasts a fantastic bar that has well-crafted drinks and tasty food.

Where to Stay

The strategic location of Dasmariñas to Metro Manila is causing a boom in the industrial and tourism sectors of the city, leading to an increase of hotels and resorts to stay in. And so, tourists have more than enough accommodation choices to choose from.

The Spring Plaza Hotel in Sampaloc is an excellent choice for budget travelers. Aside from its affordable rates, it’s also conveniently close to SM City Dasmariñas, Robinsons Mall Dasmariñas, De La Salle University Dasmariñas, Eagle Ridge Golf Course, and Riviera Golf Course. This hotel has clean and comfortable rooms, Wi-Fi, and massage services.

Guests who want to feel and see a bit of nature while in the city can stay at Kalipayan Resort at Kilometer 29, Emilio Aguinaldo Highway. Their beautiful and well-maintained garden is a sight for tired eyes. Their facilities include air-conditioned rooms, swimming pools, poolside cottages, and balconies that give travelers an amazing view of the sunset.

Another recommended lodging option is the Swiss Resort in San Agustin, where the rooms and dining options are all Swiss inspired. Swimming pools are open for guests to swim and relax in.

Travel Tips

• Take home some Tamales. Tamales is a Caviteñan delicacy that visitors can buy in Dasmariñas. This dish is made of galapong (a type of glutinous rice dough) and grounded peanuts. Slices of pork or chicken, hard-boiled eggs and garbanzos are often added. The mixture is then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked. Grab a few of these delightful treats to take home for friends and family.

• Shop at Daño Street during the holidays. Daño Street is a zigzag road that draws in crowds during holidays. During the holiday seasons, the road becomes a tiangge (flea market or bazaar) that sells an assortment of goods at low prices.

• Avoid going to Dasmariñas during peak hours on weekdays. Much like routes heading for Bacoor, roads leading to Dasmariñas City may experience heavy traffic during peak hours like 6 AM in the morning or 6 PM in the evening during weekdays.