It was dinner time after a fun first day in Misamis Occidental. I was quite tired so I wasn’t really updated anymore with our itinerary. One thing is for sure, we were about to wrap up the day with an awesome dinner.
Honestly, I was expecting that we would be going to a restaurant. Sorry if I didn’t bother to check our itinerary that time, I was just enjoying myself relaxing inside our coaster as we traveled from Tangub to Ozamiz.
So I was surprised to see such an exquisite and grand entrance of a structure, similar to Fort Santiago in Manila. What is this place?
It was then that I learned that we were about to have our dinner at the historic Cotta Fort or Fuerte de la Concepcion y del Triunfo in Ozamiz city.
Cotta Fort is one of the four Spanish forts built during colonial times. The other three are Fort Pilar in Zamboanga, Fort San Pedro in Cebu, and Fort Santiago in Manila. At that time, I also realized that I have already visited all four of these historical structures. And this visit to Ozamiz completed it. Oh what an amazing feat, right? I’m thinking of writing a separate blog post about these four forts.
Built in 1755, Cotta Fort served as a defense against Moro pirates in Panguil Bay. This also served as a shelter for many Spanish ships during those times. In the American and Japanese occupations, Cotta Fort was a witness and a battleground to many historic struggles for power.
When we visited Cotta Fort in the morning.
Some tables were already set up outdoors in front of the band, but unfortunately, it rained, so we transferred inside the museum.
After some local officials delivered their welcoming speeches, we were treated to a sumptuous dinner. The local dish Balbaua was truly the star of the night. It was my first time trying this dish and it was delicious. I like the tasty and tender beef with creamy sauce. It made my dinner extra memorable.
Scallops and other local dishes were also delicious that I had to go back for another plate.
We then visited the Blessed Virgin of Cotta which is located on the other side of the shrine. Just like what many devotees do, we also lit candles and offered our prayers.
On July 16, the annual feast day of Birhen sa Cotta is celebrated as many devotees flock to the area. This also coincides with the anniversary of Ozamiz city, so this day is a huge celebration for all Ozamiznons and Misamisnons as well.
CHECK THE BLOG POST: 20 Top Tourist Spots in Misamis Occidental (Laag-Laag sa MisOcc)
I admit that visiting the Cotta Fort at night has limited us in the areas that we want to explore. So we were so delighted to be given a chance to explore Cotta Fort in the morning.
It’s just so different when you witness it in full daylight. It was also a chance to witness the four bastions or baluartes of Cotta Fort namely San Jose, San Ignacio, San Fernando, and Santiago.
It was so nice to learn more about our history through these structures. When you visit Misamis Occidental, don’t forget to check out Cotta Fort. It always pays to appreciate our history and heritage as a nation.
Note: This visit to Cotta Fort is part of the Laag-Laag sa MisOcc2022 tour by the Provincial Tourism Office in cooperation with all the LGUs, DOT Region 10, and of course, the Philippines Tourism Promotions Board.
