It has been many months, close to a year really ever since i have visited Dalaguete. The municipality like many others around Cebu has its own charms. Its Spanish Era church built in 1825 is the most obvious example. When you take a look around its beautifully maintained plaza your eyes will eventually dart to a slender two storey tall structure. Its coral stone base and wooden top make you wonder what it is and what is was.
It is the watchtower or Baluarte or Bantayan sa Hari of Dalaguete, one of two that exist. The watchtower’s age is apparent when you first look at it. Notice the cut coral stones, the balusters and the its location right infront of the church, though this watchtower was built long before the church. To be exact 57 years before the William Of Aquitane church was completed this stood as a bulwark and steadfast defender of the once small town. It was built in 1768
Fortunately the town of Dalaguete has not forgotten its roots and has not neglected the heritage of which the town is known for. The entire area around the church has been renovated and preserved with the intent to let the current generation enjoy the wonders of the past and let future generations continue its usage. The watchtower is a prime example of this process called “adaptive resuse”. Where in someone will take a heritage structure or anything of historical importance and make use of it without significantly altering the structure to fit its new purpose. Now the watchtower is occupied by a cafe called “Kioskofi” reffering to what the locals called the watchtower, “Kiosko”.
The cafe is like any other serving a selection of drinks and deserts. Of course the food is the focus of the business, but when you see their location, im sure you would choose this cafe over any other in Dalaguete. The original purpose of the watchtower is not completely lost, now while sipping your drink you can watch over the church and look towards the ocean, no longer at guard against pirates but instead look at the peaceful sky.
This project by the people of Dalaguete is an example to follow among the towns of Cebu. Do not abandon your heritage, find its use in the modern world. If you care for something, it will never rot.
