The New Face of Ozamiz (Celebrating 250 years of Cotta)
If there is any appropriate words to describe the experience i had for the first time spending and attending the fiesta anniversary of Ozamiz city, it is best to state that it's a breathtaking renewal of my forgotten past. Seeing the real definition of my roots, of who we really are, not only being ozamiznons, but the history and identity of our unique race belongs.
The whole celebration of the 250 years of Cotta and fiesta of ozamiz city creates a "New Face of Ozamiz", which every ozamisnon should be proud of. Looking at the pictures i took 7 o'clock in the morning from the boat and in the middle of a clean and rich water of Panguil Bay, it is indeed the dawn of a new city - my beloved Ozamiz.
If i don't have any idea of seeing a new ozamiz, i would have preferred to land through the backdoor in dipolog or dagayan de oro via a two-winged aircraft. but, i was thrilled and doubly happy to see how the whole entrance of ozamiz welcomes me from the sea. The whole new world changes instantly upon seeing the beautiful fort of cotta.As any boat or vessel approaches or departs the port of ozamiz, the Fort of Cotta is sitting beautifully with the majestic Mount Malindang as the backdrop.
The seawater of panguil bay is still blue and green as ever, evidence of the richness of the sea, and providing the subanons the livelihood and healthy natural foods to eat everyday.
As early as the sun rises in the morning, a flock of marian devotees, young and old ozamiznons including even visitors from the neighboring towns come to visit the baywalk, do some exercise, lover's delightful encounter and enjoy the refreshing air and soothing heat of sun. The breakwater are extended and well cemented. The sand along the beach is what we see way back in the sixties, without dirts and trashes.