By Emely Amor Lapad, Anchor, Brigada News FM Oroquieta

The Municipal Band Stand, locally known as the Kiosko, has anchored community life at Oroquieta’s City Plaza since its construction from 1925 to 1928. An enduring symbol of the coastal city’s heritage, this bandstand offers both residents and visitors a place to pause, reflect and reconnect—a reminder that cultural landmarks hold real value for mental and emotional well-being.

Heritage in Harmony

Built under Recollect Friar Tomas Casado—who hailed from Oroquieta, Navarra in Spain—the Kiosko replicated the bandstands of his native land. Since then, it has witnessed the city’s growth from pueblo and parish in 1887 to its moniker, “City of Good Life.” Each bell from the nearby cathedral seems to echo history, whether at sunrise or dusk, lending a sense of peaceful continuity to passersby.

Nature’s Quiet Therapy

Visitors to the Plaza often comment on the salty breeze drifting in from Iligan Bay, mingling with church bells. The combination of gentle sea winds, the shade of acacia and calachuchi trees, and the constant murmur of community life makes the site ideal for relaxation. “I feel calmer, more present,” says a local teacher who visits daily. Research supports this: access to green spaces, coastal air, and heritage sites reduces stress and bolsters overall mental well-being.

Easy Access, Simple Journeys

Reaching Oroquieta is straightforward. Flights land at Laguindingan Airport (CGY), about two hours away; from there, buses serve daily routes to the city proper. For domestic tourists, the city welcomes private vehicles and ride-hailing services, making it user-friendly for all traveling modes. Once in the plaza, everything is pedestrian-friendly and open 24/7—no tickets, no fees, just open warmth.

Businesses Rooted in Local Culture

The Plaza’s vibrant energy supports a web of sustainable livelihoods. Street vendors offer buko juice and local snacks; artisans sell handicrafts nearby; teachers organize open‑air rehearsals for school choirs; fishermen and farmers occasionally gather to share fresh produce. The Kiosko’s presence not only preserves heritage—it uplifts entire livelihoods.

Tourism with a Conscience

Local leaders and civic organizations have embraced sustainable tourism development, ensuring the Kiosko remains protected. Waste bins dot the plaza; signage reminds visitors to respect the space; tree‑planting initiatives around the grounds show commitment to urban greening. These efforts help maintain the site’s charm while safeguarding it from uncontrolled commercialization.

A Space for Community Connection

For many Oroquietanhons, the Kiosko functions as a communal living room. Sunday gatherings bring families who linger for church services and casual exchanges. Youth groups use the bandstand for dance rehearsals, poetry recitals and small performances. Such inclusive use fosters social cohesion—another known benefit for mental health, reducing loneliness and building meaningful connections.

Bringing Business to Life

The lifeblood of local entrepreneurship pulses here. A coconut farmer recounts how making buko juice at the plaza helps support his family. A local artisan sells hand-woven fabric accessories, using platters to display wares near the steps. Teachers offer free music lessons under the shade. These micro‑enterprises illustrate how local tourism—with minimal investment—can sustainably lift incomes.

Looking Ahead

Long-term plans are on the drawing board. City officials envision heritage tours that include the Kiosko, guided storytelling sessions, small‑scale cultural festivals around it—all designed to preserve the structure while diversifying visitor experiences. By keeping control local and prioritizing heritage conservation, Oroquieta ensures that any future tourism remains rooted in community values and sustainability.

Oroquieta’s Kiosko offers more than a picturesque landmark; it provides restorative benefits for mental health, nurtures small-scale employment and exemplifies responsible tourism. As regional travel rebounds across the Philippines, this civic treasure stands ready—not as a promotional spectacle, but as a genuine destination where history, harmony and community quietly converge.

Pack your curiosity, embrace the gentle breeze, and discover the shared pride that sits at the heart of Oroquieta—no sale pitch needed, just a genuine invitation to explore something real.

By DelightfulPH