The History of Dasmariñas: From Origins to Modern Day (and why you should probably just go)
okay, so like, let’s talk Dasmariñas. seriously. i just got back, and my brain is still trying to process it. it’s… a thing. i was supposed to be meditating, you know? achieving zen. instead, i’m staring at this map
and thinking, ‘wow, this place is… persistent.’
It started, like, way back with a chieftain named Datu Maranga. yeah, dramatic, right? apparently, he was a pretty big deal, leading the Tagalog people here. then the Spanish showed up, naturally. they called it ‘Las Marinas’ - basically, ‘the bays.’ which is kinda accurate, considering the river. it’s all pretty standard colonial stuff, you know? forts, churches, the whole nine yards. i mean, the San Agustin Parish is actually pretty cool, if you’re into that sort of thing. but honestly, it’s mostly just a lot of old stone.
I was talking to this guy, Rico, at a roadside sari-sari store - you know, the tiny convenience stores everywhere - and he was telling me about how it used to be a huge agricultural area. rice, sugarcane, the works. now? it’s mostly residential and industrial. which is… depressing, but also, like, practical. He said, and I quote, ‘“It’s getting busier, but still… quiet. Like a sleeping giant.”’ Seriously, that’s what he said. I think he’d had a few too many tuba (coconut wine).
Let’s get down to brass tacks, because I’m already running on fumes. Rent’s around ₱8,000-₱15,000 a month for a decent apartment, depending on where you are. Job market? it’s… okay. A lot of manufacturing, some retail. Salaries aren’t huge, but it’s cheaper than Manila, obviously. I checked out a Reddit thread - r/Dasmariñas - and someone said, ‘“Don’t expect to get rich quick, but you can live comfortably.”’ Yeah, that’s the vibe. It’s not a glamorous destination, let’s be real. It’s more like… a solid, dependable place to exist.
Speaking of existing, the weather’s been weird. It’s this humid, grey drizzle - like someone’s perpetually crying over the place. It’s not bad, just… persistent. Feels like stepping into a permanent watercolor painting. And the air smells like wet concrete and something vaguely floral. It’s a strange combination. You’re only a short drive away from Tagaytay, which is, like, a whole different level of dramatic. And Batangas City? Don’t even get me started. It’s a chaotic mess, but you get used to it. I overheard a group of college students at a cafe saying, ‘“Tagaytay is for weekends, Dasmariñas is for surviving.”’ Okay, that’s… insightful.
Here’s a little breakdown of the cost of living, just for your sanity:
| Category | Estimated Cost (PHP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR Apt) | 8,000 - 15,000 | Varies by location, obviously. |
| Food (Monthly) | 6,000 - 10,000 | Depends on your eating habits. |
| Transportation | 2,000 - 4,000 | Jeepneys, buses, occasional Grab. |
| Utilities | 1,500 - 3,000 | Electricity, water, internet. |
| Entertainment | 3,000 - 7,000 | Movies, restaurants, drinks. |
I also found this Yelp review that said, ‘“The food is decent, but the traffic is a nightmare.”’ Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. Traffic is a thing here. Seriously, it’s like everyone decided to drive at the same time.
And don’t even get me started on the security. I read a forum post on a local Facebook group warning, ‘“Be careful walking alone at night. There have been reports of petty theft.”’ Just a heads up. It’s not like it’s a warzone, but you gotta be aware.
Overall? Dasmariñas is… a place. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s got a certain quiet charm. It’s a good base for exploring the surrounding areas, and it’s definitely cheaper than the big cities. Just don’t expect anything fancy.
Here are some links if you’re actually considering going:
TripAdvisor - Dasmariñas
Yelp - Restaurants in Dasmariñas
* r/Dasmariñas Reddit
Seriously, go if you want. Just… be prepared.
You might also be interested in:
- https://topiclo.com/post/seasonal-weather-in-etimesgut-what-to-expect-throughout-the-year-and-honestly-everything-else
- https://topiclo.com/post/the-future-of-toluca-upgrading-the-grind-and-maybe-my-sanity
- https://topiclo.com/post/what-is-memphis-famous-for-icons-history-and-legends-also-my-shoes-are-still-sticky
- https://topiclo.com/post/shubr-al-khaymah-nightlife-where-the-real-talk-happens-after-dark
- https://topiclo.com/post/the-state-of-unemployment-and-economic-growth-in-philadelphia-its-complicated-man