DUMAGUETE CITY — Pantawan People’s Park is best known as a place to walk, play and watch the sea. It is also a workplace. Every day, a small economy runs along the promenade: massage therapists and foot reflexologists, coconut sellers, snack and juice stands, flower vendors, souvenir sellers and the evening tempura stalls.
Mornings: buko and juice shots
Early walkers and joggers have made fresh buko part of their routine. In September 2025, BNNO found coconuts selling for ₱35 each, served straight from the shell. Two multicab vendors were selling out daily. Another morning stand advertised a ginger, pineapple and orange juice shot for ₱20.
Evenings: massage and “pa-reflex”
At night, the park’s massage therapists, known locally as manghihilot, and foot reflexologists set up along the seawall. BNNO’s September 2025 feature described hundreds of residents and tourists getting “pa-reflex” every night, sitting by the seawall for a modest fee.
In May 2025, the DCCCO Multipurpose Cooperative donated 20 large canopies for the massage therapists at Pantawan. The cooperative also committed to providing free public WiFi in key areas of the city, including Pantawan, the public market and Quezon Park.
Food stalls and the Tempurahan
The cluster of tempura and street-food stalls known as the “Tempurahan sa Pantawan” has been a regular afternoon stop since at least 2024. In July 2026, BNNO reported that the Tempurahan had been moved to the far end of the park, toward Tinago. BNNO urged regular customers to follow the vendors to their new spot so they would not lose their income.
Other vendors have come and gone with the seasons. They have included cotton candy in the afternoons and evenings, roast pork, local handicrafts sold near the old #DumaGetMe sign, and fresh-flower bouquets at ₱100 each, which BNNO featured in July 2026.
Souvenir vendors ask for fair placement
On September 3, 2026, the president and secretary of the Dumaguete Souvenir Vendors Association spoke to BNNO about their request to the city government. The association asked that their new stalls be arranged properly so visitors could reach every vendor, and that the city find a fairer way of assigning spots so all sellers get equal access to customers.
Storm damage
Being on the waterfront means being exposed to the weather. After Typhoon Tino passed on November 4, 2025, BNNO photographed the spot where the massage therapists usually work. Strong winds had knocked down their chairs and canopies. An image of San Pedro Calungsod at the spot was left standing.
Holiday trade
Over the 2025 holidays, Pantawan on Rizal Boulevard was the designated area for buying fireworks from December 22 to 31. Police warned the public to buy only from authorized sellers.
Why it matters
For many of these sellers, the park’s evening crowds are their main market. BNNO’s editorial, “Adto ta sa Pantawan,” argues that these small businesses are part of what the park means to the city. For the park’s landmarks and amenities, see our guide to Pantawan People’s Park.
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