Travel Log: Zamboanga City

… Asia's Latin City

he City of Zamboanga is a first class, highly urbanized city in the Philippines and one of the first chartered cities in the country. Commonwealth Act No. 39 signed by President Manuel L. Quezon on October 12 1936 in Malacañang created and established it as a chartered city. It has been known as "El Orgulo de Mindanao" (The Pride of Mindanao).

GETTING THERE
There are daily flights to/from Manila by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, flights to/from Sandakan by Asian Spirit and South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR).

If you are from Luzon and Visayas, the Nautical Highways (RoRo) can bring you here. Buses from major cities in Mindanao are also available.

Super Ferry boats are available 2 days a week for sailing from Cebu City, Davao, and Manila and vice versa. Ferries are also available to and from Sandakan. The Port of Zamboanga is an international port of entry. It has a schedule passenger trip to Sandakan, Malaysia, a cruise ship destination and several shipping lines offer regular trips from and to Davao, Cotabato, Dipolog/Dapitan, General Santos, Pagadian, Jolo, Bongao, Isabela City, Cebu City, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Bacolod and Manila.

WHAT TO DO
Zamboanga La Hermosa Festival — Is held in honor of the miraculous image of what to do Our Lady of the Pilar at the legendary Fort Pila. The people of Zamboanga fervently believe that the lady has served as their unifying cultural and historical symbol. In commemoration of her feast day, Zamboanga displays its devotion and enthusiasm with a ninenight procession, fireworks, an ethnic parade, a cultural show, a regatta, and the Miss Zamboanga parade. This festival runs from October 1 to 12.

The Regatta de Zamboanga — Of the numerous events held in the month of October, one of the most renowned which showcases the finest vintas (sailboats) in the country. Under the supervision of the local administration, the Regatta, besides all the music, dancing and other festivities, is all about the boat race. While there are special awards given to the winner, it is mainly intended to present to the world the beauty of the vinta.

Santa Cruz Islands
Swim and scuba diving in a pink sand beach in an unspoilt island. Also known for its pinkish sand because of the washed out corals from the bottom of the sea.

WHAT TO EAT
Feast on abundant seafood like lapu-lapu and bangus and special delicacies such as curacha and lobsters.

Curacha — It is large, hideous and scary but it can ONLY be found in the waters of Zamboanga and Sulu. A curious cross between the large sea crab and the spiny lobster, the fabled crustacean is sold daily at the Zamboanga City market.

WHAT TO SEE
Fort Pilar — This was the Spanish garrison that served as the territory's protection from local pirates. Today, it serves as a shrine to Our Lady of the Pillar. There are relics here from Spanish antiquity reflecting the life back in those days.

Zamboanga Golf Course — This is probably the oldest golf course in the country, which was established during the American colonial period. It has a beautiful view of the Basilan Strait and a swimming resort.

Pasonanca Park — Famed for its tree house with modern amenities where one can stay overnight and commune with nature.

Vista del Mar Resort — a favorite beach among city dwellers due to its proximity to downtown and the beautiful view it offers of the Basilan strait water and Santa Cruz Islands in the distance.

Pink Sand Beach — For a lot of people, the Pink Sand Beach off Greater Santa Cruz Island is not just Zamboangas finest beach, but the very best in the Philippines and Asia.

Serenity Falls — Serenity Falls bounded between La Paz and Pamucutan, at the foot of the EcoZone's south entrance.

For more information, check out www.zamboangaboard.com, www.wikitravel.org or www.transasiashipping.com.