Zamboanga City is located at the southern most part of Mindanao or the Zamboanga Peninsula. It is ranked as the 6th most populous city and the 3rd largest by land area in the Philippines.
The city was founded during the 12th and 13th century, and was ruled by the Spaniards which made the native dialect "Zamboangueno Chavacano". The city is also known as the "City of Flowers", but later on it was changed to as "Asia's Latin City".
The City has a lot to offer to tourists, no matter what culture they're from. During the month of October, the city celebrates there annual festival in honor of Nuestra Senora La Virgen del Pilar known as the "Zamboanga Hermosa Festival or commonly known as Fiesta Pilar". It is also considered as one of the oldest festival in the Philippines.
Prior to the day of the celebration, activities are prepared like the Miss Zamboanga. Miss Zamboanga is a beauty contest open to young women and whoever wins the competition will be the face of City for that year..(that's what i understood...hehehe)...other competition is also the "Mascota Competition", this is where fashion designers competes there maskota's or others may know as the local clothing of the early zamboanguenos...also there's the popular vinta race, which is held early morning at the famous RT Lim Boulevard..you can see how colorful the vintas of zamboanga are and this is also the one that represents Zamboanga among other city here in the Philippines. now, on the eve of the feast day, the street dance competition is held with participants from different schools and levels...you can experience the local music and the wonderful colors that the city provides...after so, a procession is held to honor Our Lady of the Pilar at it's shrine at Fort Pilar. The locals believe that the lady has served as the unifying culture and historical symbol.
street dancing
regatta race
regatta
street dancing
procession to the shrine
mascota competition
regatta
miss zamboanga pageant
Aside from the events, you can also try the different delicacies the province offers. we are also known for our CURACHA (a kind of crab...hehehe)...and one of the sought out place to visit is Alavar Seafood Restaurant. also, you can try satti...a spicy delicacy that's worth trying specially when your'e fond of spicy foods... and there are more to try...^_^
curacha
satti
well, regardless of festivals the city has a lot to offer even on ordinary days. there are plenty of tourists spots that you can visit. these includes: Fort Pilar, The Metropolitan Cathedral Church, St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, The Zamboanga City Hall..these are some of the historical buildings in the province.
inside fort pilar/national museum
fort pilar shrine
metropolitan cathedral
zamboanga city hall
aside from building we also have parks and other destinations that encourage local and tourist to visit the city. such as; Paseo del mar, Sta Cruz Island, Pasonanca Park, Jardin de Maria, Cawa-cawa or RT Lim Boulevard, Zamboanga Golf and Country Club, Plaza Pershing and many more...
jardin maria clara lobregat
maria clara lobregat monument
jose rizal monument
merloquet falls
paseo del mar
pasonanca pool
dullian falls
zamboanga golf and country club
golf beach
sta. cruz island
rt lim boulevard
