Orgullo de Zamboanga (By: Albert Lacastesantos)
Zamboanga City (Ciudad de Zamboanga) is a highly urbanized city in the Zamboanga
Zamboanga is the largest Spanish-Creole speaking region in Asia and one of the oldest creole languages in the world. Chavacano a creole language combining Spanish, Tagalog and Cebuano vocabulary and grammar which has survived for over 400 years and its still widely spoken today, Emerged from the interactions of several different cultures but lets not forget the indigenous cultural community called subanen who first exist in Zamboanga Peninsula. Zamboanga City profits from economic activities such as manufacturing, service establisment, trading, exports, Agri-fishery and tourism.
"Vinta (Regatta)" Cawa-cawa Beach
" Fort Pilar Shrine " Fortaleza"
The Constructed 1905 and Completed in 1907, When the United States colonized the Philippine islands. The City Hall was located at the main town or "EL PUEBLO" in chavacano. In the year 1914, it became the seat power of the department of Zamboanga and Sulu. By the time of President Manuel L. Quezon.
"National Museum"
" Zamboanga Paseo Del Mar"
It's fun to watch the badjaos dive and fetch the coin before it hits bottom.
A lot of people say that Paseo Del Mar in Zamboanga City is one of the most beautiful parks in the Philippines. Here, one can witness the most spectacular sunsets in the city and the stunning view of Santa Cruz and Basilan Island.
" Plaza Pershing"
" Original Cathedral at Plaza Pershing"
The former structure of the cathedral was designed in 1956. The site was used to be the chapel of the Jardin de Chino. The facade consists of the life-size sculpture of Immaculate Conception at the left side and the bell-tower at right. The chapel of the saints were located inside the area where the image outside was located. The stations of the cross were made of stained glass at each side and the added station, "Resurrection", was located near the right altar at the confession area. Then the bronze relief of the last supper was located at the day chapel which serves later as the perpetual adoration chapel.
The new structure of the Cathedral was designed by Abarro and Associates through the efforts of former Msgr. Crisanto de la Cruz, who said that the decay of the old cathedral's ceiling damaged by termites was one of the reasons why the reconstruction should take place. The design of the new cathedral was unveiled in December 1997. The old structure had been demolished a day after Easter in 1998, preserving its stained glass window and sculpture from the facade, which respectively are located at the rear portion of the new church and at the left side.
The Cathedral was solemnly dedicated on December 6, 1999 with Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal of Cebu and President Joseph Estrada Ejercito as guests of honor. The day chapel, columbarium, baptistery, the multi-purpose hall and office were constructed in 2002.
A new addition to the Cathedral is the PhP4,000,000 Century Bell Tower, broke ground on the day of Immaculate Conception, 2010. This belfry, located at the Ateneo side of the Cathedral, marks the existence of Zamboanga's archdiocese for 100 years.
"Yakan Weavers"
7 km out of Zamboanga City, heading west, the Yakan Weaving Village is really no more than a collection of six or seven stalls selling some high-quality Yakan weavings, This quaint, simple village has an abundant display of colourful, locally made items such as placemats, table runners, brass-ware product and lots of ordinary mass-produced batik.
A culturally significant attraction that both locals and foreign tourists visit thanks to its bright, colourful textile products weaved in a special, traditional way.
"Pasonanca Boyscout Ground"
The Boy Scout Grounds is a campsite for the Boy Scouts. It has an outdoor amphitheater.
There are several teepees in the campground for camping.
This campground is often visited by many scounting groups in the area.
The Antonio M. Limbaga memorial training center is located here in Pasonanca.
Peninsula,Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 861,799 people. it is the 6th most populous and 3rd largest city by land area in the Philippines and it is the commercial and industrial center of the Zamboanga peninsula region.
Zamboanga is the largest Spanish-Creole speaking region in Asia and one of the oldest creole languages in the world. Chavacano a creole language combining Spanish, Tagalog and Cebuano vocabulary and grammar which has survived for over 400 years and its still widely spoken today, Emerged from the interactions of several different cultures but lets not forget the indigenous cultural community called subanen who first exist in Zamboanga Peninsula. Zamboanga City profits from economic activities such as manufacturing, service establisment, trading, exports, Agri-fishery and tourism.
"Zamboanga La Hermosa Festival"
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| Photo by: pageone.ph |
Also known as "Hermosa Festival" popularly known as Fiesta Pilar, is a month-long festival held each year in the city of Zamboanga. It is one of the oldest festivals in the country and the most awaited event in the region.The festival is held in honor of the miraculous image of Our Lady of the Pillar (Spanish and Chavacano: Nuestra Señora del Pilar), the patroness of Batangas City which is held in every 12 October. It is also the patroness of Zaragoza in Spain, the sister city of Zamboanga in Philippines.
Zamboanga City is known for these vessels made by Sama-Bajau and Moros living in the Sulu Archipelago, Zamboanga peninsula, and southern Mindanao. It has a sail with assorted vertical colors that represents the colorful culture and history of the Muslim community. These boats are used for inter-island transport of people and goods.
" Fort Pilar Shrine " Fortaleza"
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| Photo by: soloflighEd.com |
The Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragosa (Royal Fort of Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragosa), A 17th century military defense fortress built by the spanish colonial government in Zamboanga City Philippines.
" Zamboanga City Hall "
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"National Museum"
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Situated within the historic Fort Pilar, the museum is named in honor of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Patroness of Zamboanga. Zamboanga City is the most important city of Zamboanga del Sur, one of the three provinces in Western Mindanao, it was in desrepair after World War II until it was restored by the National Museum.
" Zamboanga Paseo Del Mar"
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Paseo del Mar is within the barangay of Zone IV and is only about 100 feet from Fort Pilar. There are several cement benches at the park and there is long walkway along the shoreline or break-water. In the afternoon when there are visitors, the bajao kids in their bancas paddle along the breakwater walkways and entice the visitors to throw coins into the sea water.
It's fun to watch the badjaos dive and fetch the coin before it hits bottom.
At night Paseo del Mar is well lit and usually there are police officers around for security.
A lot of people say that Paseo Del Mar in Zamboanga City is one of the most beautiful parks in the Philippines. Here, one can witness the most spectacular sunsets in the city and the stunning view of Santa Cruz and Basilan Island.
" Plaza Pershing"
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This plaza is named after an American general. His name was John "Blackjack" Pershing who became Governor of Zamboanga. He fought in the Philippine-American War. He also served in the U.S. Army in World War 1.
A ground for special events, this was originally called the Plaza de Don Juan Salcedo, Spain’s great conquistador. It was renamed Plaza Pershing in honor of Gen. John J. “Blackjack” Pershing who was loved and respected by the Zamboangueños for his achievements.
A ground for special events, this was originally called the Plaza de Don Juan Salcedo, Spain’s great conquistador. It was renamed Plaza Pershing in honor of Gen. John J. “Blackjack” Pershing who was loved and respected by the Zamboangueños for his achievements.
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| Photo by: zamboanga.gov.p |
" Original Cathedral at Plaza Pershing"
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| Photo by: skyscrapercity.com " The Old Cathedral at La Purisima (1956-1998)" |
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| Photo by: inpinaysfootsteps.blogspot.com " The Metropolitan Cathedral (1998-present)" |
Located at the Plaza Pershing was made of wood and concrete. The image of the Immaculate Conception was located at the main altar, with two Jesuit saints Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier on each side. The image of the patroness was said to be spared from the bombs of World War II and was transferred to a road now known as La Purisima Street.
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| Photo by: twitter.co |
The former structure of the cathedral was designed in 1956. The site was used to be the chapel of the Jardin de Chino. The facade consists of the life-size sculpture of Immaculate Conception at the left side and the bell-tower at right. The chapel of the saints were located inside the area where the image outside was located. The stations of the cross were made of stained glass at each side and the added station, "Resurrection", was located near the right altar at the confession area. Then the bronze relief of the last supper was located at the day chapel which serves later as the perpetual adoration chapel.
The present structure of the cathedral was built in 1998-2002 in cruciform, of which the candle-like design is appropriate to the cathedral's patron. Inside the main church is marble statue of the Immaculate Conception designed by Philippine National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva. Along the aisles are the stained-glass symbolic images of all dioceses in Mindanao from 1910 to 1984. The day chapel at the ground floor is used for weekday masses. Fronting the day chapel is the baptistery with the relic of Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of the city. Behind the day chapel is the columbarium with a replica of Michelangelo's "Pietà" and the stained-glass images of the 12 apostles around it. The left wing houses the parish office and the adoration chapel, while the convention hall is located in the right wing. The original statue of the Immaculate Conception, which was placed in the main altar of the old church, can be seen at the parish office.
The new structure of the Cathedral was designed by Abarro and Associates through the efforts of former Msgr. Crisanto de la Cruz, who said that the decay of the old cathedral's ceiling damaged by termites was one of the reasons why the reconstruction should take place. The design of the new cathedral was unveiled in December 1997. The old structure had been demolished a day after Easter in 1998, preserving its stained glass window and sculpture from the facade, which respectively are located at the rear portion of the new church and at the left side.
The Cathedral was solemnly dedicated on December 6, 1999 with Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal of Cebu and President Joseph Estrada Ejercito as guests of honor. The day chapel, columbarium, baptistery, the multi-purpose hall and office were constructed in 2002.
A new addition to the Cathedral is the PhP4,000,000 Century Bell Tower, broke ground on the day of Immaculate Conception, 2010. This belfry, located at the Ateneo side of the Cathedral, marks the existence of Zamboanga's archdiocese for 100 years.
" Canelar Barter Trade Center"
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| Photo by: pinoyadventurista.com |
Zamboanga City is known for its barter/trade industry. Think of Malaysian or Indonesian items from clothing, umbrellas to foodstuff, and especially candies, biscuits and chocolates and it is found here, brought via the Philippine backdoor. One of the must visit places is the Canelar Trading Center
"Yakan Weavers"
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7 km out of Zamboanga City, heading west, the Yakan Weaving Village is really no more than a collection of six or seven stalls selling some high-quality Yakan weavings, This quaint, simple village has an abundant display of colourful, locally made items such as placemats, table runners, brass-ware product and lots of ordinary mass-produced batik.
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| Photo by: tourism-philippines.com |
A culturally significant attraction that both locals and foreign tourists visit thanks to its bright, colourful textile products weaved in a special, traditional way.
Yakan are indigenous people from Basilan who fled the war-stricken island and settled in Zamboanga.
"Pasonanca Boyscout Ground"
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There are several teepees in the campground for camping.
This campground is often visited by many scounting groups in the area.
The Antonio M. Limbaga memorial training center is located here in Pasonanca.
" PASONANCA TREE HOUSE "
"La Jardin de Maria Clara Lobregat"
Maria Clara Rafols Lorenzo Lobregat (April 26, 1921 - January 2, 2004) the first woman mayor and also representative to the Philippine Congress of Zamboanga City.
"Pasonanca Butterfly Garden"
This is a garden park named after the late mayor Maria Clara Lobregat.
The park consists of floral and butterfly species such as orchids, roses and colorful butterflies surrounding the garden.
It also has an aviary park for the avian species such as parrots, turkeys, eagles and birds.
"EL MUSEO DE ZAMBOANGA"
The top of Mt. Columbato. On the way to the top about 50 to 75 meters apart are the 14 stations of the cross where the faithful can pray or rest.
What happen to Jesus Christ? Maybe its quite tiredly to get on top but when you made it you will feel relieved because the breeze that touches your skin is refreshing and it relief your feelings.
The Abong-abong is located few kilometers from the city at Barangay Pasonanca, Mount Pulong Bato is a monolith. According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and seismology (PHIVOLCS) Mt.Pulong Bato is a dormant volcano which is unknown to the most people around it.
Unlike other mountains mount Pulong Bato is made from solid rock and that's why Mt.Pulong Bato is unique than other mountains in Zamboanga and in the Philippines.
"FREEDOM PARK" So why don't you visit and make your moments here.Freedom Park is the memorial park and burial site of the slain Mayor Cesar C. Climaco.
Climaco Freedom Park, formerly called Abong-Abong Park, is located 7.5 kilometers from Zamboanga City.
The park is a hiking distance away from Pasonanca Park and some 7.5 kilometers away from the city. A project developed by the City Government of Zamboanga and spearheaded by the late Mayor Cesar C. Climaco. It is ideally located in a valley where one can have the sights of the mountains and panoramic view of the city.
"Sta Cruz Island" Pink Sand
Great Santa Cruz Island is a small inhabited island in Zamboanga City in the southern region of the Philippines that is famous for its pink coralline sand. The island, located 4 kilometres (2.49 mi) south of downtown at the Santa Cruz Bank in the Basilan Strait, boasts the only pink sand beach in the Philippines.
The island started to become popular since the 1970s and early 1980s when it was frequented by German, Japanese and Italian tourists.
Recently, there's an upsurge of tourists that has been recorded due to its rising popularity as one of a handful of Pink Sand Beaches in the World and is the only one in Asia. In 2017, It was recognized by National Geographic as one of the 21 Best Beaches in the World.
"Merloquet Falls"
Merloquet Falls looked like a white curtain pinned to a lush forest wall just flowing in the wind. Up close, the waterfalls was even more dramatic and grander than it looked. I kept the photo-taking short, as I wanted to join the locals who were relaxing under the cascades. This scenic waterfall is a rising destination located in the interiors of barangay Sibulao, some 78 kilometers east of the city.
Yes indeed 2013 is not a good year for Zamboanga city, the zamboanga siege was an armed conflict in Zamboanga City between the forces of the Philippine government and a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and stops the economic activities for 20 days, cancelled national and international flights (Zamboanga International Airport), closed establishments, Banks, Malls and Local stores. Access to Zamboanga city is limited during the 20 days conflicts.
With the crisis that happens in Zamboanga City, Zamboanguenos stood still as a family helping each other whether you are a muslims or christian's the camaraderie and resilience of zamboanguenos help rebuilt zamboanga city. Muchisimas Gracias!!!
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Constructed in April 1960 to be the "Youth Citizenship Training Center"with the generous assistance of the city council. Pasonanca Tree House is visited by thousands of visitor per year. For a minimum fee you can rent this tree house. Then you can boast to your friends that you spent the night in a tree house. It has all the amenities of a small motel room.
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| Photo by: Zamboanga.com |
Maria Clara Rafols Lorenzo Lobregat (April 26, 1921 - January 2, 2004) the first woman mayor and also representative to the Philippine Congress of Zamboanga City.
"Pasonanca Butterfly Garden"
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| Photo by: inpinaysfootsteps.blogspot.com |
The park consists of floral and butterfly species such as orchids, roses and colorful butterflies surrounding the garden.
It also has an aviary park for the avian species such as parrots, turkeys, eagles and birds.
"EL MUSEO DE ZAMBOANGA"
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| Photo by: Langyaw Media
The history of Zamboanga City is Here, located at the higher elevations of Pasonanca, at the Paseo de Jardin and just opposite the Science Museum, showcases the history of the city. The museum is circular in form with a central gallery separate from the main exhibit where Zamboanga’s one and only senator, Roseller Tarroza Lim’s memorabilia is exhibited.
"WAY OF THE CROSS"
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| Photo by: iwandered.net |
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| Photo by: zamboanga.gov.ph |
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| Photo by: brahmineyes.wordpress.com |
The top of Mt. Columbato. On the way to the top about 50 to 75 meters apart are the 14 stations of the cross where the faithful can pray or rest.
What happen to Jesus Christ? Maybe its quite tiredly to get on top but when you made it you will feel relieved because the breeze that touches your skin is refreshing and it relief your feelings.
The Abong-abong is located few kilometers from the city at Barangay Pasonanca, Mount Pulong Bato is a monolith. According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and seismology (PHIVOLCS) Mt.Pulong Bato is a dormant volcano which is unknown to the most people around it.
Unlike other mountains mount Pulong Bato is made from solid rock and that's why Mt.Pulong Bato is unique than other mountains in Zamboanga and in the Philippines.
"FREEDOM PARK" So why don't you visit and make your moments here.Freedom Park is the memorial park and burial site of the slain Mayor Cesar C. Climaco.
Climaco Freedom Park, formerly called Abong-Abong Park, is located 7.5 kilometers from Zamboanga City.
The park is a hiking distance away from Pasonanca Park and some 7.5 kilometers away from the city. A project developed by the City Government of Zamboanga and spearheaded by the late Mayor Cesar C. Climaco. It is ideally located in a valley where one can have the sights of the mountains and panoramic view of the city.
"Sta Cruz Island" Pink Sand
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| Photo by: traveltropa.com |
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| The color of the sand comes from the pulverized red organ pipe coral from eons of surf erosion mixed with the white sand |
Recently, there's an upsurge of tourists that has been recorded due to its rising popularity as one of a handful of Pink Sand Beaches in the World and is the only one in Asia. In 2017, It was recognized by National Geographic as one of the 21 Best Beaches in the World.
"Merloquet Falls"
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| Photo by: ujalmocera.com |
Yes indeed 2013 is not a good year for Zamboanga city, the zamboanga siege was an armed conflict in Zamboanga City between the forces of the Philippine government and a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and stops the economic activities for 20 days, cancelled national and international flights (Zamboanga International Airport), closed establishments, Banks, Malls and Local stores. Access to Zamboanga city is limited during the 20 days conflicts.
With the crisis that happens in Zamboanga City, Zamboanguenos stood still as a family helping each other whether you are a muslims or christian's the camaraderie and resilience of zamboanguenos help rebuilt zamboanga city. Muchisimas Gracias!!!
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