Discovering the "Asia's Latin City"

Zamboanga... known for Hispanic influences on its culture as they brand it the "Asia's Latin City..."

It's no different from other places I have been visited... A highly urbanized city of


substantial mass area, with its distinct character, diverse culture, heritage, and languages. People of different tribes and religion living in harmony with each other. As candid for urbanized city big or small, traffic is common, concentrated in business district. No taxi plying the city, tricycle serves as though of the same rate especially for tourists. Weather temperature is totally extreme... A city similar to cozy look of "recto" in Metro Manila... 

Speaking Spanish culture... yes we traced the history of Spanish influences as it clearly depicts the Spanish touch to its building's architecture, and chavacano language which is similar to latin tone. The center of catholic religion is at the city proper, where the Parish of Our Lady of the Pillar of Saragoza is situated, a 17th century military fortress built during Spanish occupation. A church where no roof, its like an open space, and actually is like a park. 

There is also a walled-city-like structure, smaller to that of Intramuros in Manila.. It is converted into Zamboanga National Museum currently under repair and is closed for public visit.. 

I have a quite unpleasant impression on the attitude and hospitality of Zambuagenos. Albeit, my friends and colleagues are generous enough, some people aren't friendly, well I might be wronged but that's how I perceived.

Night life is alive in this city, there are places to hang out. If you want to enjoy acoustic bands, there are plenty to choose from, "Distrito", and "Bar Code" among others flock in a one stop park. 

Hanging out with friends who would want to go on disco, then there's "Katribo" to visit.



Zamboanga visit isn't enough unless you have had shopping. 

Most common venue is the "barter" a specialized term for Canelar Trading Center where you can buy souvenirs and items for pasalubong,  plenty of various kinds from home itmes to malong, shirts, scarfs, to kinds of malaysian products, all in one stop shop. Just be prudent enough since its expensive to stop in this place.  Sta Cruz Market also offers "ukay-ukay" at a affordable price.

The usual street along the Zamboanga City Hall. a freely brandishing Philippine flag in contrast to the reported take over during the Zamboanga siege several months ago allegedly led by MNLF leader Nur Misuari.   




Other side of the City, the  face of poverty along the baywalk designed to entice visitors and tourists.

Witness to history: the ruins of siege, which is increasingly interesting as it draws tourist's attention. A testaments to bloody and horrible experience especially to people who had the actual account.

Classmate's hospitality: Thank you Livia Endozo for the lunch out with your mom. at Teng's Grill. We really appreciate it with Chadley. 

Thank you CG Station  Zamboanga and to all class 10 out there for a warm welcome. Thanks for crunchy lechon and pansit. Just failed to visit kay tinamad na.

Next Stop Dapitan City...