Colors of Zamboanga: 50 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Asia's Latin City

Located at the tip of Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga City is one of the most progressive cities in Mindanao. It is labelled as “Asia’s Latin City” because of its Spanish-influenced Chavacano dialect – dating back to the Spanish era in the 1600's. Today, Zamboanga City continues to attract travelers who want to experience the city's interesting dialect, Spanish inspired dishes offered in may restaurants, beautiful beaches, and many other historical and natural attractions. 

The best time to visit Zamboanga City is during the Hermosa Festival which happens in October. One of the highlights of the Festival is the Regatta de Zamboanga showcasing the colorful vintas of Zamboanga. It is definitely something to look forward to each year. 

Here's a glimpse of the stunning photos I took during the Hermosa Festival. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the Department of Tourism Region IX Office most especially to RD MaJune Bugante for a wonderful experience. Also thank you to Precious Rebollos and Kuya Felix for taking care of us while we were in Zambo. Muchas Gracias!

Regatta de Zamboanga

Regatta de Zamboanga is one of the major activities during the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. Colorful vintas race along the Cawa-Cawa boulevard (now RT Lim boulevard) for a huge amount of cash prize. It is participated by around 180 local fisher folks of the city. This year Amil Hamja, a fisherman from Sinunuc emerged as the overall winner.

Street Dancing Showdown

Another highlight of the annual Hermosa Festival is the Street Dancing Showdown participated by different schools in the City. During the competition, a skydiving exhibition was performed by members of the Philippine Army which wowed the crowd.

The Great Sta. Cruz Island 

One of the most visited attractions of the city is the Great Sta. Cruz Island. It is located just about 20 minutes by boat from Paseo del Mar. It is a protected area and is home to the famous Pink Sand Beach of Zamboanga. Entrance to the island is P20, terminal fee is P5, and cottage rental ranges from P100 - P500 depending on the size. Boat rental to and from the island is P1000 good for 1-10 passengers. For inquiries, you may call 09272835684. Make sure to be responsible while visiting the island. Bring your trash back to the mainland. 

The Great Sta. Cruz Island Lagoon

Aside from the pink sand beach, another attraction within the Great Sta. Cruz Island is the lagoon. It's best way to visit the lagoon during high tide so you'll be able to appreciate its beauty. It is home to different species of mangroves.In order to explore the lagoon, you must rent a yellow boat from the community around the lagoon. 

Paseo del Mar

Paseo del Mar is probably the best place to chill in Zamboanga City. You;ll catch the best sunset in this park as well as you can sample some of the best food in the city. A must-try is the knickerbocker sold in one of the stalls in the are. You can also watch the dancing fountain at night.

Rio Hondo

Rio Hondo is the ground zero of the Zamboanga siege happened in 2013. It is home to a huge Muslim population in the city.

Yakan Weaving Village

Located in Upper Calarian in Zamboanga City, Yakan Weaving Village is one of the must-visit places in the region. A group of Yakan Weavers showcases their amazing craftsmanship in making colorful and intricate patterns using pineapple and abaca fibers.

Zamboanga City Hall

Zamboanga City Hall is not just a seat of local power but also an attractions to many locals and visitors due to its picturesque feature. During Christmas season, it is well-lighted which make it more attractive during the night.

Freedom Park / Helmet Park Zamboanga

The Freedom Park also known as the Helmet Park is the memorial and the final resting place of slain Mayor of Zamboanga City, Cesar C. Climaco. 

Seafood and Satti

Zamboanga is also a food haven. Seafood is abundant in the city and are widely available in most restaurants in the city. A must-try is their Curacha - a lobster-crab hybrid only found in Mindanao. Another must-taste is Satti de Zamboanga- a grilled dish and cube rice dipped in spicy satti sauce. It is only served during breakfast. (Read: 6 Must-Try Restaurants in Zamboanga City).

Photos are captured using FujiFilm Philippines' XM1 and X-T10.

Foreigners Who Fell In Love With The Philippines : Lukas Röh

In this edition of Foreigners Who Fell In Love With The Philippines blog series, we are featuring a traveler from Germany. He is Lukas Röh, a 23-year old German who did not just fall in love with The Philippines but also fell in love with a Filipina he met in the country. 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Lukas, I’m 23 years old from Germany who loves to go abroad to see different places and experience other cultures especially Asian. I worked as a field technician for 1.5 years which is very cool because I can combine work and travel. For now I decided to improve my skills going to school studying to be an electronics engineer.

When did you visit the Philippines?

First time was in November 2014 for business. I stayed one one week in Manila and I was very charmed about the culture and the climate. I had a lot of work to do and I usually arrive late every day in my hotel room. I used Tinder to distract myself a bit. One day, a Philippine girl wrote me on Facebook. She found my name on Tinder. We keep texting every day, then on December 2014 I asked her if I could visit her.

This dream came true in March 2015. I stayed 2 weeks with her and her family. I had an amazing time and our friendship started to become a romance. 

Why did you choose the Philippines?

First time was for business. My workmate asked me if I could fly with him. Best decision ever!!! Second time because of Donnavel.

What do you love the most about Philippines?

I love everything! The food and the time I spent with my friends. The cool customized street cars and the jeepney, and Easy Rock Radio 96.3 located in Manila haha.  I actually stream them sometimes over here in Germany. Everybody is very friendly and helpful no matter if you're rich or poor.

And of course... I love Donnavel and her family.

Your Top 3 Destinations in the Philippines?

I’ve only traveled around Manila and Southern Tagalog.

     Manila: Because it is so different from Europe. We don’t have skyscrapers and not that crowded streets with so many people.  Driving in Manila is so crazy and fun altogether. Poor and homeless people live next to rich people. It’s amazing and sad together seeing this. Definitely an experience for me. You can explore Manila easily in 2 Days.

    

    Taal Volcano: The beauty of nature with a big lake and the middle of the lake you will find a volcano. It is located about two hours south of Manila. If you want to hike on top of the volcano you need to rent a boat to reach it. After that you hike a path for about an hour to get to the top.

   The beach around Calatagan: We stayed a night in the Stilts Resort. Beautiful beaches with clear water. It is located around five hours from Manila.

There are a lot more to explore. My next destination would be Boracay, Palawan and the Rice Terraces in Northern Luzon.

What is the least thing that you like about the Philippines, things that need to improve?

Philippines is a wonderful place to be! Explore its wonderful places and learn from its culture!

Things to improve: More vacation and better payment and rights for worker, because many Filipinos are working abroad. A bigger industry so I can find a job in future if I move hehe. 

All photos were provided by Lukas. Thanks a lot for sharing your story with us, Lukas. All the best to you and Donnavel.

21 Photos That Will Make You Want To Surf in Siargao Now

The 21st Siargao International Surfing Cup is over but the waves of Siargao is still calling you.

Dubbed as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is listed as the 9th best surf spot in the world according to CNN. It is located in the province of Surigao del Nore accessible by either boat from Surigao City or by plane from Cebu. 

A few days ago, the 21st Siargao International Surfing Cup was held in the Island and was participated by over 50 contenders from six countries. John Mark "Marama" Tokong, a Filipino local surfer took home the $8,000 grand prize while last year's champion, Piso Alcala also from The Philippines, emerged as the runner up.

Here are some captivating photos taken during the 21st Siargao International Surfing Cup that will make you want to visit Siargao now!

Special thanks to the Department of Tourism Region XIII team most especially to RD Leticia Tan, for an awesome stay in Siargao.