"The Latin City of Asia" was given to Zamboanga City because of their language called "chavacano," similar to Spanish. The city is situated on the Southern side of the Zamboanga Peninsula and on the Northern side of Basilan. Aside from their language, the city is also prominent with their "vinta," a colorful and stunning sailboat or watercraft that is usually used by the locals. Using Google Maps, had a walking tour to their top tourist spots and destinations.
HOW TO GET HERE: I booked a flight from Manila to Zamboanga City, travel time is about an hour and fifteen minutes. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines has a daily flight to their international airport. From the airport, as instructed by the guards, I walked to the highway where I rode in a jeepney to the city hall.
VISIT THE OLD LOOKING CITY HALL: From the airport, I walked on the street to the highway, rode in a jeepney and the driver dropped me off by the street near the city hall. Minimum fare: 7 pesos. The city hall has a unique structural design with a clock tower in the middle.
The Plaza Rizal or Rizal Park in front of city hall.
Enjoyed the relaxing ambiance in Paseo del Mar.
DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF FORT PILAR AND THE NATIONAL MUSEUM: According to the Historical Marker: "Founded as southern outpost of Spanish domain under the supervision of Mechor de Vera, 1635; attacked by the Duch, 1646; deserted when troops were concentrated in Manila to drive away Chinese pirates , 1663; reconstructed by the Society of Jesus, 1666; rebuilt under the management of Juan Sicarra, 1719; stormed by Dalasi, King of Sulig, with 3,000 moros, 1720; cannonaded by the British, 1798; witnessed the mutiny of the seventy prisoners, 1872; abandoned by the Spaniards, 1898; occupied by the Americans under General J.C. Gates, 1899; seized by the Japanese, 1942; taken over by the Republic of the Philippines, 4 July 1946."
ENJOY THE STUNNING COLORS AT NIGHT: During my visit, the city hall, Plaza Rizal and Plaza Pershing are decorated with stunning and colorful lights in the evening. Because of the cool weather in the evening, this area serves as a dating place for some of the couples.
Took a selfie at Zamboanga International Airport
WHERE TO STAY: There are a lot of hotels, lodging and pension houses in the city, however, their rates are certainly higher than my allotted budget (less than a thousand pesos). On Google Map mobile app, I searched on "hotel" and it gave me alot of choices, but still expensive. Using the app, I walked on the streets and checked on the rates of all the hotels nearby. I checked in at Hermosa Hotel because they have the cheapest price, 750 pesos for an overnight stay, with two single beds, aircon, and toilet and bath. Room Quality: 6/10.
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