I caught myself gasping for air as the small boat wades through the calm sea. It must have been excitement or nostalgia, I couldn't tell exactly. In front of me, I see patterns of hues fluttering and dancing with the gentle sea breeze. And as the afternoon sunlight slightly touches my skin, the great feeling of riding a vinta never escaped me.
You know that feeling when you come face to face with one of
your childhood dreams? You relive the sensation of wanting that to happen? That's how it has been for me since I started traveling around the
Philippines. The feeling of excitement never gets old whenever I come close to a scenic spot that I have so raved
for and seen straight from the pages of my Sibika and Kultura books back in
grade school.
And experiencing the vintas of Zamboanga was definitely not
an exception. The sight of the sail with assorted vertical color which is in the center
stage of Zamboanga seascape lingered. So in my recent visit
to Mindanao, riding one of the vintas was on top of my must-do list.
Aboard one of the vintas |
Along with my perpetual travel buddies, Cha and Janet, we
arrived in Zamboanga on a humid August afternoon. Upon touchdown, first thing I
noticed was the unique design of the airport which deviates from the usual terminal buildings I saw around the country. It's one of the airport terminals
where you would want to be photographed in because of the design of
the facade.
Zamboanga International Airport Terminal |
Zamboanga City is known as Asia's Latin City. Nowhere in the
Philippines have the imprints left by Spain after its three-century rule ever
more felt. From the local language to unique heritages to its many quaint
structures, there's always this Hispanic influence comfortably blending in. As the only city
in the Philippines and in Asia that speaks the Spanish-derivative Chavacano (60
percent Espanol and 40 percent native words), this old city is what they call "a place
plucked from the very heart of Spain."
Zamboanga City Hall |
As what we usually do on our trips, we wasted no time and immediately hit the road in search for the places worth visiting.
Here's the summary of the things I would recommend doing,
seeing, eating while in Zamboanga City:
Chasing Cascades - See the stunning Merloquet Falls in Barangay Sibulao and Nancy Falls in La Paz. From the city proper, it takes one hour
ride and fifteen minutes trek to reach Merloquet Falls. Nancy Falls is accessible
in a two-hour drive.
The tiered and delicate cascade of Merloquet Falls is hidden in a forested area away from the busy Zamboanga City |
Pink Island – I did not get to step on this island since we
chose to go to Basilan (read my Basilan story here). But I heard a lot about it and I hope to visit it
someday.
Go to Sta Cruz Island and lounge in its pink coral sand
(creamy fine sand mixed with red pulverized coral). It can be easily reached
via 15 minute boatride. It is advisable to coordinate with the Department of
Tourism (near the gate of Paseo del Mar) since they are the ones arranging
transportation and providing military escorts. The boats going to the island
are docked at Paseo del Mar, near Fort Pilar.
Ride a Vinta – For only P30 per person, you could go sailing
in one of the colorful vintas (local sailing boat) near Paseo del Mar. These
vintas are available only during weekends and the sail starts at 4p.m.
Sunset and Food Trip – Head to Paseo del Mar during sunset
and experience food coma by trying out some of the local favourites including
the famous Knickerbocker (P65), Baolo, and Satti. This place has stalls that
serve locals meals, and even street food. There are benches along the pathway
where visitors could spend a cool afternoon near the sea and throw in coins to
the Badjaos paddling near the breakwater. Paseo del Mar is about 100 feet away
from Fort Pilar.
The magnificent sunset at Paseo del Mar |
Knickerbocker |
Don't Miss the Museum – Fort Pilar houses the National
Museum. It has wide collections of cultural memorabilia and paintings which could be a good reference for the history of the people of Zamboanga.
Inside Fort Pilar |
The National Museum at Fort Pilar |
Relax in a Park – Spend a relaxing afternoon at Pasonanca Park and just rest underneath the lush trees, and be surrounded by flowering plants and shrubs around the park. It is about 10-minute jeepney ride from the city proper. You can also explore the Boy Scout camp site where you can see the tee pees and the tree house.
The Boy Scout Teepee at Pasonanca |
Visit Religious Sites - Outside the eastern wall of Fort
Pilar is a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of the city.
Tradition has it that Virgin Mary made apparitions in the city on December 6, 1734
to a soldier and on September 21, 1897 which according to witnesses she was attempting to save the city from a tsunami.
Marian Shrine at Fort Pilar |
Another religious site worth visiting is the Metropolitan
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
As I was mulling over the things I liked about the trip, one
of the thoughts I had is the idea that there is no special reason to fear
visiting Zamboanga City. While there is apparent diversity in religion and
tradition among the people there, peace is still very much around the city. And
I hope peace will remain there in years to come.
huwaw! At nagwawatermark ka na ah :D
ReplyDeletehehehe. just one of the many positive changes that will be seen on this blog in the coming days! :))
DeleteHi Kidd! Miss ka na namin ni Maja! :)
DeleteMiss na miss ko na rin kayo Cha :). Nice post che :)
Deletehahaha! i was about to say that too Kiddo! =))
ReplyDeleteI miss you too ja :)
Delete"perpetual travel buddies". i like that! =))
ReplyDeleteMay newly recruit perpetual buddy na siya. hahaha
DeleteBecky!!!!!!
Deleteuu nga @cha. hmp! =(
DeleteWag ka ng magselos Maja. Sabi mo nga mainit naman ang pasko mo eh. hahaha
Deletehahaha! literal yun! =))
DeleteKnickerbocker!!!! yummy!
ReplyDeletesakto yan ngayong summer! =))
DeleteSan kaya meron nito dito sa Metro Manila? Please... I want knickerbocker! :))
Deletei hope you are telling the truth that is peaceful in zamboanga...PEACE?
DeleteHi! Well, at the least in the city proper, it's still generally peaceful. :)
DeleteNakahibi ako. sa wakas nagibo mo na. ipupush ko na toh.LOL! thanks che! :) --yannah
ReplyDeleteLOL. nakahibi pati! sorry na ta delayed! hahaha. Enjoy Zamboanga, yannah! :))
Delete