The Culture of the Zamboangueños in the Zamboanga City

A Research paper presented to

Mr. Jumar Valdez
Ave Maria College
Zamboanga del Norte

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the

Understanding Culture Society and Politics

Prepared by:
Jayvee A. Arquiza
1. Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Culture is the social behavior and norms found in human societies. Culture is considered

a central concept in anthropology, encompassing the range of phenomena that are transmitted

through social learning in human societies. Cultural universals are found in all human societies;

these include expressive forms like art, music, dance, ritual, religion, and clothing. The concept of

material culture covers the physical expressions of culture, such as principles of social organization

(including practices of politics organization and social institutions), mythology, philosophy,

literature (both written and oral), and science comprise the intangible culture heritage of a society.

(https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture)

The Zamboangueño people or Zamboangueño nation (Chavacano/Spanish:

Pueblo/Nación Zamboangueño) are a creole ethnolinguistic nation of the Philippines originating

in Zamboanga City. Spanish censuses record that as much as one-third of the inhabitants of the

city of Zamboanga possess varying degrees of Iberian and Hispanic-American admixture. In

addition to this, select cities such as Iloilo, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Cebu, and Cavite, which were

home to military fortifications and/or commercial ports during the Spanish era also hold sizable

mestizo communities. The zamboangueño nation constitute an authentic and distinct

ethnolinguistic identity because of their coherent cultural and historical heritage, most notably

Chavacano, that distinguishes them from neighboring ethnolinguistic nation.

(https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamboangueño_people)

Zamboanga City presents a unique cultural tourism experience for its visitors. We see here

the blending of Western, Spanish and indigenous influences in their architecture and people. The
language spoken here, Chavacano, is a Spanish-based creole language, which is considered as one

of the oldest creole languages in the world. Among asia’s Latin City’s iconic historic monuments

that highlight its cultural diversity and beauty are the Zamboanga City Hall and the Fort Pilar, both

of which have seen standing for hundreds of years. Zamboanga City Hall is one of the icons of

Zamboanga City that highlights its cultural diversity. The Spanish-influenced building was

constructed in 1905 by the Federal Government of the United States and completed in 1907.

Since 1907, the historic building served as the seat of defferent governing bodies; starting as the

official residence of the US Military Governor of the Moro Province until 1913. Then it served the

seat of Department of Mindanao and Sulu from 1914 to 1920. In 1921 it was the seat of government

of the Zamboanga Province. In 1937, it serve as the seat of the city government of Zamboanga up

until now.

(https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/140661)

1.2 Statement of the Problem

What are the different culture of the people in Talon-talon, Zamboanga City concern with the

different dimensions of cultural namely; Ideas, Beliefs, Values, Common Understanding, Norms,

Folkways, Mores, Laws, Fashion, Fads, and Crazes?

1.3 Research Design

Qualitative research design is a research method used extensively by scientists and researchers

studying human behavior, opinions, themes and motivations. The qualitative method will be used

to describe the culture and of the Talon-talon, Zamboanga City. In order to gather relevant

information, the researcher uses the secondary data.

1.3 Presentation of Data

Based on observation in Barangay Talon-talon, Zamboanga City are basically Muslim is the

religion. The result of observation categorized in different dimension of the culture.

1.Ideas

The researcher observed that most people living in Talon-talon Area are Muslim.

2.Beliefs

As a researcher conduct a survey, he/she observed most of the people believe of a supernatural

that is full of mysteries. They belief on “Kapre”, “Duwende”, “Tikbalang”, “Manananggal”, etc.

They believe on supernatural but since, most of them are Muslim they believe in Allah/God as our

savior. They also believe that there is other world for supernatural like “Lamang Lupa”.

3.Values

The character of the Zamboangueño people are unique as we can say for their kinship family

system, love for one’s cultural heritage, propensity for extravagance, fiestas and siestas, and

aristocratic behavior. While their social lives usually resolve around religious practices, the

tradition of the bantayanon, fiestas, fondas, includes their bailes the vals, regodon and paso doble.

4.Common Understanding

The Researcher observe that people of this barangay sometimes use a sign to communicate to the

others by lifting their head for saying as a sign of saying “yes”. Smile as a way to greeting a friend

in a good manner.

5.Norms
The researcher observe the common norms that the people living here says the words “Mano po”,

It is one of their norms in which kids or people who are younger take the hand of the elders then

put in their forehead as a sign of giving respect. Say Hi to other people for showing kindness to

them.

6.Folkways

Example of a common folkway of the observed group. This process bring more easily perform the

daily task of our lives.

7.Mores

The researcher observed in barangay Talon-talon, Zamboanga City. Talking about the social norms

that are essential to the welfare of the group and thier value.

8.Laws

The laws of the Muslim in Talon-talon, Zamboanga City. The common laws of this barangay such

as, Dont throw your garbage anywhere, Curfew of 10 O'clock and unallowed to ate a pork meat.

9.Fashion, Fads, Crazes

Zamboangueños group is a fashionable and novelty people's, showing kindness to other cultures.

1.4 Generalization/Conclusion

The Chavacanos group of Talon-talon, Zamboanga City. The muslim love their culture, show

kindness and being faithful to each other respect to youngest/eldest. Muslim culture is a unique

and loving the culture of Zamboangueños.