John Hansly D.

Paredes November 06, 2017

BS Tourism (PCZCI)

Brief History and Description of Zamboanga City

Spain’s three-century reign left its indelible imprint on the country, nowhere was its legacy perhaps so
concentrated and embedded than in Zamboanga, which took for its native tongue, Chabacano, the
delightful mix of 60% Español and 40% native words.
There is more to Zamboanga than this. As far back as the 13th and 14th centuries, it was already a
trading center with a vibrant culture of its own, emblazoned against the horizon in the vivid colors of the
native vinta sails that fluttered gaily off its shores. And when the Castillan flag of Spain first appeared in
the horizon off Caldera Bay (now Recodo) in 1593, Zamboanga opened another epoch in its colorful
heritage, one that would leave a legacy so rooted that from it would spring much of the city’s romance
andallure.

The best recuerdo of la presencia de España in Zamboanga was and remains to be Fort Pilar, the coastal
fort built in 1635 around which the city first grew. In time, it became a shrine to Nuestra Señora del Pilar
de Zaragoza, especially after miracles that are now part of legends and Zamboanga folklore.
It was in Zamboanga that Christianity gained a foothold in Mindanao. The Archdiocese of Zamboanga
covered all of Mindanao, except Sulu where Islam and the Tausug culture proved every bit as dynamic as
Spain’s influence.

Geography
Zamboanga City is located on the tip of the Zamboanga peninsula that juts out of the bottom of
Mindanao island in Southern Philippines. It has about 142,000 hectares of sloping terrain from a
surrounding shoreline of coral beaches to mineral-rich mountains in the center of the peninsula.

Political Subdivision
Zamboanga City has at least 25 island communities and 98 barangays.

Population
Zamboanga’s population as of the 2000 census is 601,794.
spacer spacerLANGUAGE/DIALECT
Chabacano is the dominant language in Zamboanga City. Other dialects like Bisaya and the Muslim
vernaculars are also spoken in certain communities in the city.

Climate
Zamboanga City enjoys a location that is free from the typhoon belt area. March to May is hot and dry,
with temperature at 22 degrees Celsius. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool, with
temperatures ranging from 22 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius. Average humidity year-round is
77%.

Industries
Zamboanga City is the center of Western Mindanao for commerce and trade, government and finance,
transportation and communication. It has an international airport, a huge port area, and the Zamboanga
Freeport and Economic Zone Authority. It is known as the Sardine Capital of the Philippines because
most of the sardine and canning factories are situated in Zamboanga City. It has been involved in the
export of marine/aquaculture products, fruits, processed food, furniture/wood products, and many
more.
ZAMBOANGA CITY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Mount Pulong Bato

It is a monolith located in Zamboanga City at the Zamboanga Peninsula, the western tip of the
island of Mindanao in the Philippines. The mountain is situated in the upper Abong-Abong Park
within the Pasonanca National Park in Pasonanca only a few kilometres away from the city’s
downtown section.

Marloquet Falls
This scenic waterfall is a risning destination located in the interiors of barangay Sibulao, some 78
kilometers east of the city. If you have a day to spare in Zamboanga City and are into nature hikes and
outdoor activities, this should definitely be on your must-do list.

Plaza Pershing
Was named after American General John “Black Jack” Pershing who fought in the Philippine-American
War. Today, it is an open air park on the middle of Zamboanga’s busy shopping district where people get
to stroll around, listen to music and join contests on special occasions, and buy local goods during
festivals. It is very near the Universidad De Zamboanga and the City Mall.

Cawa-Cawa Boulevard
It is also known as R.T. Lim Boulevard and another recreational place by the sea where folks could jog or
run in the early morning or just hang out at anytime while viewing Sta. Cruz Island or the port of the
fishing boats and the famed sunset.

Paseo Del Mar

It is located in Zamboanga City, construction of this seafront parkway took over four years. Moving and
relocating the squatters in the area took a long time. There were over 280 families that had to be
relocated.

Great Santa Cruz Island

It is a small inhabited island in Zamboanga City in the southern region of the Philippines that is famous
for its pink coralline sand (2) the Island, located 4 kilometres (2.40 miles) south of downtown at the
Santa Cruz Bank in the Basilan Strait. Boasts the only pink sand beach in the Philippines. The color of the
sand comes from the pulverized red organ pipe coral and mixed with the white sand.
Pasonanca Natural Park

In Zamboanga City, the main tourist attraction is the Pasonanca Park. Traversed by a gently rippling
stream, this park is the only one of its kind in the country. It abounds with trees, flowering plants, ferns,
shrubs and 600 different species of orchids. There is a treehouse nestling high in the branches of one big
tree where guests could pass the night and hold communion with nature which, in the darkness, could
still be perceived in the gentle rustling of the pine trees. Permission to use the treehouse, which is for
free, can be obtained at the Office of the Mayor.

Zamboanga City Hall

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 different governing
bodies; starting as the official residence of the US Military Governor of the Moro Province until 1913.
Then it served the seat of the then Department of Mindanao and Sulu from 1914 to 1920. In 1921 it was
the seat of government of the Zamboanga Province. In 1937, it served as the seat of the city government
of Zamboanga up until now.

Royal Fort of Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza

Much older than the Zamboanga City Hall is the 17th century defense fortress, Real Fuerza de Nuestra
Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza (Royal Fort of Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza), also known as Fort Pilar.
The fortress, which was constructed (June 23, 1635) by the Spanish colonial government, highlights the
city's cultural influences and heritage. In the past four centuries, the fort is rich with history dating back
to the time of the Spaniards to the American Colonial Period to World War II. Pilar Fort then became a
defense fortress and now serves as a regional museum of the National Museum of the Philippines. A
historical monument protecting the history of our nation. Zamboangueños come here to not only visit
the museum but to also pray at the Marian Shrine beside the fort.
ACCOMODATIONS

HOTELS/PENSION HOUSES/INNS/LODGING HOUSES

NAME OF CLASS MANAGER ADDRESS TEL. RMS

ESTABLISHMENT NO.
1a. Azenith Royal Stan Datu Nooh L. Gov. 991- 20
Hotel Jainal 1 Camins 2023
Ave
1. Amil's Pension Ti Hja. Hadija Pilar Street 992- 16
House Mohammad 4296
2. An-An's Pension Ldg Hja. Farida Gov. 991- 11
House Radja Camins 0817
Avenue
3. Blue Pearl Ti Hja. Farida Veterans 992- 21
Pension House Radja Avenue 3046
4. Blue Shark Hotel Ti Hja. Farida Canelar 991- 17
Radja 0676
5. CA New Pension Psn Mr. Carlos Canelar 991- 7
House Atilano 0784
6. David's Inn Ldg Ms. Erlinda La Purisima 992- 30
Jael Street 1810
7. Dynasty Psn Mr. Ong Almonte 991- 33
Pension Chiong Sing Street 4579
House
8. Embassy Ldg Ms. Agnella Varela 991- 40
Pension House San Agustin Street 1697
9. Garden Orchid 1stClass Mr. Oscar Gov. 991- 47
Hotel Andres Camins 0031
Avenue
10. GC Hotel Eco Mr. Jesusa Tomas 991- 24
Indino Gemina Claudio St. 4752
11. Grand Astoria Stan Mr. Daniel Lim Mayor 991- 53
Hotel Jaldon 2510
Street
12. Hacienda de Mr. Gregono Sta. Maria 991- 14
Palmeras Hotel Alvarez 3284
& Restaurant
13. Hotel Paradise Psn Mr. Juanito P. Reyes 991- 27
Lim Street 2026
14. Hotel Perlita Ti Ms. Teresita Mayor 993- 35
Chiong Jaldon 0990
Street
15. Hotel Preciosa Psn Mr. Reynold Mayor 991- 18
Chiong Jaldon 2020
Street
16. Hotel Salwa Eco Hja. Salwa Gov. 991- 16
kaman Camins 9849
Avenue
17. Imperial Hotel Ldg Ms. Joyce Campaner 991- 44
Chua Street 1648
18. Jardin de Ia Eco Ms. Glenda Gov. 991- 30
 Vina Hotel Baldovino Alvarez 7808
Street
19. Josefina's Ldg Mr. Angel ko Magay 991- 28
Pension House Street 4142
20. King Jesse Ldg Tomas 992- 11
Pension House Claudio 0833
Street
21. La Casa Maria Psn Mr. Reymundo Sta. Maria 991- 7
Pension Sarsosa 8230
22. La Terraza Ldg Mr. Gov. 993- 22
Pension House Hermenegildo Camins 2417
Canlas, Jr. Avenue
23. Lantaka Hotel Stan Mr. Norberto NS. 991- 75
by the Sea Reyes Valderrosa 2033
Street
24. L' Mirage Psn Ms. Canelar 991- 18
Pension House Purificacion 3962
Domantay
25. Mag-V Royal Ti Mr. Manuel G. San Jose 991- 15
Inn Verar Road 3054
26. Marcian Stan Mr. Kennedy Gov. 991- 34
Garden Basa Camins 2519
Hotel Avenue
27. NC Atilano Psn Canelar 991- 7
Pension House 0783
28. Pension Royale Psn Mr. Roberto Airport 991- 19
Inn Dilla Road 7295
29. Platinum 21 Ti Ms. Maria Barcelona 991- 18
Pension House Asuncion Lim Street 2514
Go
30. Skypark Hotel Eco Mr. Andrew Tomas 992- 28
Levi Chan Claudio ST. 0959
31. Viva Pension Ti Mr. Lim Y. Yen Urdaneta 991- 19
House Street 3783
32. Yang's Hotel Eco Mr. Josesito Tomas 991- 30
Lim Claudjo ST. 0138
33. Zamboanga Eco Ms. Gertrudes Mayor 991- 35
Hermosa Hotel Lim Jaldon 2040
Street
Source: Mrs. Sarita Hernandez, Supervising Touism Operations Officer & Mrs. Josie Leido of
the Tourism Promotions & Development Sevices Division, Zamboanga City
RESTAURANTS

THE CITY OF ZAMBOANGA HAS 104 RESTAURANTS

NAME OF MANAGER TEL. NO SEATS

ESTABLISHMENT
1. Abalone Specialty Mr. Joseph Lim 991-
Seafood 6806
2. Alavar Seafoods Ms. Marissa A. Alfaro 991- 300
House 2483
3. Antonio's Restaurant
4. Mr. Luis Miguel Mas 991- 100
Aristocrat_Luncheonette 4631
5. Baby Macy Barbecue Mr. Edgar Mumbing 992- 120
in the Park 2638
6. Cafe' Bianca 991-
2514
7. Cate' Sacco Ms. Mary Anne Go 991-
4631
8. Carlos Grill Ms. Remedios Retino 991-
5876
9. Century Seafood Ms. Rosa rio Yu 993- 500
Restaurant Corp. 1188
10. Chen Hong Ms. Paz Pan 992A987
Taiwanese
Cuisine
11. Chinito's Cafe' D' Mr. Allen Go 992- 70
Gathering Place 3236
13. Country Chicken Ms. Christine Marie 991- 150
Fernandez 1852
14. D' Chimang Cusina Mr. Eduardo 991- 100
Chavacano Saavedra 7088
15. El Pueblo 991-
0804
16. Family Fried Chicken Mr. Reynaldo 991- 320
Legazpi 4114
17. Flavorite Cuisine Mr. Arturo D. Zabala 993-
0051
19. Jardin de La Vina Mr. Ricardo Lavina, 991-
Restaurant Jr. 7802
20. Jollibee-Camins Mr. Lyndon John 993- 135
Suarez 2565
21. Jollibee-Minpro Mr. Raymond 992-
Villanueva 2026
22. Jollibee-Climaco Mr. Pilardo Bernardo 992-
2954
 25. Greenwich Pizza 992-
2829
26. Hai San Seafood Ms. Julie Lim 991-
Restaurant 5506

27. Hanazono Japanese 991-

Restaurant 0031
28. J's Pad Mr. Rizalino 991-
Graciano 2419
29. Khisma Hadja Aida M. Amil 992-
4405
30. La Casa Maria Mr. Reymundo 991-
Sarsosa 8230
31. La Vista del Mar Ms. Ditos Lobregat- 991-
Restaurant Balaguer 1208
32. Lotus Restaurant Mr. Danny Lim 991- 300
2510
33. Mano-Mano na Mr. Gil Lim 992-
Greenfield Restaurant 4717
34. Mi Abuela Ma. Carmen Pardo 992-
Restaurant 0898
& Coffee Shop
35. Manang Terry's Ms. Yvonne Palma 993- 100
Chicken Inato 2259
36. Palmeras Restaurant Mr. Gregono Alvarez 991-
3284
37. Popoy's Family Mr. Raul Endozo 991-
Restaurant & Music 3846
Haus
38. Shamba Grille Mr. Jayme Gilbuela, 992-
II 2791
39. St. Mary's Grill Mr. Ricardo Ruste 991-
7607
41. Sunflower Food Mr. Alfredo 991-
Center Sebastian 1897
44. Vienna Kaffe Haus Ms. Cristina Veloso 991-
Marguez 4976
45. Village Zamboanga Mr. Juanito "Nonie" 991-
Medina 6111
46. Whoopee Burger Mr. Antonio Lim 991-
House 0920
47. Zalos' Point 992-
1445
Source: Mrs. Sarita Hernandez, Supervising Touism Operations Officer & Mrs. Josie Leido of theTourism
Promotions & Development Sevices Division, Zamboanga City
FERRY SCHEDULE
FLIGHT SCHEDULE

IMPORTANT HOTLINES

Zamboanga City Police Station 991-2172

Bureau of Fire Protection 991-2267
Health Emergency Management Staff 992-0052
Red Cross (Zamboanga) 992-1622
Human Rights 993-0735
Zamboanga City Medical Center 991-5463