ZAMBOANGA CITY, PHILIPPINES

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
During the era before the Spaniards found their way into the Philippines, Zamboanga City was a vast
track of land and nameless. However, due to its proximity with the other islands in Southeast Asia, it
became a barter trading post among the Chinese-Malays, the native Tausugs, Subanons, Samals, and the
Badjaos. The origin of the word Zamboanga came from the early Malays who came to settle at the tip of
the Zamboanga peninsula. These Malays discovered the place to be profusely blooming with flowers and
called it “Jambangan” meaning “land or pot of flowers.” These Malays who built their settlements by the
riverbanks were Subanons, meaning “People of the River.” Their chief, Saragan, lived with his family
atop the legendary rock Mt. Pulumbato that lords over the city.

Zamboanga City was founded by a Spanish Mission who sailed into the southern part of the Philippine
Archipelago in 1635. The group landed at Caldera Bay, a fishing village along the west coast, now known
as Recodo. The Spanish settlement at La Caldera later moved to the tip of the peninsula which they
found to be strategically located, and a fort was built to ward off invading natives.
The Federal Government of the United States built the City Hall in Zamboanga in 1905, which was
completed in 1907. It became the official residence of the Military Governor of Mindanao, which
included Generals like Leonard O. Wood, Tasker H. Bliss, Ralph W. Hoyt, and John “Blackjack” Pershing
of World War I fame. Today, it still serves as City Hall of Zamboanga City.

Zamboanga City is one of the Philippines emerging tourist destinations. Located at the tip of Zamboanga
Peninsula, the city is considered to be the one of the most progressive cities in Mindanao. It is the center
of economic activities with its modern international seaport and airport serving as the entry point in the
country to many destinations in Southeast Asia. It is popularly known as “Asia’s Latin City” because of its
Spanish-influenced Chavacano dialect-dating back to the Spanish era in the 1600’s. Today, the city of
Zamboanga continue to attract visitors who want to experience the city’s dialect, Spanish-inspired
dishes offered in many restaurants, vibrant and colorful vintas, gorgeous beaches, and many other
historical and natural tourists spot.

What to see and Do in Zamboanga City

Spanish era forts, old churches and mosques, spacious parks, heritage buildings, historic
plazas, waterfalls, white sandy beaches and islands, living traditions centers and local markets
are just some of the many fascinating places to see in and around Zamboanga City.
To help you list down the places you might want to visit here are some of the must visit
places to see in the city.

TOURIST DESTINATION
Santa Cruz Island (Pink Sand Beach )

Known for having a beach with sand that glisten with hues of pink, especially during sunrise and
sunset.Sta Cruz island is a nature protected island with visitors only allowed until 4pm.But during the
day, visitors who try a pink beach excursion can enjoy swimming in the surrounding crystal clear water
and explore the island’s mangrove forest and lagoon where one can see hundreds of non stinging
jellyfish.
 Once Islas (Eleven Island)

Zamboanga city is becoming aknown destination for beach goers because of this merging eco cultural
tourism destination known as “Once Islas” pronounced as “On-se”. This group of islands is composed of
eleven unhabited islands located off the coast og Brgy. Dita and Panubigan.

Fort Pilar

Built in 1635 by the Spanish as La Fuerza Real de San Jose garrison, Fort Pilar is now named after
Our Lady of Pilar, the patroness of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga and transformed into an open
air park and shrine commemorating Zamboanga’s glorious past. Inside the fort, a National
museum branch can be found where you can see extensive collection of history, artifacts,
memorabilla and paintings.

ZSCMST Bird Sanctuary

A wetland located inside Zamboanga State College, it welcomes visitors who are up for a bird
watching activity.ZSCMST manages the marsh where a variety of migratory bird species can be
seen just like in Candaba swamp in Pampanga.

Merloquet Falls

Another popular side trip destination in Zamboanga City, is this picturesque waterfall loxated
some 70 km east city in Brgy. Sibulao.The two tiered Merloquet falss is around 10 meters high and
approximately 25 meters wide.’It is highlighted by a spectacular wall o chiseled rock formations
where you can climb up to enjoy the streaming cool waters.It can be reacged by a short 15 minute
hike from the highway in Sibulao.An excursion in falls is worth the time and budget.
Yakan Weaving Village
The Yakan are indigenous Muslim tribe hailing from Basilian located in the Slu Archipelago in the most
southern region of the Philippines. Some have resettled in the Yakan Weaving village in Brgy.Upper
Calarian, anout 7 km away from the city center and now make a living selling their tradition Yakan
woven products for tourists. The Yakans are considered to be among the finest weavers of the
Philippines.

Zamboanga City Hall

Considered by the National HistoricalCommission of the Philippines as a National Historical Site, it was
first built in 1905 and finish in 1907.It is the perfect example of a Filipino Colonial Architectural
design.One of the many still surviving heritage structures in the city,it was the first used as the official
residence of the US Military Governor of the Moro Province befre becoming Zamboanga’s city Hall since
1937.Across the city hall is a Plaza Rizal, where a white statue of Dr. Jose Rizal stands.

What to Eat and Drink in Zamboanga City

As a major port city dating back prior to the arrival of the Spanish, Zamboanga became a melting
pot of various cultures. Muslims from the Middle East, Indonesia and Malaysia, Chinese and
later the Spanish and even Visayan settlers, all made their way to the city.

The resulting effect to the local cuisine was a medley of flavors and textures, that up to now has
made Zamboanga City a very underrated culinary destination.

Molded by centuries of cuisine fusion among many food influences, Zamboanga has become a
place where one must set out on a gastronomic exploration to fully savor its local taste.
 Delicacies and Products Offer

Sama Bangingi Muslim Delicacies

When in Zamboanga city, one must try a plateful of assorted Muslim delicacies
such as the ones passed from one generation of Sama-Bangingi ethno-linguistic
group from the Greater Sulu Archipelago. These are Baulo—a baked rice delicacy
usually served during Eid al-Fitr.

Baked Imbao

In Zamboanga, clams are prepared in several diverse ways and one of the most
popular is by baking it. Baked Imbao clams are made more tasteful with garlic and
butter. It is the perfect appetizer to any dish.

Latal (Moro Cuisine)

What better way to get a taste of local Zamboanga cuisine than having a plateful
of "Latal". Latal is a platter of a variety of Tausug native delicacies consisting of
tiulah itim – a goat and beef stew dipped in black broth made from roasted
coconut, beef kulma, beef piyassak, chicken piyanggang, kiyaliyah kapayah, fried
fish and chicken kiyaliya. You can order this at Bay May Tal.

Chupa Kulo

A bowl of Chupa Kulo is always expected to be served in the dining tables of

houses located in the coastal towns and islands surrounding Zamboanga City.
Chupa Kulo are snails simmered in coconut milk and squash. Eating it is a bit tricky
though as you will need to suck the slimy yet scrumptious meat from the shell’s
tiny hole.
Chicken Piyanggang

A Tausug chicken curry dish cooked with burnt coconut paste making it appear
color black. Don't be fooled by its un-appetizing appearance because it pops with
a rich flavor. Chicken Piyanggang

WHERE TO BUY PASALUBONG

Canelar Barter Trade Center
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