Pascua Na Zamboanga 2014

It's Christmas time again! To share the spirit of the holidays, the City Government of Zamboanga prepared a lineup of activities and contests for the Zamboangueños. To open the Christmas Festival "Pascua na Zamboanga" on December 1, there will be a parade and light switching ceremony of the iconic City Hall. Every year, the landmark is transformed into a huge Christmas sight where lights adorn every corner depicting the Nativity. During the program, the nativity scene will be played by selected employees, and with real live animals, too. Aside from the city hall, all the major street and landmarks will also be decorated with Angels and Christmas symbols. Check out the poster for the full schedule of activities. Merry Christmas and have a Prosperous 2015!

Pascua na Zamboanga 2014

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES

Date/Time/Venue	ACTIVITY	Organizer / Contact Person
December 1, 2014 Monday 6:00PM Frontage of City Hall 6:15PM City Hall to Paseo del Mar 7:00PM Paseo del Mar	Lighting of City Hall Christmas Parade (City Government of Zamboanga) Program and Opening of the Pascua na Zamboanga	CHRMO 991-5991
December 3, 2014 Wednesday 4:00PM WMSU (Normal Road) to Paseo del Mar	Torch Parade	Peace Advocates Zamboanga 955-2566
December 10-12, 2014 6:00PM onward	Best Barangay Christmas Landmark Competition 2014 (Evaluation of Entries)	City Mayor’s Office-Tourism 992-3007
December 12-13-14 6:00PM-onward Vista del Mar Calarian	Noche Navidades (1st week-end)	Rosa Ramirez 983-0319
3:00 pm to 12 midnight Dates: December 12 - 13, 2014       - ECOZONE December 15-21, 2014         - Jardin Maria Clara Lobregat Complex December 20-21, 2014         - Mercedes Church premises	Doce Dias de Hechos de Zamboanga	City Mayor's Office - Investments and Promotions Division
December 15, 2014 Monday 6:00PM Paseo del Mar	Open-Lantern Competition	City Mayor’s Office-Tourism 992-3007
December 16, 2014 Tuesday 4:00PM Paseo del Mar 6:00PM Paseo del Mar	Canciones de Pascua (Inter-Elementary Competition) Awarding Ceremony Open-Lantern Competition Best Barangay Christmas Landmark Competition 2014	City Mayor’s Office-Tourism 992-3007
December 19-20-21 6:00PM-onward Vista del Mar Calarian December 19	Noche Navidades (2nd Week-end) “Noche de Alcaldeza”	Rosa Ramirez 983-0319
December 22, 2014 Monday 7:00PM Crystal Ballroom Grand Astoria Hotel	2014 Christmas Holiday Fashion Extravaganza	Boynap Garcia-Directo CP No. 0915-9623888
December 30, 2014 Tuesday 8:00AM Plaza Rizal	118th Death Anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal	Knights of Rizal-WM c/o Mr. Domingo Falcasantos City Mayor’s Office-Tourism 992-3007

 For Inquiries please contact the City Mayor’s Office – Tourism Division at telephone number 992.3007

Dia De Cesar: Carisma, Coraje, Compasión

Thirty years ago, Zamboanga's iconic Mayor Cesar Cortez Climaco was killed at the streets of Camino Nuevo, leaving the city in sorrow. Mayor Cesar left a legacy of Courage and Honor as he battled during the Marcos regime and fought for the nation's democracy. This week the City Government, headed by Mayor Beng Climaco, the niece of Cesar Climaco, prepare a lineup of events to commemorate his life and legacy.

Carisma. Coraje. Compasión. These are the trademarks of Cesar Climaco which every Zamboangueños should emulate. Let's take part on this wonderful history and help make Zamboanga a better city by following the footsteps of our heroes who risked their lives for our city and country. Here are the lineup of activities for Dia de Cesar.

Here are the three commemorative graphic portraits that I designed which was unveiled during the flag-raising ceremony on November 10 at Plaza Rizal fronting the City Hall.

Carisma. Cesar Climaco is know for his eccentricity. A very energetic and humorous person, he charmed every person in front of him. Children would call him Lolo Cesar with a bag of candies in his arms. He will let the kids sing "Ay si Cesear" in the tune of "Oh my darling, Clementine" before he gives away his candy. Cesar's iconic vintage motorcycle is his favorite mode of transportation. If you notice, i placed some candies in the design.

Coraje. A very brave man Cesar is. He is very hands on in everything he do. He is a real life super hero as he is also a volunteer fireman. He also showed courage when he opposed the Marcos dictatorship and vowed not to cut his hair until democracy is achieved. Unfortunately, his long white hair remained until his last day, when he was assasinated on November 14, 1984. Aside from the crimson palette which symbolize his courage, I also placed some lions which reminded me of his intense presence especially when he express his strong views and opinions in public.

Compasión. Cesar is a person with a pure heart. His love to his constituents know no age, gender or religion.  In this final portrait, we see him in his candid moments, assisting to his grandson and an elderly who is emotional in his presence. I also placed a hand carrying a seedling which symbolize his compassion towards nature and humankind. Truly, Cesar Climaco is a man of Charisma, Courage and Compassion.

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 Thanks to Sir Jojo Yap-Aizon and Mark Saavedra for helping me gather the images for the portraits.