Our El Nido Tour got cancelled but good thing we had one more island hopping tour in our itinerary. The weather was cloudy which i like coz i won't get burned by the sun.hehe We were fetched by the tour van by 730AM and arrived at Honda Bay port where a boat was waiting for us. During peak seasons, the queue gets very long and you have to wait for your turn. Then, we're off to our first stop, the Starfish Island.
Marlin and Nemo weren't excited when we approached them. Traumatized with humans, perhaps.hehe
The next island was Luli Island from the words "lulubog lilitaw" which means something like "to submerge/sink" and "to resurface" which happens to the island during high and low tides.
The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is coming soon! If you are coming in our wonderful city during the festival, here's a short list of things you must do while you're here. Your visit in Zamboanga City will surely be fun-filled and packed with fun and adventure with all of these spots to visit, food to eat and things to do. Here are my top suggestions for you when you come here in October 1-12 for Fiesta Pilar.
Regatta de Zamboanga (2014)
1. Wake up early in October 9, Sunday and proceed to R.T. Lim Boulevard and witness the festival's most unique event, the race of colorful Vinta of the Badjaos. The event is dubbed as Regatta de Zamboanga. Take pictures with the sea butterflies as they gather in this shore for only once a year.
2. Visit the Yakan Village at Upper Calarian to see first-hand the Yakan weavers create intricate patterns in traditional weaving method which has been passed from generations. Take home some table runners or coin purses for pasalubong.
3. Aside from Badjaos and Yakans, have a taste of culture of the Tausug tribe. Head to Dennis Cafe at Baliwasan and try their authentic Tausug delicacies such as Tiula Itum, Pianggang, Sulu Coffee, Satti and more.
4. Talking about Satti, also try the famous satti of Jimmy's at Pilar Street or Andy's at Tetuan. If you haven't tried this special spicy delicacy, your visit to Zambo is never complete.
5. In the evening of Oct. 9, look for a position outside the streets from San Jose Road to Paseo del Mar and witness the spectacular Parade of Lights. Now on its second year, this unique parade showcases landmarks and symbols of the city in huge illuminated floats. Parade starts at 6pm.
6. Love to hear the Spanish creole language, Chavacano? Watch the live competition of Original Chavacano love songs on Oct 5, 7PM, and Noche de Bailes y Canciones on Oct 6, 7PM, both happening at the Paseo del Mar Stage.
7. Before watching the nightly shows in Paseo del Mar, chill and watch the sun as it sets at the esplanade area while tasting the local version of halo-halo called Knicker Bocker. It's a must-try!
Zambo's gastronomic delicacies!
8. Party with Manila DJ's at the night-life capital of Zamboanga, Paseo del Jardin a.k.a Butterfly Garden, on October 10, 7pm. Danza La Vida is the biggest life dance party of Hermosa Festival, and it's for free!
9. Shop for souvenirs at Plaza del Pilar or at the Canelar Barter Trade for imported but affordable goodies. Take home some Malaysian coffee, chocolates or Indonesian batiks, malong and sarongs.
10. Before going back home, make sure you have visited the Fort Pilar, lit some candles and offered your prayers. After all it's the reason why we are celebrating the festival.. to give thanks to God for all the wonderful places and things He has given us.
Hope you check out all the things to-do here to maximize your Hermosa Festival experience. I also made a festival map to serve as your guide to the places and activities during the fiesta. You can click and save the hi-res format and print for your reference. What are you waiting for? Vamos a Zamboanga!
Our El Nido Tour got cancelled but good thing we had one more island hopping tour in our itinerary. The weather was cloudy which i like coz i won't get burned by the sun.hehe We were fetched by the tour van by 730AM and arrived at Honda Bay port where a boat was waiting for us. During peak seasons, the queue gets very long and you have to wait for your turn. Then, we're off to our first stop, the Starfish Island.
