Festival de las Bellas 2020

Festival de las Bellas y Flores is an annual competition of fashion designers, models and stylists in celebration of the Summer Festival and Flores de Mayo. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition was postponed last May and was finally moved this October in celebration of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. With the theme #SafeHermosa2020, the competition became a virtual instead of a live ramp semi-pageant format. The arco component was removed and a new component was added to promote safety health protocols, which is the face mask. All entries were submitted through photos and a 3-minute conceptual video also known as Fashion Film.

Fifteen designers joined the competition this year and showcased their gown creations with the theme "Philippine Mythology," a celebration of colors, culture and traditions of the different tribes and peoples of the Philippines inspired by local myths. Mythology is a folklore genre consisting of narratives that play a fundamental role in a society, such as foundational tales or origin myths. The main characters in myths are usually gods, demigods, or supernatural humans.

Here are the official entries for Festival de las Bellas 2020:

1. “Adarna” by Meldan Salazar
Mythology: Ibong Adarna
Señorita: Princess Serdenia
Director: Bernele A. Ricafort
Crew: Wilmz Apolinarion (Make Up Artist), Serpentina Ibanez, Angela Soberano, Ramisses Ramillano

2. “Un Diosa Pecadora (A Sinful Goddess)” By Vicky Go Tonggal
Mythology: Dian Masalanta (Goddess of Lovers, Childbirth and Peace)
Señorita: Areej Hassan
Director: Daryshien Sampang
Crew: Beatriz Rodriguez, Kentzun Tan

3. “Aman Sinaya” by Chris Ivan Arakan 

Mythology: Aman Sinaya (Tagalog Goddess of the Sea) 

Señorita: Jesreel Ramos 

Director: Chris Ivan Arakan

4. “Anitun Tabu” by Esbert Delos Reyes
Mythology: Anitun Tabu (Goddess of the Wind and Rain)
Señorita: Jessa Ramos
Director: Esbert P. Delos Reyes

5. “Avem Divina (Divine Bird)” by Eddie Villaflor
Mythology: Minokawa (Bagobo Giant, Dragon-like Bird)
Señorita: Jesreel Ramos
Director: Eddie Villaflor

6. “Bella del Fuego” by Nicolejemson Salih
Mythology: Lalahon (Visayan Goddess of Fire and Volcanoes)
Señorita: Bellatrix Tan
Director: Bernele Ricafort 

7. “La Viviento Y Lluvia” by Reymard C. Surbano
Mythology: Anitun Tabu (Goddess of the Wind and Rain)
Señorita: Genelin D. Feliciano
Director: Champ Eddan S. Tubig
Crew: April Joe Israel

8. “Lalahon” by Ruth B. Villaflor
Mythology: Lalahon (Visayan Goddess of Fire and Volcanoes)
Señorita: Jessa Ramos
Director: Ruth B. Villaflor

9. “Lidagat” by Raustin Siocon III
Mythology: Lidagat (Visayan Goddess of Water and the Seas)
Señorita: Michaella dela Cruz
Director: Shawn Michael P. Bancairin

10. “Magwayen” by Harold Ruste Bernabe

Mythology: Magwayen (Visayan Goddess of the Sea)
Señorita: Monica Santiago Bernal
Director: Al-Shariff Aguil
Crew: Al-Shariff Aguil (Photography), Datu Juldawang M. Jul (Videography), Noel Paulino (HMUA), Mr. Ignacio Bernal and Mrs. Janet Bernal (Road & Traffic Manager)

11. “Maria Makiling” by April Joy Quintas
Mythology: Maria Makiling
Señorita: Lianne Alberto
Director: April Joy Quintas

12. “Sarimanok” by Geronie Labora

Mythology: Sarimanok
Señorita: Reikalen Joy Ishii
Director: Mark Lester Regondola
Fashion Film Crew and Staff: Cinesur Films
Photo: Roy Guilly Photography
Set design: 2012 Events
Coordination: Robert Arseña
HMUA for photo: Vince Descalzo
HMUA for video: Elmar Avisado
Back-up dancers: Zain Jali, Daryl James Labora, Oscar Cañada Jr, Marylee Reyes, Jonel Tan and Jo-ann Tupag-Solis

13. “The Golden Deity” by Nicole Gaquit
Mythology: Burigadang Pada Sinaklang Bulawan (The Goddess of Greediness and Vengeance)
Señorita: Lyka Nicole Francisco
Director: Jolas Dizon
Fashion Film Crew and Staff: Bencio Films

14. “Amada Madre Tierra (Beloved Mother Earth)” By Raji Go Tonggal

Mythology: Indung Tibuan (The Beloved Crocodile Mother-Earth Goddess)
Señorita: Raizal Tonggal
Director: Daryshien Sampang
Crew: Beatriz Rodriguez, Kentzun Tan

15. “Viaje de Amor” by Jonald D. Feliciano
Mythology: Galang Kaluluwa (Tagalog Winged God)
Señorita: Irah Mae D. Padua
Director: Champ Eddan S. Tubig
Crew: April Joy Israel

Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2020: #SafeHermosa2020

Virtual events, competitions, and limited live activities will mark the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2020 celebrations as Zamboanga City abides with the landscape of the new normal.

This, in keeping with the minimum health standards, as the local government prepares for a #SafeHermosa2020, and a meaningful reflection of Fiesta Pilar amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hermosa Festival 2020 will officially open with the virtual 2020 Opening Salvo on October 1, 7 PM, to be held via the official channels of the Festival and the local government. Replays of 2019 Hermosa events will be broadcast over the Festival Week, from October 1 to October 7.

Meanwhile, competitions have been trimmed down to only those that can be held on online platforms. These include: Batalla 2020: Hermosa Mega Crew HipHop Competition, Original Chavacano Video Music Festival 2020, Festival de las Bellas 2020, Hermosa Photography Competition and Hermosa TikTok Challenge.

While majority of events will be virtual, there will be limited live events that will be held from October 1-15. These are the: Cosechas de Zamboanga 2020 from October 1-15, the Novena Mass at Fort Pilar from October 3-11, and the Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar and Pontifical Mass on October 12.

A live event, the Las Ofrenda de Flores con el La Virgen del Pilar, will also be held to bring Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar to different barangays on October 11, a whole day activity that will begin at 6 AM and will follow a route from Sangali to Ayala to Talon-Talon and to City Hall.

All live events will strictly adhere to the minimum health standards.

Zamboanga Hermosa, also known locally as Fiesta Pilar, is one of Zamboanga City’s most important festivals. It honors the city’s patron saint, the Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Pilar whose image is enshrined in the equally historic and venerated Fort Pilar. The feast day proper is on October 12 and is a special holiday in Zamboanga City. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)

Check out the calendar of activities here:

#ZamboHermosaFest 2020
𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦

𝙑𝙄𝙍𝙏𝙐𝘼𝙇 𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙎 𝒗𝒊𝒂 𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒃𝒆

October 1, Thursday, 7PM
• Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2020 Opening Salvo
• Virtual Replay of Inter-Barangay Bandoreal Competition 2019
October 2, Friday, 7PM
• Virtual Replay of Hermosa Drum & Lyre Competition 2019

October 3, Saturday, 7PM
• Virtual Replay of Dancesport Competition 2019

October 4, Sunday, 7PM
• Virtual Replay of Mascota de Zamboanga 2019

October 5, Monday, 7PM
• Virtual Replay of Best of Parade of Lights

October 6, Tuesday, 7PM
• Virtual Replay of #LaRaza: Nacimiento del Lenguaje Chavacano

October 7, Wednesday, 7PM
• Virtual Replay of Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Streetdance Competition 2019

𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦

October 1-15, Thursday
• Opening of Cosechas de Zamboanga 2020
8AM-8PM, Plaza Pershing

October 3-11, Friday-Sunday
• Novena Mass at Fort Pilar
5PM-6PM, Fort Pilar Shrine
Live Streaming via FB Page and Youtube Channel

October 10-11, Saturday-Sunday
• Copa de Alcalde Golf Tournament
Zamboanga Gold and Beach Park

October 11, Sunday
• Las Ofrenda de Flores con el La Virgen del Pilar
6AM, Vitali to Ayala to Talon-Talon to City Hall

October 12, Monday
• Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar and Pontifical Mass
3PM-6PM, Fort Pilar Shrine
Live Streaming at Facebook and Youtube

October 24, Saturday
• Dive Safari at Once Islas

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

October 9, Friday, 7PM
Deadline of Submission of Entries for:
• Original Chavacano Video Music Festival 2020 (tinyurl.com/OriginalChavacano2020)
• Festival de las Bellas 2020 (tinyurl.com/Bellas2020)
• Hermosa Fest TikTok Challenge

October 13, Tuesday, 7PM
• Deadline for Hermosa Festival Photography
Competition 2020
October 17, Saturday, 7PM
• Virtual Awarding Ceremony

October 25, Sunday, 7PM
Deadline of Submission of Entries for BATALLA 2020: Hermosa Mega Crew Hiphop Competition (tinyurl.com/Batalla2020)

October 31, Saturday, 7PM
• Virtual Awarding Ceremony for BATALLA 2020:
Hermosa Mega Crew Hiphop Competition
#SafeHermosa2020 #TieneCuidaoZC

Here are this year's competitions for Zamboanga Hermosa Festival:

We're inviting everyone in the annual Cosechas de Zamboanga, an agri fair showcasing the fresh produce of our farmers, including fruits, vegetables, processed food, and decorative plants. It opens on October 1 and runs until Ocotber 20 at Plaza Pershing.

Official Logo of Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2020:

For more updates, like the Facebook page: Zamboanga Hermosa Festival and follow the Twitter account @zambocitygovt and Instagram account @zambocitygovt.