October 29, 2020

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
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October 01, 2020

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.
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March 27, 2020

COVID-19 Crisis in Zamboanga City

On 30 January 2020, the Philippine Department of Health reported the first case of COVID-19 in the country with a 38-year-old female Chinese national. On 7 March, the first local transmission of COVID-19 was confirmed. Several measures were imposed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines, including bans on travel to mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and South Korea. On March 7, 2020, the Department of Health (DOH) raised its "Code Red Sub-Level 1," with a recommendation to the President of the Philippines to impose a "public health emergency" authorizing the DOH to mobilize resources for the procurement of safety gear and the imposition of preventive quarantine measures.

On March 9, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation No. 922, declaring the country under a state of public health emergency. On March 12, President Duterte declared "Code Red Sub-Level 2," issuing a partial lockdown on Metro Manila and extending the metropolis' class suspensions up to April 12, to prevent a nationwide spread of COVID-19. The City Government of Zamboanga has formed various task groups to ensure preparedness in all levels of response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).



The local government closed the entry points on March 17, 2020, Tuesday, and implemented strict guidelines on the community quarantine. On the same night Mayor Climaco addressed the people of Zamboanga once again to declare an enhanced community quarantine due to the increasing PUMs and PUIs. To avoid the pandemic from happening in Zamboanga, the government assumed that COVID-19 has already infiltrated the city and thus preventive measures were strictly imposed.



On March 24, at 7PM, while an advisory was aired in TV, radio and social media, the authorities received the saddest news, and Mayor Beng immediately called a press conference 2 hours after. At 10PM, Mayor Climaco went live in Facebook to announce the first positive case of COVID-19 in the city. Watch the announcement here:



As of March 26, 2020, the City Health Office, through the Zamboanga Task Force COVID-19 released this map of barangays with PUMs and PUIs.


Barangays with Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) in Zamboanga City as of March 25, 2020 [Source City Health Office]


Barangays with Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs) in Zamboanga City as of March 25, 2020 [Source City Health Office]

For inquiries and emergencies, please contact the Zamboanga Task Force COVID-19 Risk Communications Team Upgraded Communications Center 24/7 Hotline Numbers:

Globe Hotlines:
0975-073-0150
0975-073-0151
0975-073-7221

Smart Hotlines:
0998-175-8705
0998-175-8709
0938-300-4110
0938-300-4007
0938-300-4004

PLDT Hotlines:
975-3800
975-3801

ZCDRRMO:
955-9601

Health Lines:
0966-175-4298
975-3802

#COVIDreadyZambo #COVID19PH



For news and updates follow the official social media accounts:
Facebook: Beng Climaco | City Government of Zamboanga
Instagram: @zambocitygovt
Twitter: @zambocitygovt
Youtube: Zamboanga City Official

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January 19, 2020

Breathtaking Batanes

It's almost a year before I finally decided to make this post. I just wanna share one of the best travels I had so far. I was in Singapore when my friends invited me to join them in a trip to Batanes since there's a ticket sale for this dream destination of ours. We agreed on a date and finally they booked for round-trip tickets good for a week stay. With me are my high school buddies who were also with me during the Vietnam Trip and additional travel buddies.

Batanes is the northernmost group of islands in the Philippines and is known for its beautiful landscapes. Travelling here is quite difficult as weather can be harsh especially during the rainy season. The universe conspired for us and we finally reached Batanes on the day without any delay. The weather was cloudy and cool, which was perfect for strolling and exploring.

Day 1. Arriving Basco Airport via Clark. Kapian capa nu dios!

The mekmekers sets foot at Batanes! Adventure starts now in #BreathtakingBatanes!


We stayed at the quiet town of Basco in a house which we rented. We got the house for ourselves and we got separate rooms, a living room and a kitchen. The caretakers also cook for us if we wanted to have our meals there. It was very good location. The plaza is just a few meters away and there are lots of stores and shops in the neighborhood, too.

We don't have a tour on our first day yet. So we explored the town and went to the nearby Naidi Hills which has a beautiful lighthouse on top of the hill! This building are remains of an American period telegraph house which was used as a set in the indie film "Sakaling Hindi Makarating."😍⛰🏠

The famous lighthouse in Naidi Hill at Basco, Batanes with Mt. Iraya at the back. Bucketlist checked!

The viewing deck is a perfect location to view the whole of Batan Island (the main island where Basco is located) from end to end, including Mount Iraya. One can also have a clear view of Sabtang Island in the south of Basco and Itbayat Island to the north.

The Basco Lighthouse is a 6-storey building with a gallery or viewing deck on the fifth floor. Located next to the 66 feet (20 m) tower is a dwelling of vernacular architecture. Traditional Ivatan houses are made with stone or rubble masonry.

Cathedral of Immaculate Conception Basco, Batanes 😍⛪🙏

Day 2. We had a morning tour at the northern part of Batanes island. Our first stop is here at the hills where the PAG-ASA radar station is located. At the back are mountains with man-made "hedgerows" called  "liveng" which looks like giant maze made of tall grass or bamboo.

Our next stop is a hilltop lodge "Fundacion Pacita", owned by the Abads and has a restaurant and art gallery. It's also a famous wedding destination. Here's a wonderful wall mosaic with a greeting "Dios Mamajes" which means "God reward you with goodness" or simply "God Bless you."

Wonderful stonehouse cabin for guest with a breathtaking view of the mountains and seas.

Valugan Boulder beach facing the vast Pacific Ocean.


Closer view of the "liveng". Tall rows of reeds, trees, grass, or piled stones used as crop protection from wind, typhoons or sea breeze. They make Batanes landscape appear like vast collection of labyrinths. They prevent soil erosion and double as demarcation lines or boundaries of farms.🌿⛰😍💚


Our last stop is at the northernmost part of the isalnds, Vayang Rolling hills.

At the top of the grassy hills with a beautiful view.

The winding road at the top of the hills with cows casually roaming around.

We went back to the lighthouse hoping to see a beautiful sunset, and we were not disappointed!
Love this shot!


Groufie! End of Day 2!

Day 3. We went south to the island of Sabtang. It is accessible via a 30-minute ride aboard the "faluwa," the bigger traditional Ivatan boat. Like the tataya, the Ivatan dory, they do not have outriggers (katig), either. They say every ride is quite an experience.

Upon arriving the seaport at Sabtang, tricycles like these wait for tourists to offer them an island tour. The roof resembles the cogon roof of the stone houses.

Our first stop is at the picturesque "Chamantad Viewdeck" which is a vast hilly area with a view of the Pacific Ocean. Here I am enjoying the sun and pacific breeze at the top of the hill.

Chamantad viewdeck is a famous location for music videos and wedding shoots. The green grass reminds me of the LOTR and the Hobbit movies.


Then, we went to the village of Chavayan, famous for the Ivatan stone houses. Chavayan came from the word cha, which means bountiful, and vay, which is the arrowroot plant that was known as the most distinct plant on the island. Vayan, on the other hand, means community.

These are called vakul, an Ivatan woven headdress used by women to shield the locals from the harsh elements.🌿⛅

One of my dream photos is with these pre-colonial stone houses. Chavayan is an old Ivatan village that is most known for its stone houses, some of which are over 100 years old now. This style of construction was introduced by the Spanish when they arrived in the last half of the 1800s and quickly proved perfect for the region, which is prone to strong winds and frequent typhoons. Their roofs are made of thatched cogon (a tall type of grass found throughout Southeast Asia) and are replaced every 25-30 years, depending on the thickness.

Wearing the Ivatan men's attire. A cogon vest and a bamboo woven hat.

Built inside a cove and surrounded by jagged mountains, this ancient fishing village of Chavayan is probably the most well-preserved village in the whole Batanes region.😍⛰💕

Fun shoot with the buddies.💕

Our next stop is at the Morong Beach famous for this wonderful natural rock formation called "Nakabuang Arch". We had lunch in a resto by the beach.


We ended the day with a walk around the towns near the seaport. Check out the photos here:

We stayed overnight at a house we rented which is just a walk away from the sea port. At the back of our house is a hill and there this beautiful lighthouse made of stone. It looks so majestic during sunset with the peach skies.

Day 4. We went back to Batanes Island. We sent out postcards to ourselves which is one of our bucketlists inspired by the movie "Sakaling Hindi Makarating." We went to Philbrews Cafe and had merienda and coffee. It was so delicious!


Day 5. We enjoyed a dip at the cool spring pool known as the "Fountain of Youth" or "Rakuh A Idi Spring"

Like paradise on earth, I did feel more youthful at the fountain of youth! Char.

Going to our next destination, we are welcomed with this majestic view of the coast and hills of central Batanes.

After the awesome swim, we went back to Fundacion Pacita to have lunch which we pre-booked. The first time we went here, we weren't able to dine because it was full. The ambience of this resto is just beautiful! And their food is amazing!

The reason why their food is great is because Cafe du Tukon uses organic ingredients produced by Ivatan locals, who has great respect for the environment.

 What a great place to chill. This window view is what dream houses are made of.

Indeed, It's more fun in the Philippines!

Before we end today's tour, we stopped by this unique stone church known as the "Tukon Chapel". It sits humbly atop a foothill, an eye-catcher made of stone as though offered by the greenery to the restless skies. Tukon means “mountain” in the Ivatan language, an apt name as it covers generally rugged terrain that lies in the shadow of Mt. Iraya. From here, one can admire the mischievous waves of both the West Philippine Sea and the roaring Pacific.💒😍⛰💚

After arriving home, we decided to go for a tour to catch the sunset. We rented motorbikes and rode north to Vayang rolling hills which is just a few kilometers from the town.

Since we had more time, we wandered more at the area and saw these picture-perfect spots where we can see the rollings hills.

We waited for the sunset, hoping that the clouds won't cover the view.

Indeed, the wait was worth it! The view was truly breath-taking and perhaps one of the best sunsets I've seen in my life! It was more special witnessing it with my friends.

The sky turns into a fiery sea of clouds as the sun sleeps at the horizon.

Day 6. Batanes South Tour. We go down south to explore the islands beauty. We pass by the Batanes Boat Shelter Port. Inaugurated in 2007, the shelter port was built to protect Batan Island’s boats from the area’s mercurial weather. It has since become a popular stop on the South Batan tour. 😍⛵🏞

Chawa Viewdeck. It gives you a wonderful view of our cliffs and it even has a steep staircase that will lead you to the bottom coastline. 🏞🌊⛰😍

Feeling like a daredevil at Chawa viewdeck.

Hailed as the “Marlboro country” of Batanes, Racuh A Payaman is a protected location in the island of Batan in Batanes where everyone is dreaming for to visit. A trail to its hills will give you pleasure that only nature can afford to give.⛰🐃🌬🌊💚

The iconic "Blow Ur Horn" singage of Batanes with the Alapad Pass at the background.


Honesty Cafe. The only kind of cafe in the country where there are no cashiers or waiters!

The oldest stonehouse in Batanes, the House of Dakay.

Inside the oldest stonehouse with vakuls and traditional hats. It feels so cozy inside!

The Ivatan couple in their natural habitat.

Posing with the Ivatan attire at the oldest Ivatan stone house!


No one seems to know where the camera is. lol

Before heading back home, we passed by the San Carlos Borromeo Church, a stone and lime church which is declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum.

Day 7. We bought souvenirs and went back home. It was such an awesome trip and we're truly happy to finally do our dream destination. Batanes is truly a gem of the north and we really recommend everyone to experience it even once in their lifetime. More than the tourist spots, you'll get to know the gentle and resilient Ivatans who has great respect to one another and nature. Thanks to my travel buddies for making this a reality. Their company, the laughter, the stories and memories we made during the trip will be one that I'll truly cherish for the rest of my life! Dios Mamajes!

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