The grandest festival in Zamboanga Peninsula is coming this October and the City Government of Zamboanga has prepared a lineup of activities and competitions for you to enjoy in this year's Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. With the theme "Diversidad, Resiliencia y Alegria", the colorful fiesta dedicated to the city's patroness, Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar, is bigger and better than ever! New competitions such as the Batalla 2019 and Regional Drum and Lyre Competition, will bring all people around ZamPen to celebrate with music and dance! Here are the competitions and events which are the highlights of #ZamboHermosaFest

Inter-Barangay Fiesta Arco Competition 2019

Zamboanga Art Exhibit 2019

Inter-Barangay Bandoreal Competition

Regional Drum and Lyre Competition 2019

Batalla 2019: The Hermosa Mega Crew Hip Hop Dance Battle

Original Chavacano Video Festival 2019

Zamboanga Dancesport Competition 2019

Hermosa Festival Streetdance Competition 2019

Parade of Lights (Float Parade Competition) 2019 Hermosa Festival Photography Competition 2019

For news and updates, like the official facebook page: Zamboanga Hermosa Festival or follow at Twitter and Instagram at @zambocitygovt@gmail.com. Shoot, Post and Share your photos using the official hashtag #ZamboHermosaFest

The City Government of Zamboanga will once again spearhead the celebration of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival - the grandest festival in the Zamboanga Peninsula region. The strength of our communities has been the bedrock of Zamboanga City’s continued resurgence and fortitude in the face of challenges. We have lined up a variety of events to remind us to embrace and welcome the diversities of our culture and practices, and to form strong bonds of friendship across all communities.

"Regatta de Zamboanga" by Rikki Lim, 4th Place Hermosa Festival Photo Competition 2016

Here's the official lineup of activities for #ZamboHermosaFest 2017:

The traditional merry-making parade in the barangays of Zamboanga City

Inter-Barangay Fiesta Arco Competition
September 23, 2017, Barangays

Pre-fiesta Extravaganza District 1
September 23, 6PM, Saturday
Ayala Gymnasium

Pre-fiesta Extravaganza District 2
September 24, 6PM Sunday
Boalan Elementary School Covered Court

The Dog Walk
September 28, 6:30AM, Thursday
Pasonanca Park

Zambassadors School Tour
September 25-27, Monday-Wednesday
Various Schools

Zambassadors Mall Tour and Original Chavacano Video Music Festival 2017 Launching
September 28, 6PM, Thursday
CityMall Tetuan

Zambassadors Mall Tour
KCC Mall de Zamboanga GF Activity Area
September 29, 6PM, Friday

Smoke Out Zamboanga – Grilled Food Fiesta
September 30-October 11, 2017, Friday-Wednesday
R.T. Lim Boulevard

Zamboanga Grand Midnight Sale
September 30-October 11, 2017, Friday
Wednesday-R.T. Lim Boulevard

Copa de Paz Pre-Hermosa Festival Golf Tournament
Sept 30, Friday, Zamboanga Golf Course & Country Club

Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Opening Salvo
ft. Inter-Barangay Bandoreal Competition and Pink Parade
October 1, 2017, 3PM, Sunday
Tetuan Central School to Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum

2017 Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Chess Tournament
October 1, 2017, Sunday CityMall Tetuan

22nd Little Princess Zamboanga 2017
October 1, 2017, 4PM, Sunday
Astoria Plaza Ballroom, Grand Astoria Hotel

See Zamboanga through the masterpieces of our featured young artists!

Cosechas de Zamboanga
October 1-15, 2017, Sunday
Plaza Pershing

Zamboanga Art Exhibit
October 2-8, 2017, Monday-Sunday
City Mall Tetuan

Hermosa Heritage Zone Walking Tour
October 2-11, 2017, Monday-Wednesday
City Tourism Office, Paseo del Mar

Teen and Kid Trends ZC of the Year
October 2, 2017, 6PM, Monday
CityMall Tetuan

Novena Masses
October 3-11, Tuesday-Wednesday
Procession - 5AM, Cathedral to Shrine
Holy Mass - 6AM, 7:30PM, 6:30PM
Novena Mass - 5PM

4th Conferencia de Cultura y Artes de Zamboanga
October 3-4, 2017, 8AM-5PM, Tuesday-Wednesday
Centro Latino, Paseo del Mar

Pet Parade and Blessing
October 4, 2017, 8AM, Wednesday
Jardin de Maria Clara Lobregat, Pasonanca

IIEE-ZAMBASULTA 5th Western Mindanao Regional Conference
October 5-7, Thursday-Saturday
Garden Orchid Convention Center

World Teachers Day
October 5, Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum

1st Asao Lechon de Zamboanga Festival
October 5, 2017, 5PM, Thursday
Paseo del Mar

Miss Zamboanga 2017
October 5, 2017, 7PM, Thursday
Astoria Regency Convention Center, Pasonanca

1st Open Invitational La Hermosa Volleyball Tournament
October 6-8, 2017, 1PM, Friday-Saturday
Sta. Maria Covered Court

Zamboanga Open Invitational Bowling Tournament
October 6-8, 2017, Friday
Tebi and Sean Recreational Center

1st Zamboanga Construction Exposition (ZAMCONEX)
October 6-8, 2017, Friday
Ground floor, Event Area, KCC Mall de Zamboanga

2nd Hermosa Koi Show and 1st ABA Zamboanga National Show
October 6-8, 2017, Friday-Sunday, CityMall Tetuan

ZAMPEX 2017 (Zamboanga Peninsula Exposition 2017)
October 6-10, 2017, Friday-Tuesday
Madrid Hall, Palacio del Sur

ZamPen iCon (Zamboanga Peninsula Investment Conference)
October 6, 2017, Friday
Theater, Garden Orchid Hotel

Asia's Latin City hosts the most anticipated Dancesport Competition

Zamboanga Dancesport Competition
October 6, 2017, 1PM, Friday
City Coliseum

FDAZ Fashion Show: TEJIDO
October 6, 7PM, 2017, Friday
Astoria Regency Convention Center, Pasonanca

Copa del Alcalde Golf Tournament
October 7-8, 2017, Saturday-Sunday
Zamboanga Golf and Country Club

2nd Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Sepak Takraw Regu Men & Women Competition
October 7-8, 2017, Saturday-Sunday
UZ IHK Veterans Campus

3rd Zamboanga Mountain Ultramarathon 2017
October 7-8, 2017, Saturday-Sunday
Hacienda de Palmeras

This year's Chavacano song compositions are Anthem Music.

Hermosa Cheerleading Competition
October 7, 2017, 1PM, Saturday
Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum

La Grand Procesion de la Santas Imagenes
October 7, 2017, 6PM, Saturday
Ateneo de Zamboanga University Grounds to Fort Pilar

Original Chavacano Video Music Festival 2017
October 7, 2017, 7PM, Saturday
Centro Latino, Paseo del Mar

Regional Eliminations 12th Philippine Sudoku Super Challenge
October 7, Saturday, KCC Mall de Zamboanga

2017 Zamboanga's Top Model Search, The Mannequin
October 7, 2107, 7PM, Saturday
Royce Convention Center, Grand Astoria Hotel

2017 Zamboanga Hermosa Open Weightlifting Championships
October 8-9, 2017, Sunday-Monday
UZ IHK Veterans Campus

Color Blast Fun Run and Zumba
October 8, 2017, 4:30AM, Sunday
KCC Mall de Zamboanga Centor Pastoral Parking Area

Regatta de Zamboanga 2017
October 8, 2017, 7AM, Sunday, R.T. Lim Boulevard

Wow Sardinas Grand Boodle Fight
October 8, 2017, 11AM, Sunday, R.T. Lim Boulevard

Inauguration of the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Gym
October 8, 2PM, Sunday, Mampang

Golpe de Zamboangueño 2017
October 8, 2017, 4PM, Sunday
Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum

Miss Southway Square 2017
October 8, 7PM, Sunday, Astoria Plaza Ballroom

Watch this haute couture showdown with this year's theme "Brilliantes"

KLive 2: The Reboot
October 8, 2017, 1-7PM, Sunday
Centro Latino, Paseo del Mar

Mascota de Zamboanga Competition 2017
October 8, 2017, 7PM, Sunday
Garden Orchid Hotel Theater

Mi Ciudad Limpio y Floriao
Ocotber 9, 2017, 4PM, Monday, Paseo del Mar

Zumba Dance Party
October 9, 2017, 6PM, Monday
Paseo del Mar Open Stage

Slingshot Halal Philippines
Oct 9, Garden Orchid Hotel Theater

Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Queen 2017
October 9, 2017, 7PM, Monday
Astoria Plaza, Grand Astoria Hotel

Parade of Lights (Float Competition)
October 10, 2017, 6PM, Tuesday, Nuñez Extension to City Hall Grounds

Don't miss this spectacular lights show on October 10!

Concierto na Ayuntamiento
October 10, 2017, 7PM, City Hall Grounds

Regional Consumer Conference (RECCON 2017)
October 10, 6PM, Tuesday, Garden Orchid Hotel Theater

Balik Zamboanga Night
October 10, 2017, 7PM, Wednesday, Patio Palmeras

Zamboanga Hermosa Streetdance Competition
and Fiesta Main Program
October 11, 2017, 1PM, Wednesday
City Fire Station to Paseo del Mar

For the first time, the Streetdance Competition is Open to all cities, provinces, and municipalities in the region!

Feast of Our Lady Of The Pillar
October 12, 2017, Thursday, Fort Pilar Shrine

2017 Regional Inter-school Taekwondo Championships
October 12-14, 2017, Thursday-Saturday
KCC Mall de Zamboanga

28th Hot Sands Ceremonials
October 12-14, 2017, Thursday-Saturday
Lutong Pinoy Resort

2017 Regional Inter-school Taekwondo Championships
October 12-14, 2017, Thursday-Saturday
KCC Mall de Zamboanga

1st Zamboanga Hermosa Invitational Judo Tournament (The Mayor's Cup)
October 13-14, 2017, 1PM, Friday-Saturday
WMSU Gymnasium

National Darts Tournament
October 14-15, Saturday-Sunday, Tebi & Sean Sports Complex

2nd Hermosa Climb
October 14-15, 2017, 7PM, Saturday-Sunday
Tabu-Tabu Peak, Binalabag, Upper La Paz

Submit up to three photos taken during the festival. The theme for this year is "Zamboanga en Movimiento" or "Zamboanga in Motion"

Danza La Vida (Street Party)
October 14, 2017, 7PM, Saturday, Yubenco Tetuan

Fiesta Hermosa Job Fair CSWDO-PESO
October 20, 2017, 8AM Friday
Centro Latino, Paseo del Mar

Hermosa Photography Competition
October 20, 5PM, Friday – Deadline of Submission
October 22, 11AM, Sunday – Exhibit
October 29, 11AM, Sunday – Awarding

Silingan Seni (Artistic Neighbor) Visual Arts Festival
October 24-25, 2017, Tuesday-Wednesday
Ateneo de Zamboanga University

Fiesta Pilar National Flowerhorn Competition
October 26-29, Thursday-Saturday, LB Supermarket Covered Parking Lot

National Youth Day 2017
November 6-10, 2017, Monday-Friday, Zamboanga City

Dia de Mayor Cesar C Climaco
 November 14, 2017, Tuesday, Climaco Freedom Park, Pasonanca

Official logo and visual branding of this year's #ZamboHermosaFest. You can download the PDF vector file here. For updates, like the official Facebook Page Zamboanga Hermosa Festival here.

For today's adventure, we're going to Bacolod's famous highland resort, Campuestohan. Set in 5 hectares of land overlooking Mount Makawili, this theme park resort is within 24 km from both the town of Bacolod, and the Marapara Golf and Country Club. The entrance fee is P 150.00 per person but children 2 years old and below are free.


Nants ingonyama bagithi baba! Welcome to Campuestohan!


Huge windmill. Feel like i'm in the Netherlands!

As the windmill turns with the wind, The storm brings much needed rain, With each drop renewal begins, Relieving the parched land its pain, Sweet water of the earth, life's essence, Within the wind, the windmill drinks. #WhenInBacolod #Campuestohan #Bacolod #CookieTravels #travelph #travelgram #VisitPhAgain2016 #ChoosePhilippines #tourism #themepark #windmill #wanderlust

A post shared by Ced Zabala 👑 (@cedzabala) on Oct 18, 2016 at 12:33am PDT

These are the Bonita huts which can accommodate up to 4 persons.

Their cottages are so cute! 🏕😍 #Campuestohan #resort #travelph #travelgram #huts #WhenInBacolod #Bacolod #CookieTravels #wanderlust #VisitPhAgain2016 #NegrosOccidental

A post shared by Ced Zabala 👑 (@cedzabala) on Oct 17, 2016 at 10:02pm PDT

Accommodations range from Native American-style teepees sleeping up to 6 people, to King Kong-themed rooms with flat-screens.

Teepee huts! 😍💕 maam @tan_aleli80!!! #WhenInBacolod #Bacolod #travelph #travelgram #NativeAmerican #itsmorefuninthephilippines #ChoosePhilippines #CookieTravels #wanderlust

A post shared by Ced Zabala 👑 (@cedzabala) on Oct 18, 2016 at 7:04am PDT

Ice cream for the hot weather.


Nice view


The Shoe house from a famous fairy tale which goes:
There was an old woman who lived in a shoe.
She had so many children, she didn’t know what to do;
She gave them some broth without any bread;
Then kissed them all soundly and put them to bed.


Dreamworks' Kung Fu Panda!

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow's a mystery, but today is a gift." - Master Oogway 😌🐢🐼🐯🐍🏯🎎 #KungFuPanda #Legendary #WhenInBacolod #Campuestohan #travelph #travelgram #Bacolod #VisitPhAgain2016 #tourism #ChoosePhilippines #Dreamworks #themepark #sculpture #CookieTravels #wanderlust

A post shared by Ced Zabala 👑 (@cedzabala) on Oct 18, 2016 at 1:36am PDT

The mighty Kong!


It's huge!


Captured by the giant! Help!


The water park, Shark Wave


Rustic village


Watch out!


Surfs up!




Colorful tiles by the pools


Rawr!

Lunch time at the Restaurant Pavillion.


Our lunch. Chicken Binakol, Kangkong, and Lengua. Yum!


At the hanging bridge overlooking the huts, pools and playgrounds.


Campuestohan Highland Resort is the best all year round getaway in Talisay City Negros Occidental for families who wish to have a brief respite from city life.


Photo op with your favorite comic book heroes at the Hall of Heroes!

It's a wrap! Time go back to the city and explore more! Check out the next part of our adventures in Bacolod as we discover the art of Masskara festival. Read here

The City Government of Zamboanga are doing the preparations for the biggest festival in the city, Hermosa Festival or Fiesta Pilar. This year's celebration focuses on unity, harmony and friendship with the theme "Junto y Unido: Un Celebracion de Harmonia y Buen Amistad".

To kick start the festival, there will be pre-fiesta parades at the two districts of Zamboanga. On October 26, Saturday, 8AM, District 1 will have a Bandoreal Parade Competition starting from Butterfly Garden to Sta. Maria School Covered Court. Bandoreal is a unique parade from the city which features marching bands, higantes, payasos (clowns), and comical characters that will surely bring fun out in the streets. The next day, Oct 27, Sunday, 8AM, District 2 will also have the Bandoreal parade from the UZIHK to Yubengco Tetuan.

October 1 will mark the opening of the Hermosa Festival. The Grand Opening Salvo will start with a parade of streetdancers and the winning Bandoreals from ZC District Fire Station to the City Hall Grounds. The Mayor will official open the program with the symbolic lighting of the Fiesta Emblem followed by energetic dance performances.



On October 2-9, the R.T. Lim Boulevard will be transformed into a food strip at night for the Zamboanga Smoke Out: The Grilled Food Fiesta! which will feature an array of grilled food such as barbecues and steaks. At the same venue, there will also be a cook-off of Zamboanga's best restaurants during La Cocina Zamboanga. Each night, one restaurant will show us how to cook Zamboanga's best dishes. Live bands and comedians will also provide the entertainment for the rest of the night.

Want to shop? Zamboanga's major bazaars will bring out their goodies at the streets for the Grand Midnight Sale. A regional trade expo called ZAMPEX will show the products of locals from the city and provinces of Zamboanga Peninsula. For vegetables, flowers, processed goods and other agricultural products, head to Plaza Pershing for the Cosechas de Zamboanga trade fair. For souvenirs and novelty items, go to Petit Barracks to trade with the travelling merchants.

Zamboanga's diverse culture and rich history will be on the spotlight too during the Hermosa Festival. Visit the Centro Latino for the Zamboanga Art Exhibit, Conference on Culture, Arts and History, and special events at night. On Oct 5, Una Noche de Canciones will feature songs rendered by the City Government Grand Chorale. On Oct 6, Una Noche de Bailes will feature the folkdances from the region. On Oct 7, the Mascota de Zamboanga Competition will feature the unique Zamboangueña Filipiñiana attire created by the talented local designers. On Oct 8, listen to the Original contemporary Chavacano songs and watch their music videos during the Original Chavacano Video Music Festival.

A Philippine festival will never be complete without the street dance. This year the Street Dance Competition will be back where it should be, at the streets! On October 10, 1PM, from Canelar Street the competing street dancers will fill the city with colors in the tune of festive beats up to Paseo del Mar where the Grand Showdown will happen.

Some of the events are innovated this year such as the Parade of Lights which is a Float Parade competition which used to be a Floral Parade Contest. The Parade of Lights will feature floats illuminated by lights like huge lanterns on October 9, Friday, from RT Lim Boulevard to Paseo del Mar which will be followed by a foam party at the Paseo del Mar Esplanade. Another street party dubbed as Danza La Vida will feature Dj's from Manila to give the Zamboangueños the best EDM party in town on October 10, Saturday, 8PM at the Butterfly Garden, Pasonanca.

On the eve of the fiesta, October 11, 8AM, watch the famous Regatta de Zamboanga, a race of colorful Vintas of the Badjaos at the R.T. Lim Boulevard. During the feast day, follow the Procession to Fort Pilar celebrate with the city's patron saint La Virgen del Pilar. The next day, there will be a Sardines Festival, a one-day event to celebrate the city as the Sardine Capital of the country. There will be lots of activities which will commence with WOW Sardinas!, a grand boodle fight of sardines at the Paseo del Mar, 5PM. Vamos a Zamboanga and let's enjoy this year's fiesta with friendship, unity and harmony! Here's the full calendar of activities for Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2015!



For updates, like the official facebook page of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. Like and share!

"Junto y Unido: Celebracion de Harmonia y Buen Amistad" Together and United: A Celebration of Harmony and Friendship! This year, preparations for Hermosa Festival is released earlier to promote the biggest Fiesta Pilar ever! New events are introduced and some are innovated so visitors will have a better Hermosa experience. Check out the Calendar of Activites for Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2015 here:



For updates, like the official facebook page of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. Like and share!