Summer na Zamboanga is back! Last year, the Zamboanga Summer Festival was cancelled due to the pandemic. This year, the City Government has prepared a lineup of activities mostly virtual to avoid gathering of crowds and so that more people can watch the events. Comida de Zamboanga Cooking Competition which was last held 2 years ago and some Dia de Zamboanga events that were postponed last February, such as the Zamboanga Film Festival and Hip Hop Dance Competition, are now back. Check out the calendar of activities below. SUMMER NA ZAMBOANGA 2021
Calendar of Activities 

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.

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

Photographers all over Zamboanga gathered to capture the most stunning photographs during the most awaited Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. This year's Photography Competition theme is "I Love Zamboanga City". The competition has five categories based on the events led by the City Government of Zambonga which are: Bailes y Canciones (including Bandoreal, Dancesport, Concerts, etc), Mascota de Zamboanga, Parade of Lights, Regatta de Zamboanga and Streetdance. All entries vie for the Top Three grand prizes, while 3-5 finalists per category will also receive a cash prize. Another special award is the "Voter's Choice Award" for the most liked photo which was posted in the Instagram account @zambocitygovt. Here are the winners of the Hermosa Festival Photography Competition.


Bailes y Canciones Finalist: 60. “Serenata” By Jesser Antonio Calimpong Jr. “Showing intimate desire of love and adoration to the woman whom he love, singing songs with all his heart.”


Bailes y Canciones Finalist: 64. “A Voice Calls” By Danica Rose Tubilla “An artist serenades the crowd in a showcase of local talent using the local dialect that is deeply rooted in every Zamboangueño, the Chavacano.”


Bailes y Canciones Finalist: 133. “Envita” By Aaron Sali (@arooonsali) “Dance with the loud and joyful music, as if it invites you to dance, move and swing, As we hear the sound and the beat of the drums Our body would jive and start dancing”


Mascota Finalist: 58. “Glamour de Amor, Belleza y Arte” By Clarence M. Dabasol (@claarkyboi) “A dazzling beauty and magnificent work of art that showcase the visionary and creativity of Top Zamboangueño couturier artists. As love for the city, they share their creativity and imaginative minds through their handcrafted gown designs.”


Mascota Finalist: 62. “A Display of Art and Passion” By Danica Rose Tubilla “Intricate design of vibrant fabric swayed by a participant, showing the colors and elegance of a Zamboangueña.”


Mascota Finalist: 21. “Vestida de Orgullo” By Al-Rashed U. Ambutong (@mrshedd01) “Zamboanga is known to have one of the most elegant and sophisticated historical dresses in the country. Mascota resembles a Zamboangueñas beauty, elegance and finesse.”


Parade of Lights Finalist: 65. “Zamboanga Es Para Christiano y Muslim y Otros Pa” By Samie D. Muñoz “The vinta represents the Zamboangueños in a peaceful stability. A simple yet descriptive picture that highlights interfaith amity and harmony.”


Parade of Lights Finalist: 47. “Light Trail” by Allen L. Cuyugan (@allengolim) “Light trails with an emphasis on the people of different walks of life that makes Zamboanga it currently is. The colors are an emphasis on the diversity of culture within the city.”


Parade of Lights Finalist: 79. “Luces Parpadeantes” By Christian Quilalang (@chanquillx) “One of the most awaited events during the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is the Parade of Light. During the parade, I look for some symbol that will connect to the theme, suddenly I’ve found out the only float that has the symbol “I <3 a="" br="" desired="" flash.="" i="" in="" my="" outcome="" set="" settings="" shot="" so="" take="" that="" the="" want.="" with="" zc="">

Regatta Finalist: 55. “Panganganinag” By Ramil G. Valente (@ramilgarciavalente) “A queue of colorful vintas with reflection giving attention to its wonderful tapestry. Its intricate design best describes Zamboanga’s rich history and culture.”


Regatta Finalist: 119. “Levanta con Alegria” By Joseph Lou C. Sta. Teresa (@joseph_lou) “Zamboangueños are known for our tough spirit and resiliency. No matter what challenges that life may throw at us, we keep on smiling and persevering through our faith in God, love for one another and unceasing hope. This portrait symbolizes our unwavering spirit, for each day we give our best to lift up not only ourselves, but also the colorful tapestry of people and community that is our city, Zamboanga.”


Regatta Finalist: 80. “How Far I’ll Go” Zenar Jamhali (@zenar_20) “Together with the vintas creates a magnitude of indescribable beauty in the vastness of hues lies the city of horizon.”


Street dance Finalist: 104. “El Un Baylando” By Evan Jeo Alanano (@_evn.jeo) “The native ‘pangalay’ as an artistry and expression of singularity, embellished with its own style and elegance.”


Street dance Finalist: 54. “Danza del Alegria” By Ramil G. Valente (@ramilgarciavalente) “With zeal, poise and smile these ladies takes centerstage the city’s culture and historical backgrounds with their gestures, movement patterns, costumes and musical instrumentation.”


Street dance Finalist: 125. “Ojos de Felicidad” By John Denver T. Triplitt (@denveeer_john) “I love taking close-up photos because in this way I can easily make my viewers understand the thought of the photo and it also helps me to easily express the insight of the photo. While looking at this photo, the subject which is the girl is dancing happily and with so much joy that you can look in her eyes, that’s the one way of the advantage of close-up pictures that you can see the eyes of your subject because I believe that the eyes is the of what you are feeling inside and her eyes that time signifies the people of Zamboanga because that exact moment we are celebrating the feast and they are all happy to live here in Zamboanga and it’s a great pleasure to be one of the Zamboangueños.”


Street dance Finalist: 66. “Viva Zamboanga!” Samie D. Muñoz “A colorful perspective formation of the dancers during the streetdance competition that express cheerful vibes despite the heat of the sun.”


Street dance Finalist: 4. “Muher” By Bryan Lopez Francisco (@bryanlofran) “The image of our lady of the pillar held by a Zamboangueña lass during the streetdance in celebration of our city’s festival.”


VOTERS' CHOICE AWARD: 103. “Viva Nuestra Señora del Pilar” By Evan Jeo Alanano (@_evn.jeo) “An aesthetic explosion of colors as dancers parade to celebrate Nuestra Señora del Pilar. It is also showcasing their festival dance in honor of La Virgen del Pilar, patron saint of the city.”



2ND RUNNER-UP: 77. “Baile de Colores en el Ayuntamiento” By Christian Quilalang (@chanquillx) “One of the iconic places in Zamboanga is the City Hall wherein it is consider as a National Historic site here in the Philippines. I’ve captured the moment during the Streetdance Competition with dynamic vibrant colors and with a smile on the faces of the participants while they are dancing. I decided to compose this photo where in the Zamboanga City Hall serves as the background and I include the Philippine flag to complete the story that I want to tell that Zamboanga City is one of the lovely places here in the Philippines.”


1ST RUNNER-UP: 159. “Un Vista del Madrogada” by Berlito M. Bolotaolo (@berlitsbolo) “Early bird catches the magnificent view.”


GRAND WINNER: 123. “El Bandera de Zamboanga” by John Denver T. Triplitt (@denveeer_john) “In this picture it shows the preparation of the participant in the Regatta, as one competitive participant you can look in their actions they eager to win so as the main subject of the photo. It was just the preparation but you can see that he want to be the first. In this photo you can see the designs and how creative the Zamboangueños are, they did it to represent the aesthetically beauty of our own mother land.”

Congratulations to all the winners! Follow the official Instagram account @zambocitygovt to see the rest of the entries. #ZamboHermosaFest #iLoveZamboangaCity

Mascota is a mainstay in the Hermosa Festival, the city’s grandest annual celebration that highlights the city’s unique blend of multi-cultural heritage. A total of 20 entries, designed and created by the city’s top couturiers vied for the top prizes during the competition held at Palacio del Sur, Tuesday night. Congratulations to the top 5 winners in this year's Mascota de Zamboanga, a fashion show and competition of chavacano-inspired wardrobes themed Baroque Art and Architecture.

Champion: "La Dernière Dame" Al-Shamer Abdul
1st Runner up: "Mater Dolorosa (Beata Maria Virgo Perdolens)" Raustin Siocon
2nd Runner up: "Salve Regina" Geronie Labora
3rd Runner up: "El Corazon" Axel Que
4th Runner up: "El Heredera" Harold John Ruste Bernabe


A sizzling latin dance opening number by Jambangan Dance Troupe.


1. "El Pescador" by Pio Hilario


2. "El Epico Caracter" by Jose Ramon Raveche"


3. "El Hostia" by Olivia Sanson


4. "El Corazon" by Axel Que


5. "Dalaga Bonita" by Joy Verrar


6. "Femme de Oro" by Raymart Surbano


7. "La Primera Communion" by Kurt David Luyao


8. "Freya" by Chris Arakan

9. "La Dernière Dame" by Al-Shamer Abdul


10. "Vibrio de Colores" by Jocquen Mar


11. "Suba Ganti" by Eddie Villaflor


12. "Guadalupe" by Christian Paul Diaz


13. "Santa Augustina" by Jonald Feliciano


14. "Mater Dolorosa (Beata Maria Virgo Perdolens)" by Raustin Siocon III


15. "Negro y Colorao" by Robelle Verrar


16. "Salve Regina" by Geronie Labora


17.


18. "La Heredera" by Harold Bernabe


19. "Presidia" by Junie Santos


An overwhelming win by Harold Bernabe for his creation "El Heredera", 4th Runner-Up of the Mascota de Zamboanga 2018


2nd Runner-Up Geronie Labora for her entry "Salve Regina"


Grand Winner for Mascota da Zamboanga 2018: "La Dernière Dame" by Al-Shamer Abdul


(L-R: Axel Que (3rd Runner-up) "El Corazon"; Geronia Labora (2nd Runner-up) "Salve Regina"; Al-Shamer Abdul (Grand Winner) "La Dernière Dame"; Raustin Siocon (1st Runner-up) "Mater Dolorosa (Beata Maria Virgo Perdolens)"; Harold Bernabe (4th Runner-up) "La Heredera".

Congratulations to all the winners and participants for making this year's Mascota de Zamboanga grander and more fabulous! See you again next year! #ZamboHermosaFest