It's the sunny season here in Zamboanga City and it's time to celebrate Summer na Zamboanga 2019! The City Government has prepared a lineup of fun activities and events for the people to enjoy. We have new exciting competitions this year such as the Vlog Competition and Zamboanga Idol 2019 Singing Competition.


We also commemorate the birth anniversary of our late leaders, Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat and Gen. Vicente Alvarez on April 26 and May 18, respectively. In line with the commemoration, activities and competitions will be held such as the Mi Ciudad de Zamboanga Photo Contest and Comida de Zamboanga Cooking Competition.

One of the biggest event this summer is the Zamboanga Valientes vs Ginebra Legends, a basketball showdown of big names in the sport. Talking about sports, the city is hosting a free Summer Learn to Play, the annual sports program where kids get to learn new sports. In the arts, the 1st Graffiti Competition which was postponed during the Dia de Zamboanga is now scheduled for young artists to show their skills in mural street art.

Designers and models will showcase their craft in the Festival de las Bellas 2019, with the theme "Flores." Each designer is assigned a specific type of flower and they shall interpret it in a gown and arco. The parade will be held on May 8 from City Fire Station to the National Museum Courtyard. For the complete lineup of activities, check out the schedule below.


Summer na Zamboanga 2019 Calendar of Activities

Summer Learn to Play Sports Program
April 6-May 11, 2019

Seven Last Words in Songs, Messages and Reflections
April 18, 2019 (Thursday), 9PM, Climaco Freedom Park

Fiesta na Isla de Sta. Cruz 2019
April 21-May 19, 2019 (Saturdays and Sundays), Pink Beach, Great Sta. Cruz Island

MyDev Environmental Camp
April 22-24, 2019 (Monday-Wednesday), Boy Scout Camp, Pasonanca

26th Speak Out Zamboanga
Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES)
April 23, 2019 (Tuesday), 8AM, Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum

Dia de Ma’am Caling
April 26, 2019 (Friday)
• Commemorative Mass
6AM, Holy Trinity Parish Church, Pasonanca
• Commemorative Program
7AM, Jardin Maria Clara, Pasonanca

Zamboanga Idol 2019
Audition: April 24, 9AM, PIO Office, City Hall
Competition Proper: April 27, 2019 (Saturday), 8PM, Yubenco Tetuan
Download entry form here

1st Zamboanga Graffiti Competition
April 28-May 5, 2019 (Sunday), Navarro Drive

Comida de Zamboanga Cooking Competition
April 28, 2019 (Sunday), 4PM, Plaza Pershing

Labor Day: Trabaho, Negosyo at Kabuhayan
Build Build Build JOB Fair
May 1-2, 2019 (Wednesday), 9AM, 2/F East Wing, KCC Mall de Zamboanga

Ginebra Legends vs Zamboanga Valientes
May 4, 2019 (Saturday), 7PM, City Coliseum

XsenaDORA Concert for a Cause
May 4, 2019 (Saturday), 7PM, Centro Pastoral, Gov. Camins Ave

Festival de las Bellas y Flores
May 8, 2019 (Wednesday), 4PM, City Fire Station to National Museum Courtyard

Mi Ciudad de Zamboanga Photography Competition
Deadline: May 10, 2019 (Friday)
Download entry form here

Vlog Competition 2019
Deadline: May 10, 2019 (Friday)
Download entry form here

Dia de Gen. Vicente Alvarez
May 18, 2019 (Saturday)
• Commemorative Mass
6AM, Fort Pilar Shrine
• Commemorative Program
8AM, Plaza de Gen. Vicente Alvarez
• Awarding Ceremony for Photo and Vlog Competition















For updates, like the Facebook Page Zamboanga Hermosa Festival and follow @zambocitygovt on Twitter and Instagram. Post and share your photos using the hashtags: #SummerNaZambo #MasAlegreNaZamboangaAhora #iLoveZamboangaCity

Congratulations to the nominees and winners of the Zamboanga Film Festival 2019 who were awarded on February 24 at Centro Latino, Paseo del Mar. Big winners for the night include "Assadi" by Al Enriquez with 10 nominations, and 5 wins including Best Film for the Live Action Category. Rosette Caoile's "Chase" won Best Film for Animation Category with 6 nominations and 3 wins. Other promising films are "Tagpuan" by Denver John Triplitt with 5 nominations and 3 wins, and "Llamada" by Jacques Aldous Corral, bagging Best Director for Animation Category.


Best Film (Live Action): "Assadi" by Al Enriquez


Best Film (Animation): "Chase" by Rosette Arya Caoile


2nd Best Film (Live Action Category) "Tagpuan"


2nd Best Film (Animation): "Llamada" by Jacques Aldous Corral



3rd Best Film (Live Action): "Porcausa na Pizza" by Chad De Los Santos and Arwa Ajirim


3rd Best Film (Animation): "Plugged" by Joshua Nacionales


Viewers' Choice (Live Action): "Tagpuan" by Denver John Triplitt


Viewers' Choice (Animation): "Stain" by Mary Marielle Brussett

Full list of winners and nominees for #ZFF2019.

Best Film (Live Action): "Assadi" by Al Enriquez
Best Film (Animation): "Chase" by Rosette Arya Caoile

2nd Best Film (Live Action): "Tagpuan" by Denver John Triplitt
2nd Best Film (Animation): "Llamada" by Jacques Aldous Corral

3rd Best Film (Live Action): "Porcausa na Pizza" by Chad De Los Santos and Arwa Ajirim
3rd Best Film (Animation): "Plugged" by Joshua Nacionales

Viewers' Choice (Animation): "Stain" by Mary Marielle Brussett
Viewers' Choice (Live Action): "Tagpuan" by Denver John Triplitt

Best Director (Live Action): Al Enriquez "Assadi"
Nominees:
• Denver John Triplitt "Tagpuan"
• Chad De Los Santos and Arwa Ajirim "Porcausa na Pizza"

Best Director (Animation): Jacques Aldous Corral "Llamada"
Nominees:
• Muzzbhir Ismi "Apartment with a Shadow"
• Rosette Arya Caoile "Chase"
• Benedict Ramirez "The Lone Banana II)

Best Screenplay (Live Action): Al Enriquez "Assadi"
Nominees:
• Aubrey Faith Salomes, Jana Marie Koh and Mikhaela Cabahug "Sais"
• Nazz Reah Nuril "Sulat ng Tala"

Best Original Story (Animation): Rosette Arya Caoile "Chase"
Nominees:
• Muzzbhir Ismi "Apartment with a Shadow"
• Jacques Aldous Corral "Llamada"
• Mary Marielle Brussett "Stain"

Best Actor (Live Action): Louis Lozada "Escapo"
Nominees:
• Ken Terenz San Juan "Tagpuan"
• Monchito Ventura "Assadi"
• Owen Lepiten "Sulat ng Tala"

Best Actress (Live Action): Bea Ramirez "Sais"
Nominees:
• Nashra Ajirim and Nadwa Ajirm "Porcausa na Pizza"
• Nurshaira Saifudin "Assadi"

Best Animator (Animation): Rosette Arya Caoile "Chase"
• Joshua Nacionales "Plugged"
• Maria Elyzabeth Tuban "Lala"

Best Character Design (Animation): "Beneath My Tree" by Fatima Ruziel S. Tingkahan
Nominees:
• Rosette Arya Caoile "Chase"
• Jacques Aldous Corral "Llamada"
• Maria Elyzabeth Tuban "Lala"

Best Production Design (Live Action): Aubrey Marie Montecino, Aubrey Jean Liu, and Florence Midel "Porcausa na Pizza"
Nominees:
• Natasha Delos Santos and Eycle Pansensoy "Sais"
• Ella Mae Barandino "Sulat ng Tala"
• Dexter Luaya "Assadi"

Best Visual Effects (Animation): Muzzbhir Ismi "Apartment with a Shadow"
Nominees:
• Jacques Aldous Corral "Llamada"
• Floracel Veras "Acacia"
• Shyrell J. Presno "Shady"

Best Cinematography (Live Action): Shone Mallari "Assadi"
Nominees:
• Denver John Triplitt "Tagpuan"
• Chad De Los Santos "Porcausa na Pizza"

Best Cinematography (Animation): Joshua Nacionales "Plugged"
Nominees:
• Benedict Ramirez "The Lone Banana II"
• Maria Elyzabeth Tuban "Lala"
• Rosette Arya Caoile "Chase"

Best Editing (Live Action): Denver John Triplitt "Tagpuan"
Nominees:
• Mike Aaron Banguis, Reano Zendrix Andres and Fahima Mei Abdul "Sais"
• Aldrey Mendoza "Assadi"
• Fatima Abeer Uking "Porcausa na Pizza"

Best Editing (Animation): Joshua Nacionales "Plugged"
Nominees:
• Rosette Arya Caoile "Chase"
• Jacques Aldous Corral "Llamada"
• Mary Marielle Brussett "Stain"

Best Culture-Sensitive Film (Live Action): "Assadi" by Al Enriquez
Nominees:
• "Escapo" by Robi Brian Kang
• "Tagpuan" by Denver John Triplitt

Best Culture-Sensitive Film (Animation): "Stain" by Mary Marielle Brussett
Nominees:
• "Plugged" by Joshua Nacionales
• "Llamada" by Jacques Aldous Corral

Enhorabuena to all finalists, nominees and winners! You can watch the trailers at the Video playlist in the Facebook page Zamboanga Hermosa Festival here. Mas Alegre na Zamboanga Ahora!
#ZFF2019 #DiaDeZamboanga #iLoveZamboangaCity

2019 - The Department of Tourism recently revealed their new campaign and refreshed look of the brand, It's More Fun in the Philippines. They created a new font "Barabara" inspired by the handmade signs by Filipinos artisans. They also encouraged people to join in the new campaign "Be Part of the Fun" where the person becomes part of the word which describes the place. The font and logos are available in the website and you can make your own, too.

Last month, I had the chance to visit one of my top destinations in my bucket list, the majestic Batanes! I travelled with my long time travel buddies and had so much fun! I chose this photo which featured the hills of Basco with maze-like hedgerows or 'liveng' which made the landscape of Batanes look like a huge labyrinth. Hedgerowsa are 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.


I chose the word "Breathtaking" which is the campaign of Batanes #BreathtakingBatanes. As a land of unparalleled beauty, Batanes has surely taken our breath away with every picturesque landscape, amazing culture and warm people. This is my contribution for the Tourism campaign and I hope you can also be part of it, too! Travel and discover Philippines and share your experiences! Check out more photos with the official hashtag: #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines

82nd Dia de la Ciudad de Zamboanga
Calendar of Activities:

#ZamboLoveFest (Arts & Food Fair)
February 4-26, Monday-Tuesday, 9AM-9PM, Plaza Pershing

Dia de Sen. Roseller T Lim
(104th Birth Anniversary Commemoration)
• Commemorative Mass, Carmelite Monastery, 4PM
• Commemorative Program, RT Lim Boulevard, 5PM
• FOZYL 2019 Awards Night, Garden Orchid Hotel, 6:30PM
February 9, Saturday

Pot-painting Public Art Project
February 4-10, Monday-Sunday, Mayor Climaco Avenue

1st Zambo Graffiti Competition (Download entry form)

Zamboanga Hiphop Competition 2019 Elimination Round
February 9, Saturday, 6PM, Plaza Pershing

1st Zamboanga Graffiti Competition
February 11-17, Monday-Sunday, Navarro Drive, San Jose

Zamboanga Film Festival 2019 Free Public Screening
February 18-23 (Monday-Friday), Centro Latino, Paseo del Mar
Screening times: 9AM, 12NN, 3PM, 6PM

Zamboanga Film Festival 2019 Awards Night
February 23 (Saturday), 7PM, Centro, Latino, Paseo del Mar

Zamboanga Film Festival 2019 (Download entry form)

Battle of the Nightingales Year 3
February 21, Thursday, KCC Mall de Zamboanga

JCI Zamboangueña Motorsport Charity Event
February 22-24 (Friday-Saturday), KCC Mall Open Parking Ground

Marharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL)
February 23, Saturday, 7PM, Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum

8.2K Color Blast Fun Run Share a Love and Zumba Party
February 24, 4AM, Sunday, Jardin Maria Clara, Pasonanca

Zamboanga RunVolution 4.0
February 25, 4PM, Monday, Butterfly Garden to Climaco Freedom Park

Drum & Lyre Competition (Download entry form)

Civic-Military Parade and Achiever’s Awards 2019
February 26, Tuesday, 7AM, City Hall Grounds to JFEMSC Grandstand

Inter-school Drum & Lyre Competition 2019
February 26, Tuesday, 9AM, JFEMSC Grandstand

Open Cheerdance Competition 2019
February 28, Thursday, 1PM, Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum

Zamboanga Hiphop Competition 2019
February 28, Thursday, 1PM, Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum

PBA Live in Zamboanga
March 2, Saturday, 7PM, Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum

Open Cheerdance Competition (Download entry form)

Zambo Hiphop Dance Competition (Download entry form)

"I Love Zamboanga City" is a campaign of the City Government to promote the Zamboangueños love for their city. It was launched in 2016 during the 2nd term of Mayor Beng Climaco and the logo was revised a year after. The logo is simply I Love (Heart) ZC where the heart icon is stylized like the iconic vinta of Zamboanga. The color pink is associated with Mayor Beng which evokes femininity, joy, youthfulness and love. Here's the iconic logo of I Love ZC! You may download the vector file here.

"Paz, Amor y Alegria" - Peace, Love and Joy! It's the season that we all look forward most. This year's theme for the Christmas Festival in Zamboanga City is simply "I Love Zamboanga City" which encourages each and every Zamboangueño to love their city and family each day. The decors which were designed and installed by the City General Services Office is centered on that theme with hearts as the main symbol. The City Hall is studded with colorful lights and heart-shaped lanterns with giant gifts at the frontage. At the center is the nativity scene, which is the essence of the Christmas celebration - the birth of Jesus Christ.



The Christmas lights display was officially switched on last November 23, Friday, and thousands came to witness the ceremony led by the City Mayor, Beng Climaco. Amazement and joy was felt when the lights turned on accompanied by happy Christmas carols. Bring your love ones and come and see them for yourself starting 6PM til 12 midnight. Take a selfie at the heart tunnels and don't forget to share it online using the hashtags #PascuaNaZamboanga and #iLoveZamboangaCity. Here are some of my shots during the Grand Switch-on Ceremony.






If Cebu has 10,000 illuminated flowers, Zambo has a field of glowing hearts located at Plaza Rizal, Plaza Pershing and Paseo del Mar.


Few moments til the Grand Switch-on!


A huge heart displayed at the Plaza Vicente Alvarez


View from Plaza Vicente Alvarez


City Hall at dusk


And its On! Look at those beautiful lights!


The field of hearts and heart canopies at Plaza Pershing


Heart tunnels at Plaza Pershing and the stage with "Pascua na Zamboanga" letterings


Little kiddo can't help but touch the glowing hearts


Beautiful heart tunnels! People just wanna have selfies here!


Love love love!


Simply breath-taking!


My favorite angle of them all! Don't forget to take your photos from this angle!

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