Masjid Rainbow Mosque
This was my second trip to Zamboanga City dated December 24-25, 2023. The first one was June 1-5, 2002. This is actually a part of my December 24-31, 2023 Zamboanga City-Tawi-tawi-Pagadian-Dipolog-Dapitan-Dakak Trip. I was alone in this trip and had it DIY. To sum it up, this is a 3-provincial tour covering Zamboanga del Sur, Tawi-tawi and Zamboanga del Norte.
My December 24, 2023 Cebu Pacific flight from NAIA Terminal 3
I left NAIA Terminal 3 at 4:20 P.M. boarding Cebu Pacific flight 5J849 and arrived in Bienvenidos A. Zamboanga International Airport at 5:56 P.M. I knew nobody in this place but it is quite safe. I preferred to take a hotel just a walking distance from the airport because the following day at 3:00 P.M., I had my flight to Tawi-tawi.
Arriving 5:56 P.M. at Zamboanga International Airport
I woke up at 6:00 A.M. and took a jeepney to the city proper to have my breakfast. I was about to hire a habal-habal for my day tour, when a very polite Muslim habal-habal driver approached me and offered me to tour around the city. I told him, I am waiting for someone. I went inside store and looking at him intently sizing him up at a distance. I wanted to be careful of my judgment then. After 15 minutes of discernment, I went outside the store and approached him and told him my friend is not coming to pick me up due to an emergency. He was very courteous and respectful. His name is Mujib Hassan. We then agreed on a P1,100 tour package including transport provision with his habal-habal.
Plaza Pershing
By the way, I met Mujib just near Plaza Pershing. This is even walking distance to the city hall and somewhat a busy district.
Nuestra Senora La Virgen del Pilar
The people of Zamboanga City can be observed to have a great devotion to the Blessed Mother, especially to La Virgen del Pilar. It is a very miraculous image. So great is the fame of devotion to the Lady of the Fort that the annual celebration of her feast on October 12 has greatly outstripped the city's official feast day. This has made the Virgin of Pilar the actual patroness of Zamboanga City, instead of the Immaculate Conception whose feast is celebrated on December 8.
Offering prayers for the Lady of the Fort
The Virgin of Pilar has been called Lady of the Fort because it is like a fortress that shields the city from possible invaders in the early centuries. It looks like Fort San Pedro of Cebu City or the walled city of Intramuros.
Fort Pilar National Museum
Fort Pilar was founded as the Southern Outpost of Spanish domain in 1635. It was intended to drive away the Chinese pirates. It has witnessed the mutiny of seventy prisoners in 1872. This was abandoned by the Spaniards in 1898 This was occupied by the Americans in 1899 and was seized by the Japanese during their occupation in the Philippines in 1942.
While at the Paseo del Mar
In just a stone's through from Fort Pilar is the refreshing Pasel del Mar. It is the most beloved waterfront parks offering scenic views, relaxing open-air spaces, and a vibrant mix of local food, entertainment, and culture. Overlooking the Basilan Strait, this coastal park is a favorite destinbation for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy Zamboangga City's seaside charm and colorful heritage.
The refreshing Paseo del Mar
Unwinding at the scenic Paseo del Mar Park
In this area, too, is the Port heading to Sta. Cruz pink island which a famous tropical island for 15-20 minutes boat crossing. One has to secure a permit from the tourism office in order to be allowed to enter the island.
Sadik Grand Mosque
This grand mosque is 11.4 kilometers or 25 minutes drive from Plaza del Mar. By the time when I visited this mosque, it was still under construction. It is the biggest mosque in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia with hotel and mall components when completed. This mosque is a testament to the rich Islamic heritage of the Philippines, reflecting the deep-rooted history of Islam in the region, which dates back to the 14th century.
Masjid Rainbow Mosque
This mosque is located in Brgy. Sta. Maria along Tumaga Road in Zamboanga City. It is nown for its vibrant exterior with the colors symbolizing peace. It was initially desdicated to the Marawi Siege, a structure that symbolized a call for peace and goodwill. Its vibrant exterior symbolizes peace and unity.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, commonly known as Zamboanga Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic church located in La Purisima Street of Zamboanga City. Its present structure was built in 1998 and was opened in 2002.
The first church was originally located at the front of Plaza Pershing, where the present Universidad de Zamboanga stands. The church was designated a cathedral in 1910 when the Diocese of Zamboanga was created. In 1943, the cathedral was one of the edifices bombarded by Japanese soldiers during World War II. In 1956, the cathedral was relocated beside Ateneo de Zamboanga University, formerly known as the Jardin de Chino.
The City Hall of Zamboanga City
The Zamboanga City Hall is the seat of the local government of Zamboanga City. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines considers the city hall building as a National Historical Site. It has a Filipino colonial architectural design. It is situated at one end of Plaza Rizal or Rizal Park in N.S. Valderosa Street. It was constructed in 1905 and was opened in 1907.
BSP Marker in Zamboanga City
This BSP Marker is actually the Philippine Scouting Centennial Monument, located at R.T. Lim Boulevard, also known as "Cawa-Cawa" Boulevard. This landmark commemorates Zamboanga City as the birthplace of the first scouting activity in the Philippines and pays tribute to the pioneering Lorillard Spencer Troop. The monument was designed by artist Nemesio Miranda and was inaugurated in February 2021.
Closer to the BSP Marker
Zamboanga City Marker
This marker is just meters away from the BSP Marker monument. It is still along R.T. Lim Boulevard or "Cawa-Cawa" Boulevard.
The Corniche of Zamboanga City
The term corniche means a scenic roadway along the edge of a coastline which provides beautiful views of the surrounding landscape like the sea. Early in the morning and late in the afternoon, this part here serves as the jogging area or strolling park.
The corniche stretches long heading to Plaza del Mar
Was at Zamboanga International Airport at 1:00 P.M.
On this day, December 25, 2023, I have been touring around Zamboanga City. Mujib helped me checkout out from our hotel and drove me to the airport for my Tawi-tawi flight.
My Cebu Pacific flight to Tawi-tawi
After an hour of waiting at the boarding gate, we finally boarded to our Cebu Pacific flight bound for Bongao Airport of the province of Tawi-tawi.
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