Exploring Asia’s Latin City: Ciudad de Zamboanga

Arrival in the Asia’s Latin City

Arrival at the Zamboanga Airport

Zamboanga Airport

Inside Zamboanga's Airport

From the airport to the City center

Walk a few meters outside the airport and take a Canelar bound jeepney to the city proper. Fare is 7 pesos and travel time about 10 minutes.

Jeepney From Airport to City Proper

Exploring Zamboanga City

Zamboanga City is known as the “Latin City of Asia” for its strong Hispanic/Latin influence. Even from the moment we’ve arrived at the city, I was already fascinated by the numerous Spanish looking architecture that lined the streets – from private homes, commercial buildings, and even their government offices.

Zamboanga Streets

Zamboanga Houses

More fascinating is hearing  locals speak in Chavacano or hearing Spanish-sounding conversations … I loved it because it made me feel interested to learn more about the local culture … that’s something that doesn’t happen too often when one travel in the Philippines. Zamboanga exudes a sort of cosmopolitan aura … not in a global sense (obviously) but there are a lot of strong multicultural influences that set it apart from being just like any other city in the Philippines.

I loved walking around the city to see exquisite Spanish-colonial structures still in good condition. I was actually impressed at how the city government had maintained their beautiful heritage and preserve their environment, I hope more cities will make an example out of Zamboanga City.

Environment Friendly Zamboanga - How they preserve their trees despite global modernization

Zamboanga City Streets

While walking, I also got the chance to pass by these locals who are grilling their freshly caught fish. Probably for breakfast? 🙂

Zamboanga City Walking Tour – City Hall, Plaza Rizal, Cathedral

From out accommodation at the Casa Atilano, we rode a jeepney towards the city center. We then walked towards the City Hall.

Century Old Zamboanga City Hall

Plaza Rizal

In front of the City Hall is Plaza Rizal, where a statue of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal proudly stands.

We walked towards Rizal St., until we reached the area where most of the government offices are located. We visited the Tourism Office first to book for a trip for the Pink Islands at Sta Cruz, Zamboanga.

Zamboanga Tourism Office

After signing up for Sunday’s (tomorrow) Pink Island Tour, we proceeded to look for the popular Satti Houses at Zamboanga City.

A Taste of Satti at Zamboanga City

We headed for Jimmy’s Satti House to give their famous Satti a try. Located in Pilar St., this house is well-known to serve the best Satti in Zamboanga City.

Zamboanga Jimmy Satti House

Satti is a breakfast dish of marinated, skewered and grilled meats, served with “puso” (rice wrapped in coconut leaves) then topped with curry-like sauce. Good thing I tried this one, as I wasn’t disappointed. It’s really one of a kind. I suddenly fell in love with it. This is a must-try when visiting Zamboanga City.

A taste of Zamboanga's Satti

Zamboanga Cathedral

We also passed by the towering City Cathedral, probably one of the most well built Cathedral’s I’ve ever been to.

The place of worship is built into 3 floors, the Chapel below where small masses are usually held, a wider place of worship can be found on the second floor, and the Choirloft on the third.

The Cathedral's Baptistry

At the Second Floor of the Cathedral

The Stained Glass at the Choir Loft

And yes, did forgot to mention, that this Cathedral has their own elevator?? Amazing right?!

Zamboanga Cathedral Elevator

Stained Glass Images at Zamboanga Cathedral

I’ve also had fun taking pictures of the different patron Saints for each major towns and cities here in Mindanao that lined the Cathedral walls.  Had your place been mentioned?

Stay tuned for more adventures! I’ll be posting tomorrow our trip to Pasonanca – Boy Scout Grounds, Freedom Park, La Jardin de Maria Clara Lobregat,  and our hike to Mt Abong-abong’s Station of the Cross!

This 3-day adventure to Zamboanga City happened last March 23-25, 2012. Here is a series of posts on our trip to Asia’s Latin City. Discover the places we’ve been to, the people we met, the food we tasted and the experience we gained in this remarkable escapade. Zamboanga City 3D/2N: The 1,000 Peso Travel Challenge | Exploring Asia’s Latin City: Ciudad de Zamboanga | Pasonanca Park, Zamboanga City: The Little Baguio of the South | Looking Back: A Visit at Fort Pilar and the National Museum of Zamboanga City | Get Wet in Pink: Sta Cruz Island (aka The Pink Island) | Nightfall at Paseo del Mar and the Musical Fountain