Introducing Zamboanga City

1. EUNTES Asian Mission Center, Sinunuc

I remember those days during our high school life when we had our retreat. Retreat is a time of solitude or a community experience. most often it is done in a remote area were silence is present.

We were 30 then in one classroom went to this place for reflection and as part of our requirement before graduation. Retreat was conducted by 2 nuns wherein we had to focus on our own selves.

The place was really amazing wherein it could moved your mind and heart. A place filled with nature which helps individual focus.

If you want to experience an extra ordinary renewal deep within you, I encouraged each one of you to visit this place especially for group activities.

2. Our Lady of Ransom Parish, Mercedes

One of the oldest church in the city. It started 18^th century by the Spanish Jesuit Missionary.

Since I was born in Barangay Mercedes, I always went to the church and appreciate with everything in it including the nature surrounding it and the foundation of the church itself. from areal view, the church looks like a dove signifying the presence of the Holy Spirit.

3. Saint Ignatius of Loyola Church, Tetuan

The name St. Ignatius of Loyola it is very significant not only because the faithful followers of the soldier-saint were ministering to the needs of the Church in Mindanao at the time, but also because for the next 90 years – from 1863-1953 – only Jesuits served as Parish Priest in this parish.

St. Ignatius encourages everyone to give all – mind, heart, liberty – all what one has – yes, even the last coins. For that is what it means to pray:

Lord, teach me to be generous, to serve as you deserve to be served,

to give without counting the cost,

to fight without heeling the wounds,

to toil without seeking rest,

to spend one’s life without expecting any other return

than the knowledge that I am doing God’s holy will.

The parish is also one of the oldest parish in the city having the most spacious church due to the population of the barangay.

4. Fort Pilar Shrine

The Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza (Royal Fort of Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza), also Fort Pilar, is a 17th-century military defense fortress built by the Spanish Colonial Government in the city.

It is a solemn place were people gather for mass and reflection. It is a place were devotees continue to pray and light candles for their different intentions. A place were there are many birds that will make you feel that you are in Milan. You can have picture taking without any fee. You just have to provide some feeds for the birds that you may attack them and let them eat on your palm.

5. Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception

The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, commonly known as simply the Zamboanga Cathedral.

The present structure of the cathedral was built in 1998-2002 in cruciform, of which the candle-like design is appropriate to the cathedral's patron. Inside the main church is marble statue of the Immaculate Conception designed by Philippine National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva. Along the aisles are the stained-glass symbolic images of all dioceses in Mindanao from 1910 to 1984. The day chapel at the ground floor is used for weekday masses. Fronting the day chapel is the baptistery with the relic of Oue Lady of the Pilar, the patroness of the city. Behind the day chapel is the columbarium with a replica of Michael angelo's "Pieta" and the stained-glass images of the 12 apostles around it. The left wing houses the parish office and the adoration chapel, while the convention hall is located in the right wing. The original statue of the Immaculate Conception, which was placed in the main altar of the old church, can be seen at the parish office.

1. Monte Verde, CuliananIt is a mountain resort that can give you relaxation, fun, and enjoyment.

We usually go to this place for our reunion because we found this place as safe with the nature surrounding it.

2. Bolong Beach, Bolong

With its Beauty, it attracts visitors/ tourists from different places.There are several huts with tables that are available for rent which cost only 50 pesos. There are BBQ grills available wherein you can use to cook your own food/meal. you can also rent canoes from nearby fisherman and participate in pulling of wide net that covers about 800 square meters. You can hire fisherman and their vintas and of course have a side trip to the beautiful Eleven Island and do some scuba or snorkeling. The beaches around these islands are of pure white sand and the waters crystal clean and teaming with marine life.

This is the first ever beach I visited together with my family. I had a very fun and beautiful experience wherein we stayed the entire day playing, eating, and fishing.
A place where my parents, grandparents, and relatives enjoyed a lot. Even my niece,nephews and little cousins participated in the fun .

3. Acapulco Beach, Sinunuc

The sea breeze cools the mind and help relax someone who thinks a lot. It can be a distressing mode to someone who has many problems. The entrance fee will only cost 20- 25 pesos. Near the beach is an apartelle providing travellers with house keeping and wide range of hotel.

I went this place only once but until today the scenario and picture of the place never fades. It was during my college years when my classmates decided to go there. Of course it was worth it to be there.

4. Vista Del Mar, Upper Calarian

It is now one of the favorite dwellers having different amenities like restaurant, karaoke, mi casita (A place where you can stay over night), tree house, family hut and many others which you might want. The grounds of the this private beach provides a nice tropical welcome. The visitors keep coming back because of the beautiful view of Basilan Straight and Santa Cruz Islands in the distance.

I usually go here with my friends for outing during high school years. My classmates also loves to celebrate her birthday in this lovely place. The last time I went to this place was just last year to celebrate our Christmas party but we didn't swim. Instead, we rented their karaoke room for 4 hours. We really had fun. We prepared games outside the karaoke room since we can also use the area outside for us to really satisfy with the place. We grilled BBQ and fishes and had the perfect party.

5. Puerto Villa, Patalon

A place where you can tamper with water since they have pool for adults and pool for kids. The entrance fee in going to the beach is free while in going to the pool costs 50pesos. it was surrounded with flowers and beautiful nature.

I really love site seeing and that's one reason I choose this place as one of the unforgettable places I wish to go every now and then.

6. Dulian Falls, Dulian

This can be one of Zamboanga City’s potential tourism spots – the Dulian Falls that transverse through the Barangka River in Bunguiao.
According to Councilor Elago, this beautiful spot will be one of his legacy works for the people of Zamboanga City. The water falls that cascade to lagoon with picturesque gigantic rocks around it is so breathtaking, he said. Through the City Tourism Council in which he is part of and with the full support of Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat, Elago will bring this matter to the City Council for support of development and for promotion of this awesome place.

I heard a lot of people talking about this place and I really got intrigue with it because I love nature and I love picture taking. I went to this place just once just to view the falls. I was disappointed because I was not able to reach the top most part of the falls having around 30 feet because it was rainy that time. But worth it to view the lower part of the falls with around 10 feet . There were people also from different places who visited the place.

1. Paseo Del Mar

A place where we can experience a wonderfully-made creation of God. It is a place where we can realize how blessed we are thru Gods gift of nature. A lot of people say that Paseo Del Mar in Zamboanga City is one of the most beautiful parks in the Philippines. Here, one can witness the most spectacular sunsets in the city and the stunning view of Santa Cruz and Basilan Island. A view of the city’s busy port could also be seen from Paseo del Mar. There are several cement benches at the park and there is long walkway along the shoreline or breakwater.In the afternoon when there are visitors, the Bajao kids in their bancas paddle along the breakwater walkways and entice the visitors to throw coins into the sea water. It's fun to watch the Badjaos dive and fetch the coin before it hits bottom.Nightlife in Paseo Del Mar is one of the most-awaited moments. There are live bands, food stalls and colorful decorative lamps lighting up the park.

I always go here for a date. I really love the ambiance especially during night time. The more you can feel the presence of God. There are also different restaurants where you can enjoy different type of foods.

2. Pasonanca Park

One of the main tourist attraction in the City. Traverse by a rippling stream, this park is one of its kind in the country. it abounds with trees, flowerings plants, ferns, shrubs and 600 different specie of orchids. There is a tree house nestling high in the branches of one big tree where guests could pass the night and hold communion with nature.

I went here during elementary years for our Jamboree during my girl scout days. I really enjoyed the place. I love to stay at the tree house with friends. I also tried to have my date there during my first time to have boyfriend.