GREAT STA. CRUZ ISLAND
Pink Sand Beach
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| The Great Sta. Cruz Island, truly an Icon |
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| Tubipora
Musica renders the pinkish sand effect of the island |
The unique
pinkish sand was due to pulverized rare red organ-pipe coral (tubipora musica)
mixed with white sand. Take note of this, the fusion of the red organ-pipe
coral with the white sand took million years to take effect the pinkish sand to
emerge. Diverse marine life and magnificent water visibility [depending on
weather] are ideal to do snorkeling and scuba diving along the island. The
island is also surrounded by plenty of majestic coral reefs, something the
scuba divers can look forward to. These are the primary activities that can be
done in the island except for the usual bathing.The island's interior is
covered with lushy green grass and vegetation, with some flowering trees,
providing a welcome shade from the near equatorial sunshine. The island is also
rich in marine plants such as mangroves, in addition, the island has also
islets which the locals called Little Sta. Cruz islands and also have similar
features of the main island.
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| Rica, my cousin along the island's shore |
Honestly,
I've never been in the island before. Quite humiliating but true. The island
can be seen visibly even when you're on R.T. Lim boulevard or in port area of
Zamboanga. The island also had a mangrove laden lagoon that serves as the
habitat of marine/aquatic animals. Such beauty and uniqueness is inevitable for
curious tourists to have a visit.
Getting to
the Island is just 5 to 8 minutes away from the city. Boats are the only means
of transportation going to the island. The boats are mainly based in Lantaka
Hotel and is the jumping-off station. Sadly, the island's true beauty has been
taken from it due to recent illegal coral reef mining which cause massive
destruction. All that's left are the dead skeletons of what once were
glorious shells and coral reefs. No matter, the beach and water is still a
thing of beauty, and well worth your endeavor. Thankfully, the thieves of
nature cannot cause the same damage to nearby Little Santa Cruz Island because
it is a guarded military installation, and the coral reef there is still
healthy, and a possible source for restoration of the big island. The island is
a protected sanctuary but illegal activities can't be avoided since the island
can't be guarded 27/7.
FORT PILAR
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| The Prison Cells where captivated prisoners incarcerated during Spanish time |
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| The Zamboanga City National Museum situated Inside the Fort |
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| The Well in the Center Portion of the Fort |
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| Watchtower in the Western Wall |
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| Ruins of the Prison Cells now being Restored |
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| Restored Western Wall of the Fort |
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| The Old Post Lamp without a Bulb |
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| The Prison Cells |
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| The Marian Shrine |
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| Our Lady of Pilar Altar |
The Royal Fort of Our Virgin Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza or commonly known as Fort Pilar
is one of the main tourist attractions and landmark of the city. This
17th century military fortress was built by the Spanish Colonial
Government for defense against outlaws and rebels. Outside of the
fortress' eastern gate wall, a Marian shrine can be found dedicated to
the city's patroness- Our Lady of the Pillar.
Built in June 23, 1635, it is a silent witness
to many battles fought by the Spaniards against the Moros. A witness to
the heroic courage of Zamboangueños for their love of freedom. It is a
home to legions of devotees who pay tribute to the miraculous Nuestra
Señora La Virgen del Pilar.
Legend
has it that Virgin Mary appeared to a soldier on December 6, 1734 at
the gate of the fortress. The soldier didn't immediately recognize her
and asked her to stop. As the soldier scrutinized the lady, he fell down
to his knees. Another apparition has been taken place, not in the
fortress' gate but floating in mid-air. On September 21, 1897, around
1:14 in the afternoon, a tough earthquake struck the western region of
Mindanao Island. The Virgin Mary made an apparition, and according to
the people who witnessed it, they saw the Virgin floating in mid-air
over the Basilan Strait raising her right hand that signals on the
rushing waves to stop, thus saving Zamboanga City from a tsunami.
ZAMBOANGA CITY HALL
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| Zamboanga City Hall on a Busy Day |
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| Old and Elegant: Truly Wonderful and Majestic |
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| The Magnificent Zamboanga City Hall on a Busy Street |
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| The City Hall Brilliantly Lighted during Christmas Season: Truly Breathtaking |
The construction of this Hispanic building started in 1905 and was completed in 1907 by the Federal Government of the United States for the American Governors of the area, which included Leonard O. Wood, Tasker H. Bliss, Ralph W. Hoyt, and John Pershing of World War I fame. Today it serves as the City Hall of Zamboanga, where the City Mayor holds office. It is located right at the heart of Zamboanga City.
The Zamboanga City Hall is indeed an iconic image that can never be forgotten. Even I, whenever I saw this building, childhood memories, and some flashbacks came through me. It was really old, but the City Hall administration manages to restore some damages sites and portions of the building. Truly amazing and iconic. I really am proud to be Zamboangeno!
PASONANCA PARK
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| The Boys Scout Camp |
One of the city’s premier attraction is the
Pasonanca Park, located at the outskirt of the city, about six
kilometers from the city proper. It is referred to as the Little Baguio
of the South. The park was developed in 1912, under Pershing’s
administration with one swimming pool. Pasonanca is nestled about five
hundred feet above sea level surrounded by rolling hills and verdant
mountains. Two other pools were constructed under Mayor Climaco’s time.
It likewise houses the famous tree house built in 1960, the butterfly
sanctuary and the aviary which showcases different bird species
including the Philippine Monkey Eating Eagle.-visitmyphilippines.com
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| The Famous Pasonanca Tree House |
This tree house was very remarkable. I remember when I was a little kid, whenever my friends mention Pasonanca Park, this little tree house was the first thing that goes in my mind. Inside the house was just things that a usual house has, such as lamps, of course a light bulb, and other household commodities except the appliances that are very heavy for a tree house to carry. I don't know if those things that I mentioned are still existing nowadays, what I am certain about is that the tree house back then, was still the tree house today. Same staircase, same design, and the prominent one is the tree itself. hahaha, trees don't change, trees just grow and most likely they become bigger and bigger. Its an Acacia tree anyway, like in UP Diliman.
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| Signage for Entrance in the Aviary |
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| One of the endemic bird in Mindanao |
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| Butterfly in the Butterfly Garden |
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| Inevitable swimming pool during summer |
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| The Swimming Pool |
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| from left: Omar and Lucky (my nephews) posing underneath the tree house last summer |
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The
construction of the park started in 1912 by the Governor of Moro
Province- General John J. Pershing and completed during Governor Frank
W. Carpenter's administration. The park is composed of several activity
areas- a separated campsites for both males and females, an
amphitheater, a convention center, and other useful facilities.
I really can't remember my last visit in
this park, I guess I'm 10 years old that time during my last visit. As I
know, the park has already a mini zoo and is considered to be the best
place in Zamboanga City to have picnic since a lot of towering old trees
are surrounding the park that gives much shaded area. Pasonanca park is
also rich in flora- wild flowers, orchids, ferns and wild shrubs.
ZAMBOANGA CITY CATHEDRAL
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| Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Concepcion |
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| One of the Cathedral's Main Feature: The Spiral Staircases leading to the 1st floor of the Church |
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| Inside the Cathedral: Contemporary Architectural Design |
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| The Center of Isle of the Cathedral and the Altar |
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| The Altar of the Immaculate Concepcion- the Patroness of the City of Zamboanga |
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| The Cathedral at Night- the light of the cross can visibly seen at night by seafarers |
Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Concepcion - Founded in 1810 as a parish located at the present day Universidad de Zamboanga campus, the Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zamboanga (created in 1910 as diocese and elevated in 1958 as an archdiocese). It is known as one of the most modern cathedrals in Mindanao, built in 1998-2001. The cathedral is located at La Purisima St. The cathedral's structure is cruciform, resembling a cross and its facade is patterned after a candle (which is connected to the Blessed Virgin Mary). The main church is located at the second floor, with stained glass portraying the life of Mary and Asian saints as well as the history of Mindanao's dioceses starting from 1910. At the lower level are the columbarium, the day chapel, the adoration chapel at the left wing, the conference hall at the right wing, and the baptistery fronting the day chapel.
ZAMBOANGA CITY GOLF COURSE and COUNTRY CLUB
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| The Famous Tree found in the Golf Field |
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| The Waiting Watcher and his Equipment |
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| The Basilan Strait Viewing Deck |
Zamboanga Golf Course and Country Club- Known to be the "oldest Golf Course" in the Philippines. Located in Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City. It was estabished during the American Occupation and is overlooking the Basilan Strait. It also is host to a public swimming resort managed by the Philippine Tourism Authority. There were talks that a Korean Company will be building a 5 star hotel in the area. it was once used as a landing strip. One of the best in Mindanao,this
golf course is one both the average and professional golfer will enjoy. The
lack of sand bunker hazards is noticeable,as is the abundance of trees. The
front nine of this course is relatively flatter and straighter than the back
nine,which is more of a challenge. Enjoy the view of the Basilan Strait as you
play in this 18-hole golfing paradise.
ZAMBOANGA ECONOMIC ZONE
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| The Facade of the Administration Building |
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| The Welcome Sign in the Gate of the Port |
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| The Administration Building |
Zamboanga Economic Zone, located in Barangay San Ramon, Zamboanga City- The Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (Zamboecozone), otherwise known by its corporate name as Zamboanga Freeport Authority (ZFA), was created by virtue of the Republic Acts of the Philippines 7903 of the Philippines, authored by then Congresswoman and late mayor of the city of Zamboanga, Maria Clara L. Lobregat. The special economic zone was enacted into law on February 23, 1995 and made operational a year later with the appointment of a Chairman and Administrator and the members of the Board by former President Fidel V. Ramos. It is located about 20 km. from Zamboanga City. The Zamboanga Freeport Authority is managed as a separate customs territory and offers incentives for would-be investors like tax free importation of goods, and other tax incentives.
CURACHA
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| Curacha: Zamboanga City's Pride |
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| Red Frog Crab- crossbreed of red crab and the cozy lobster |
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| Freshly Caught Curacha in the Seafood Market |
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| Freshly Cooked Curacha Stewed in Coconut Milk |
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| Curacha and Lobster |
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| Cooked Curacha dancing in abundant yield of Sauce. A must-try dish. LOVE IT! |
Curacha is a red frog crab only found here in Zamboanga, it is a crossbreed characteristic of a large sea crab and a big spiny lobster. Curacha food from Zamboanga is the best food usually people like to eat. It has a big difference between other crabs. Most crabs generally found their meat at the claws part but curacha meat is found in its body. Meaning, you don’t need to use fork or spoon just to break those claws to eat some meat since curacha has it in the bodies and you can simply open it using your hands. Curacha has a lot of dishes that can be made and are available in the market and seafood restaurants, one must try the Alavar Seafood Restaurant's Curacha stewed in coconut milk (sooo delicious, and you'll crave for more.). Cost ranges from 400-500 pesos per Kilo. Loaded with cholesterol, so hypertensive foodies, BEWARE! You've been warned! ;)
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