It feels good to be back in Zamboanga. It was 2017 when I first traveled to Asia’s Latin City for the Savores, the celebration of the city’s fusion of flavors. Now, I am back to take part in the grand celebration of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.
Hermosa Festival, also called Fiesta Pilar, is a celebration of the feast of Nuestra Senora La Virgen Del Pilar which is usually commemorated around the world on October 12. But for Zamboanga, it is a different story because the celebration continues for the entire month filled with vibrant activities and events.
It was already dark when we arrived at the Zamboanga Airport. Ms. Precious and Jamil from the DOT Region 9 office, warmly welcomed us and then took us to a familiar place for our dinner. It was nice to dine at Dennis Coffee Garden again. How could I forget this coffee shop restaurant, especially their authentic Tausug dishes?
They served us this familiar huge plate with a variety of dishes circling the main dish which is the Tiulah Itum, beef in broth roasted coconut, and spices. The other viands are Beef Kulma. Utak utak, Chicken Pianggang with cucumber. I already tried this when I first visited in 2017 but still, I enjoyed tasting these dishes again.
I was already full but I still, have to try the desserts such as Palikambing or Friend Banana Balls, which is my favorite, and also tandem of Jualan Panggih (Sweet Potato) and Jualan Saing (Deep Fried Bananas).
It was indeed a nostalgic first night for me in Zamboanga and it has become even more memorable as our dinner was shared with DOT Assistant Secretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, her awesome team, and my fellow travel blogger, Potpot Pinili.
We checked in at Orchid Garden Hotel to rest and prepare for more activities the next day as part of the celebration of the Hermosa Festival.
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Regatta de Zamboanga
Even when I was a kid, I’ve always been fascinated with vintas. So imagine my thrill and excitement to see hundreds of vintas during the Regatta de Zamboanga.
This is an annual event, a highlight of the Hermosa Festival, where the best vinta paddlers battle it out for the ultimate champion. This year, there are 200 participants. This may be a race, but the exciting feeling of seeing numerous vintas sailing by the ocean is in itself a delightful experience.
Regatta de Zamboanga is considered uniquely Zamboanga. If many festivals offer street dances and parades, the regatta is definitely something that you can only witness and experience in Zamboanga City.
DOT Assistant Secretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar (Center) with the rest of the Media team. Potpot of Travel Trilogy, Rush from Scoop.co Brunei, Shy of Borneo Insiders Guide, and Me.
After the Regatta, the Western Mindanao Command demonstrated its commitment to protecting the welfare of the people. Through a capability demonstration, spectators witnessed the military assets and skills of the AFP responsible for maintaining peace and order in the region.
READ THE BLOG POST: Manila to Zamboanga via 2GO Travel
Wow Sardinas Grand Boodle Fight
One of my fellow travel writers from Brunei, who accompanied us to cover the Hermosa Festival, initially believed people were going to engage in an actual fight—like throwing cans of sardines at each other. It’s endearing how candid she was with her thoughts, isn’t it?
She breathed a sigh of relief when we explained the concept of a “Boodle Fight” to her. It’s a Filipino tradition of communal eating that draws inspiration from military practices. In a Boodle Fight, food is laid out on a long banana leaf, and everyone eats with their hands.
Exactly that transpired during the “Wow Sardinas Grand Boodle Fight.” All the sardine brands and companies in Zamboanga united to showcase their products to tourists and participants via a boodle fight. It presented an extensive array of sardine products for attendees to enjoy.
We joined the boodle fight near the Kim Sardines booth. Easy-to-open canned sardines were displayed on a long table alongside rice and flakes. Everyone was invited to partake.
I must say that I enjoyed Kim Sardines’ curry-flavored sardines. It was delicious and a bit spicy. Just the right spice and sweet taste for me. I hope they can expand their market to Manila so more can experience their products. The Wow Sardinas Grand Boodle Fight is the city’s way of showcasing the rich sardines industry in Zamboanga.
Original Chavacano Music Festival
Zamboanga City is deeply committed to preserving its unique language, culture, and heritage. Honestly, during my first visit to Zamboanga, I was astonished to hear people speaking what sounded like Spanish. In actuality, they were speaking Chavacano, the language of the Zamboangueños, which is deeply rooted in Spanish influence.
The Philippines was under Spanish rule for over 300 years. During this period, the Spaniards established Zamboanga City as their cultural center in the southern Philippines. This history accounts for the profound influence of Spanish language, culture, and heritage in present-day Zamboanga City.
Chavacano is 65% Spanish and the rest is a mixture of influence from the Bisaya, Tausugs, Yakan, and the nearby provinces, as explained by our warm and accommodating guide, Sir Errol of I Travel Tourist Lane.
Hataw!
With the advent of technology, where younger individuals can be easily influenced by Western culture, it remains vital that the Chavacano language and its culture are preserved.
One key initiative to maintain the Chavacano culture is the annual celebration of the Chavacano Video Music Festival, which coincides with the Hermosa Festival.
This festival showcases the talents of composers, musicians, and film enthusiasts. Through the creation and sharing of original Chavacano music and videos, both the local community and government hope that the Chavacano culture will be deeply ingrained and perpetuated in the young minds of Zamboanga.
It always delights me to watch musicians incorporate Spanish lyrics into their performances. I have some favorites, like the song “Liviano” by Splakaboom. They truly commanded the stage and received an awesome response from the audience.
Entries in the Video Music category were particularly engaging, with many showcasing creativity. The evening was undeniably a vibrant celebration of Chavacano culture and talent.
Mascota de Zamboanga
I’ve heard of the Mascota de Zamboanga in the past, but I didn’t expect that this could be this elegant and grand when I finally got the chance to witness it personally.
I was in awe of the beauty of Zamboanguenas wearing the mascota. It is a fashion show and also a competition to showcase the young talents of fashion designers in the city.
Mascota is a traditional gown worn by Zamboanguenas during the Spanish colonial times. It is grand and classy with a six-piece ensemble of panuelo, corpiño, renggue, sobre falda, enaguas, and cola.
Being a judge of Mascota de Zamboanga is probably one of the hardest jobs of the festivities. Seriously, all of the gowns and models were gorgeous, but there could only be one grand winner and four consolation prizes.
Fiesta Hermosa na Isla de Sta. Cruz
It is simply bringing the Hermosa Festival to the famous pinkish beach of Zamboanga – the Great Sta. Cruz island.
A day filled with exciting games and dance performances, on top of experiencing the world-famous pink beach which happened from October 7 to 13.
We were there during the first day of the Fiesta na Isla de Sta. Cruz. We actually tried the Mangrove tour in the morning, but we were just in time when the official island celebration and program started. Tourists joined in some fun games like Chupa kulo eating contest (local snails cooked in coconut milk and squash) and the exciting boat race.
One of the highlights for me was the Sama Banguingui dance performance. It’s so nice to witness the rich traditions and culture of people who are truly Zambuangenos. Zamboanga is a testament that people of different backgrounds and religions can co-exist peacefully by embracing each other’s culture.
Aside from the lined-up activities on the island, at the end of the day, nothing beats the feeling of relaxing in a pristine beach with pinkish sand. I’m just thankful to be back in Sta. Cruz island.
On the way back to the mainland, we stopped by Little Santa Cruz island where we experienced its sandbar. We even got a chance to fly a drone and have some awesome jump shots.
READ MORE: OKO-OKO: A Taste of Zamboanga’s Culinary Heritage
Zamboanga Hermosa Streetdance Competition
Just like every festival in the country, the Streetdance competition is one of the most highly anticipated during the Hermosa Festival. It is the time for every community in Zamboanga to showcase their unique heritage through dance and performance.
The support that the participants get from their own people is overwhelming. This is truly one of the liveliest festivities in the entire Hermosa Festival.
Parade of Lights
On the day of the fiesta which is October 12, the night is filled with floats with fascinating colors and light for the Hermosa Festival’s Parade of Lights.
The city’s different organizations, schools, and businesses take part in the float parade and compete for the most creative and grandest float.
I had a great time during my second visit to Zamboanga for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. If you plan to visit Zamboanga soon, you can plan and travel anytime. Zamboanga is lovely and it is safe for everyone.
But if you have a chance, visit Zamboanga during the Hermosa Festival. You’ll definitely enjoy one of the longest and grandest festivals in the Philippines.
READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Best Festivals in Mindanao
Please note that these are just some of the main highlights of the Hermosa Festival, there are other activities and events that are quite interesting like the Queen Festival, DanceSport Competition, Mutya ng Zamboanga, Compressport Hermosa Triathlon, and a lot more. Remember, the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is a monthlong celebration.
Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2023
Here’s the calendar of events for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2023.
FAQ: Zamboanga Hermosa Festival
1. What is the Hermosa Festival?
The Hermosa Festival, also known as “Fiesta Pilar”, is an annual cultural event celebrated in Zamboanga City. It pays homage to the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of the Pillar. The festival is a blend of religious devotion and cultural showcase, making it one of the most significant and colorful festivals in the region.
2. When is the Hermosa Festival celebrated?
The Hermosa Festival is celebrated every October, with the climax on the 12th of the month, coinciding with the feast day of Our Lady of the Pillar.
3. What are the main events of the Hermosa Festival?
The festival features a variety of events including street dancing, regattas, trade fairs, exhibits, and more. One of the most anticipated is the “Regatta de Zamboanga”, a colorful vinta sailboat race.
4. Why is the festival called “Hermosa”?
“Hermosa” is a Spanish word meaning “beautiful.” The festival is named such to reflect both the beauty of Zamboanga’s culture and its devotion to Our Lady of the Pillar.
5. How do locals celebrate the Hermosa Festival?
Locals often participate in various events, display colorful decorations in their homes, attend novena masses, and take part in the procession. It’s a time of vibrant celebration, reflection, and unity for the people of Zamboanga.
6. Are there any food or delicacies I should try during the festival?
Absolutely! Don’t miss out on local favorites like satti (a type of skewered meat), curacha (a unique deep-sea crab), and the sweet delicacy known as biscocho zamboangueño.
7. What should I wear if I’m attending?
It’s best to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you’ll likely be walking or standing for extended periods. If you wish, you can also wear vibrant colors to match the festive mood.
8. How can I learn more or get updates about the festival?
For detailed information, you can check the official website of Zamboanga City or contact the city’s tourism office. They will provide schedules, updates, and any additional information you might need.
Note: This travel to experience the grand celebration of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival was made possible through the Office of DOT Assistant Secretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar and DOT Region 9 Office. Thank you Asec. Myra and your awesome team.
To avail of the best Zamboanga tour, I highly recommend I Travel Tourist Lane.
More Zamboanga Blog Posts:
- Once Islas: Zamboanga’s newest island-hopping paradise
- Curacha and a Lot More Flavors of Zamboanga
- Satti of Zamboanga
- Pastil of Zamboanga
- Dumaguete to Zamboanga by Ferry
- Sta. Cruz Island: The Pink Beach of Zamboanga
- Knickerbocker of Zamboanga City!
- Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay: Mindanao’s Next Top Eco-Tourism Site
- Manila to Zamboanga by Ferry
More Festivals in the Philippines
- Festivals in Pampanga
- Kinabayo Festival: Dapitan’s Fusion of History, Faith, and Modern Celebration
- Perangat Festival & 20 Top Tourist Spots in Misamis Occidental
- Best Festivals in the Philippines
