Zamboanga City (Asia's Latin City) Latin Love ~ SCRATCH e-PAD!

"Buenas Dias" Everyone
Specially to the people who visited my blog yesterday, there were quite a few,
"Muchas Gracias"!!

As promised, My blog today will feature Zamboanga City (Asia's Latin City). I have to asked "despensa" to the readers because the pictures that you are going to see are not the best in terms of quality since I'm taking this pictures using only a 2mega pixel camera phone, my Nokia 6233.

I'm planning to upgrade to a better phone though a.s.a.p.

It would have been nicer if I have the Nokia N82 Black Edition, with the 5mega pixel camera and zenon flash. Paging Nokia, send me one please!!! Hehehe joke only!

Well, Zamboanga City is a buzzing diverse metropolis located in the southeast part of the Philippines. Diverse because it is a city where Chavacano, Bisaya, Tausug, Maranao among other tribes lives in harmony? not, a lot of bombing incidents happened here and this city well forever be tainted with terrorism, abu sayaff , MILF among other infamous events.
(Left Inset) The Spanish style Zamboanga City Hall.

Besides all this, I still love Zamboanga City, For me this is the best city to visit because of its unique nature, the Latin ambiance where you cant find anywhere in the Philippines, among others. Its like being in a place where the Spanish colonial era remains, a part of the countries history.

If your taking the bus route, as what I describe on my blog before, passengers will be unloaded in the Zamboanga City Guiwan Terminal.

This is how the terminal looks like by night.

But there where other modes of transport available as well. Thru plane is possible, the city even have an International Airport as well as an International sea port. Check PAL, Cebu Pacific, Superferry, Sulpicio Lines websites for their respective time scheds.

Since the terminal is about 3kms away from the city, you have to ride a motorela, the picture on the left side, or a jeepney. The motorela is like a taxi where you can ask the driver to drive you to the destination you want. Jeepney's have their own routes to follow, so you have to be knowledgeable with the routes in order for you to reached your aimed destination.

Motorela Fare: P30.00
Jeepney Fare: P6.00

My Advise, take the motorela so you wont get lost c",

Places to Stay:

There were several hotels, inns and pension houses within the city proper. It will now depend on your budget as to where you want to stay.

This is the Lantaka Hotel, one of the high end hotels in the city. Room Rates are from P1000-3000 depending on the type of rooms you choose.

This is the Skypark Hotel, another high end hotel, but this one is within downtown area, better access to the shopping areas, malls, restaurants etc.

Room Rates: P900 - 2000, I do believe this is reasonable rate since they offer the best service, 3 star hotel way.

Viva Pension House. A viva and a hooray for this pension house since they offer cheap rates hehehe. The rates ranges from P600 - 1500 only and they are situated in the heart of the city as well, downtown area. Their rooms looks presentable enough, but they don't have elevators, so you have to exert effort in climbing their stairs specially if your room is in the 5th floor. An ideal place for people who wants to loose weight c",

The cheapest pension houses thought are the Atilano and the Blue Pearl Pension. You can rent a non aircon rooms with cable tv for as low as P350 pesos only. Place is presentable as well but you have to ride a motorela in reaching them because their in the outskirts.

Places to visit:

There were several of them actually, for now the places I'm going to show were those within the city proper only. I will be featuring other places in my upcoming blogs.

Shopping Malls

Who doesn't love shopping?!?

The Southway Square,one of the newest mall in the city. It has several shops, food chains among others. There very own department store and supermarket. A descent and comfortable place to dine and shop.

Inside the Southway Square Mall. Typical yet artistically designed, well lit as well. The mall by the way is not that big and spacious, its just a 4 story building and you just have to circle around the elevator to see all the shops per floor.

The famous Mindpro Citimall. Famous because it have been featured in the news alreadyc",This mall have been bomb by abu sayaff in the past hehehe, but then look at it, it still stand strongly with pride, amidst adversity.

This mall by the way is the biggest in the city, the only mall that has a movie theater, a foodcourt and has the most number of shops.

Historical, it is!!

(Right, Inset)Inside the Mindpro Citimall. With head held up high c",

Golden Bell Department Store. One of the most prominent shopping haven in the heart of the city. Just across the famous Plaza Pershing, this store hovers quite a number of shoppers since they offer a bit lower prices compared to other stores.
The place fails to give shoppers convenience though, the aircondition is bad, and the place is small.

Places That You Shouldn't Miss:

This is the Fort Pilar, an old Spanish Garrison which is now being converted to a national museum. The museum houses the cities old artifacts, a great place to learn more about our culture and tradition.

This is the power fortress of Fort Pilar. It was said that behind this fortress is a history of struggle, power and wealth. Hmm I love mysteries c",

When I said that Fort Pilar has a power fortress, the main reason for that is actually because of this open field church with the figure Mama Mary situated at the west side part of the fortress which have been said to be miraculous.

A true Power Fortress Indeed.

Just a few blocks away from Fort Pilar is the newly built picturesque bay side park Paseo Del Mar for people to who loves sea breeze, a relaxation at its best.

Valderosa Street. One of the remaining street in the city where you can find Spanish colonial style buildings.

Plaza Pershing!! You cant miss this place when you visit Zamboanga. Nothing special in this place, just a plain park but unique thou.

Well I think this well be for now, I will be featuring some more pictures of Zamboanga City in my upcoming blogs.

Hope today's blog helps you somehow in learning more about Asia's Only Latin City c",

Again if you have comments and suggestions, please feel free to ask.

Till Next Time Friends

Muchas Gracias! Hasta La Vista!