Travel Guide Zamboanga

Noisy and hectic, exotic and exuberant, the city of Zamboanga exudes an atmosphere very different from other Mindanao cities. The Muslim influence is very pronounced and religion is more present here than elsewhere. The blend of Spanish and Muslim cultures will come as a pleasant surprise to art and history lovers. Located in southwest Mindanao, Zamboanga City is at the southern tip of the peninsula and the Zamboanga del Sur region. It is bordered to the east by the Gulf of Moro and to the south by the island of Basilan and the Celebes Sea. The origin of its name is Malay: Jambangan means "City of Flowers". Later, the Samals and Badjaos arrived on board their vintas (colorful square-sailed boats that can be admired during festivals) and renamed it "Samboangan", as sabuan is the name of the pole they use at low tide to push their boat.Zamboanga is home to just over a million Zamboangueños, around 50% Catholic, 45% Muslim and the rest from other cultures. The Chavacano dialect used in the region is heavily influenced by the Spanish language. It is 70% borrowed from Castilian and 30% from indigenous dialects. The city of Zamboanga is the commercial capital of Region IX, thanks to its strategic location that engages trade with Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. Its main industries are coconut oil production and tuna fishing. The sea plays an important role. Almost every street leads to it, and the majority of the population earns its living from fishing. Many live by the water and even on it. The town has some very well-preserved historic sites. Its 1907 town hall is unique, all in stone and built by the U.S. federal government.