The titles 'El Orgullo de Mindano'(The Pride of Mindanao), 'The City of Flowers', 'Zamboanga Hermosa' and "Asia's Latin City" can only be donned in this place called 'Cuidad de Zamboanga' (in Spanish) or simply City of Zamboanga. Zamboanga City is also called the city of the Crescent and the Cross. The diverse influence from the different cultures that had been nurtured throughout the history had made the entire cultural and historical heritage of the present Zamboanga City. The marriage of the Christian and Muslim cultures seemed to be an 'ebony and ivory' combination that had played perfect tune, thus made the present Zamboanga City, indeed a wonderful place.
The two dominant cultures (Christian and Muslim) created a strong bond of mutual respect and consideration with each other. For this reason, wonderful festivals are celebrated the whole year round. Christian holidays and feast, or Christian-themed festivities like Christmas (commemoration of the birth of Jesus the Christ), Fonda de Barangay or Fiesta de Barangay (feast of barangay's patron or patroness saints), Fiesta de La Immacula Conception or the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (held every eight of December), Fiesta Pilar (Zamboanga Hermosa Festival), Flores de Mayo (Marian Feast involving processions and flower offerings) and Holy Week (Lenten Season) are celebrated annually with cultural, historical and religious significance. Muslim holy days such as 'Eid al-Adha' (Festival of Sacrifice or Greate Eid), Eid al-Fitr (or Hari Raya Puasa) and Isra Wal Miraj are among popular celebration the locals religiously commemorate or celebrate. The diversity in faith or beliefs, culture and heritage has found its perfect spot at the heart of Zamboanga City. The differences created a wonderful work of art that really attracted tourists and visitors worldwide.
Being at Zamboanga City is definitely a fun and adventure-filled stay. Zamboanga City's local government is already aware of the influx of the tourists from all over the world, tend to flock at Zamboanga to experience and witness the Asia's Latin City. Since 2003, Sky Quest Travel Agency had been one of the leading travel agencies that arrange Zamboanga vacation packages all year round. Their international tour arrangements have been very popular with tourists around the globe who are interested with spending their vacation at Zamboanga City. Sky Quest Travel Agency's website is packed with updated information and some noteworthy trivia or details to promote tourism. Surely, it really pays to be updated.
Aside from the many tourist attractions in Butuan and the warm hospitality of the locals, there is another reason why visitors often go here. There are many Butuan festivals all year round that are only celebrated here and every year these events become more colorful and livelier thereby drawing more and more visitors to this place.
Like the rest of the Philippines, Butuan has its patron saint and it is the Santo Nino. The Santo Nino is the Spanish word for baby Jesus. The Kahimunan Festival is in honor of Santo Nino and this Butuan festival has been celebrated since time immemorial. The word ‘kahimunan’ from the Kahimunan Festival means get together or gathering. During this Butuan festival the streets are lined with locals who have prepared dances for the occasion, theatrical performances and other religious ceremonies. The street dancers during the Kahimunan Festival practice months before the event and on the actual day they are dressed in traditional colorful costumes complete with accessories. One should think of the Kahimunan Festival as the one day of the year where all performances are offered to the Santo Nino so that He may continue to bless this province and its harvest. This Butuan festival is held in January on the third week thereof, and the Kahimunan Festival can be said to be a combination of something cultural and something religious.
Since Butuan became a city, the Adlaw Hong Butuan has been celebrated year after year. During this Butuan festival, government and non-government organizations honor its present government as well as its former leaders who have contributed a great deal to Butuan becoming a chartered city. One must bear in mind that before a place can be declared a city, there are certain legal requirements that must first be met relating to economic status and population among others. The Adlaw Hong Butuan is held every August 2nd and the activities that are done on this day are held at the City Hall. Among the activities during the Adlaw Hong Butuan are beauty pageants where the Ms. Butuan City is crowned, it is a time when there are beautiful decorated floats that roam the streets, motorcades and of course, street parties complete with local bands. The main event though of the Adlaw Hong Butuan is the Palagsing Festival which is a contest of who can make the longest sticky rice cake. The best part is yet to come though because at the end of the contest, everyone gets to try the sticky rice cake. The Adlaw Hong Butuan is truly very different as compared to other Butuan festivals.
Many visitors instantly fall in love with the charm of Dipolog and its sights and sounds. For many years now, more and more tourists flock to this place to experience Dipolog festivals that are unlike any other event in the Philippines. The history and culture of Dipolog are properly depicted in these Dipolog festivals, and these events are fun and lively.
This Dipolog festival might have a weird sounding name but this highly successful event is mainly due to the efforts that the locals put in when it comes to preparing for this day. The Katkat sa Dipolog is a religious Dipolog festival but it’s not just the devotees who attend this. Katkat sa Dipolog is also attended by nature lovers and sports enthusiasts because of the numerous activities planned for the day during this event. This Dipolog festival is 100% adventure and for nature lovers since they get to enjoy rigorous trekking in the beautiful forests of Dipolog and mountain climbing. The Katkat sa Dipolog is actually also an opportunity to see many Dipolog sights because on the way to the mountains, participants pass by the biggest tourist attractions here. En route to Katkat sa Dipolog, one can also visit Linabo Peak, the Cogon Eco-Tourism Park and the famous Pamsalanan Reforestation Site. The Katkat sa Dipolog is held annually during the summer season.
Held right after New Year’s Day, the Sinulog sa Dopolog is a big event in this place with preparations being made way before the actual event. The residents of Dipolog prepare their dances, parades and dishes for families, friends and visitors even before the sun rises during this Dipolog festival. The Sinulog sa Dopolog is to commemorate baby Jesus and this age old Dipolog festival has been celebrated since the time of the Spanish occupation of the country. Even the city government participates in the Sinulog sa Dopolog by organizing processions and different contests that are held all day long. The ZN Sports Complex is where presentations from the different barangays are held, as well as contests that everyone can join. The term “sinulog” in Sinulog sa Dopolog means “water current” which is descriptive of the dances performed on this occasion and these form an integral part of the celebration. Merrymaking continues in the homes of the residents where a feast is served during the Sinulog sa Dopolog and everyone is invited.
The land of the exotic fruit, Durian, has much more to offer than just delicious fruits and wonderful looking flowers. Davao festivals are highly anticipated events and many visitors go to this place in the southern Philippines to enjoy a lively and highly entertaining day.
Celebrated in August and the focus being on the indigenous group that have lived in Davao since centuries back, the Kadayawan Festival is an interesting event that captures the culture of this sector. The indigenous group of Mindanao has gone through many experiences in the past, both good and bad, and their journey is depicted in the presentations made during the Kadayawan Festival. There are two parts to this Davao festival and they are the Lumadnong Kasaulogan and the Subay sa Lumadnong Kagikan. The first part of the Kadayawan Festival is the main event and here, the indigenous group’s culture and arts are on display. Part of their culture is the colorful hand woven costumes that they wear everyday and the members spend a lot of time making them. The Kadayawan Festival also showcases the traditional dances of the indigenous group and some of their handmade crafts can be bought during this Davao festival. The second part of this Davao festival, the Subay sa Lumadnong Kagikan will help the visitor learn about the impact that this group has on the Filipino artists from years back to present. The Kadayawan Festival is also about the history of this indigenous group and their importance to today’s society.
Another great Davao festival is the Araw ng Dabao Oryental. The whole of Davao celebrates this event with grandeur. The parades on the streets of Davao will surely get one’s attention with rhythmic beating of the drums and the fast beat dancing of dancers dressed in colorful costumes during the Araw ng Dabao Oryental. Even the malls celebrate this Davao festival by showcasing products of Davao and selling them at discounted rates. There are numerous beauty pageants during the Araw ng Dabao Oryental, and contestants from those below 12 years of age and up to 25 can participate. There is also a music fest during the Araw ng Dabao Oryental and numerous bands play at the SM Mall Event Center. Everybody is welcome to join the festivities or just simply watch the events that transpire during the lively celebration of the Araw ng Dabao Oryental. At the end of the day, an amazing fireworks display illuminates the night sky.