THE CHAVACANOS

Us Filipinos have been deeply influenced by Spanish culture with the Philippines being a Spanish colony for almost 300 years. This is evident in our local cuisines, architectures, religion, and even in our way of life. But, some local groups had heavier influences than the others.

Chavacano is a variety of Spanish-based creole spoken by a number of groups in the Philippines. Of which, this dialect is mostly native to the dwellers of Zamboanga City.

This is evident to restaurant signages, traffic and even the welcome greeting at the Zamboanga City airport.




So join us as we take a trip down memory lane and relive our Zamboanga adventures as well as re-taste the moro delicacies of the Chavacanos!

WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO IN ZAMBOANGA CITY?

The downtown district itself is already full of historical sites and just strolling around would give you a tour to the Spanish colonial era.

Zamboanga City Hall - built in 1905 by the Federal Government of the United States and considered as a National Historical site


The Spanish colonial building turned McDonalds.


Plaza Pershing - named after an American General who fought during the Filipino-American war.


Universidad de Zamboanga


Even a bank has a museum - BPI Museum




Relive the rich history of Fort Pilar (or The Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza) - a 17th-century military defense fortress built by the Spanish colonial government.







Experience pigeon-feeding just across Fort Pilar.



See the candle-like inspired design of the Zamboanga Cathedral.


Hangout with friends at Paseo Del Mar. From here you can see straight-ahead the island of Basilan and Santa Cruz Island which is famous for its pink sands.




Sunbathing at the famous pink sand island of Zamboanga - Sta Cruz Island.

Credits to our friend, Lou for these stunning drone shots.








Take a trip to Pasonanca Park






Watch and enjoy the sunset at Cawa-Cawa Boulevard





Visit the dream-weavers of the Yakan Weaving Village







Dream-weavers working with hundreds to thousands of threads concurrently yet focused on each minute details.



Does she look familiar? Yes, she was featured in one of the local TV commercials and we had the opportunity to purchase one of her masterpieces.




Buy souvenirs at the Canelar Barter Trade Center.




Zamboanga City is also a haven for Malaysian, Indonesian and other South-East Asian products. Some of these can be found at Canelar.

WHERE AND WHAT TO EAT IN ZAMBOANGA CITY?

No visit in any place is complete without having our palates filled with the bountiful taste of local cuisines and delicacies.

Jimmy's Satti Haus - perfect for breakfast and snacks.


Satti is a local delicacy in Mindanao and of the Tausugs made of beef or chicken strips usually dipped in thick red spicy sauce and partnered with tamuh (rice cooked inside coconut leaves)




Enjoy a cup of hot Sulu Coffee - Dennis Coffee Garden


Enjoy a huge plate of Paella with Friends at Country Chicken


Make good use of your hands and dig into those Curacha dipped to the famous Alavar sauce - Alavar Seafood Restaurant




It's a bit pricy though, but one serving is good for sharing.


Other seafood choices are available as well.


And don't forget to try their Zamboanga White!


After watching the sunset at Paseo Del Mar, you can go straight to Barcode for Dinner and get a bowl of Tiyula Itum. A Tausug delicacy known for it black soup as a result of using charred coconut meat.


Enjoy lunch by the seaside at La Vista Del Mar Restaurant


Chavacano Express - sweet potato leaves in coconut cream with shrimps


Seafood Rice


Ensaladang Chamba


Baked Clams


And for dessert, indulge yourselves with a sugary treat called Chicalang


Another dessert delicacy in Zamboanga city is the crunchy Lokot-Lokot.


And leveling up more that sweet-tooth cravings, get yourself a Knickerbocker at Palmeras Restaurant. This is a the Chavacano's version of halo-halo, but healthier since it's made of fresh fruits.


Deep-dive to the Moro culture by trying Latal at Bay Tal Mal Restaurant




Look at this elegant water pitcher


And before heading to the airport, drop by at Mano Mano restaurant and try their version of Chicken Barbecue




Watch the video below to see more of our Zamboanga city trip.