Siargao: rock isles

This pair of rock isles
(from afar they look as if there's only one)
off the coast of Pilar
is home to seagulls.

Siargao: Pilar shore

There's no beach along a stretch of the shore at Pilar.

Siargao: swimming hole

A swimming hole forms at Magpupungko
in Pilar

when it's low tide.

Siargao: Del Carmen church

You can't help but notice the clean surroundings
around the Catholic church at Del Carmen.

Siargao: surfing

Have fun on the crest of a wave
as you ride a surfboard toward the shore
of General Luna in Siargao.

Maguindanao: Ampatuan tricycle

Snap of a tricycle in Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Zamboanga City: burial grounds

It’s sun, sand and surf on Sta. Cruz Island (the big one, not the small one). Go there in the morning (the berthing point for the pumpboat is at Paseo del Mar) and return for lunch. From afar the beach sand on this island appears all-white but once you step on it upon disembarkation you’ll notice the pink sand mixed with the white sand. Smile in the sunshine and frolic in the surf but don’t forget to take a peek at the old burial grounds of the Badjao.

 

Zamboanga City: coco teapot and tabletop

A pre-arranged visit to the research center of the Philippine Coconut Authority can be fun and rewarding. Learn about the many varieties and uses of the coconut. This could be a real eye-opener for the uninitiated! Photo shows a teapot made of coco wood; the tabletop is also made of coco wood.

Zamboanga City: handicraft

San Ramon Penal Farm was built more than 140 years ago.
Inmates here make a variety of wooden handicraft for sale to visitors.

Zamboanga City: Hacienda de Palmeras bilao

Dinner at Hacienda de Palmeras,
a posh restaurant serving delectable dishes in an appetizing environment.
Go through their menu and whet your appetite!

Zamboanga City: treehouse

Pasonanca Park remains to this day a place worth exploring.
Don’t miss the treehouse!

Zamboanga City: vinta

Vinta sailing is one of the attractions at Paseo del Mar, a fairly new leisure park at the seafront across Fort Pilar.

Zamboanga City: dancing fountain

The fountain at Paseo del Mar dances to a variety of music played during evenings. The colorful fountain show is really a treat. You can watch from a distance or up-close (more fun because of the mist from the fountain).

Zamboanga City: Yakan weaving

A Yakan woman weaves a two-meter length of colorful cloth.
The pattern of each cloth produced is a unique design.

Zamboanga City: ice cream

For refreshments go to Country Chicken. The piped-in music in this restaurant as you savor their signature pizza is an enjoyable mix of Chabacano songs. I say go for their yummy homemade ice cream!

Zamboanga City: Fort Pilar

At Fort Pilar, built in the 17^th century, go up the ace-of-spades bastion and travel back in time. Imagine the attacks and bombardments on this fortress that took place in the Spanish times. On the other side you may want to light a candle or say a prayer at the Marian shrine.

Zamboanga City: barter trade

At the barter trade market

you can find food products,

clothes and lots of other stuff.

 

 

Zamboanga City: Plaza Rizal

Relive the history of Zamboanga at Plaza Rizal,
your starting place for a historical tour
around the heart of the city.

Zamboanga City: Barcode squid

At the popular Paseo del Mar
try a squid dinner at Barcode.
This restobar features performers
on stage singing current hits.

Zamboanga City: lifestyle museum

BPI Museum is the “lifestyle museum” of Zamboanga City.
It is a rich treat of heritage in banking, home life during the Spanish and American periods, and cultural artifacts. Take your time examining the Grand Sala, the Pershing Room, the Manager’s Room and the Moro Weapons/Musical Instruments Room where period furniture, vintage photographs, paper ephemera, colonial coinage and bank notes, swords, ethnic instruments and plenty of other objects of interest are showcased in a tasteful arrangement.

Zamboanga City: Chabacano

Learning some Chabacano phrases can be fun.
Come ya kita!

Zamboanga City: Hai San hot pot

Have lunch at Hai San, a Chinese restaurant specializing in seafood. You’ll find this in downtown Zamboanga City. Order a hot pot. Taste their sweet-and-sour fish. A helping of shrimps in lemon butter sauce is delicious!

Zamboanga City: city hall

The Zamboanga City Hall was built by the Americans from 1905 to 1907.
Did you know that the Japanese forces during the Second World War did not destroy this building for a particular reason?  The answer is the chrysanthemum. Scrutinize the doors and look for this Imperial Seal symbol of Japan. There are several more architectural details that will perk up your interest.

Zamboanga City: Alavar seafood rice

Alavar, a restaurant situated at barangay Tetuan, is best known for curacha (with its highly touted Alavar sauce). It also is famous for its bagoong guisado that is a perfect match for slices of fresh green mango. But don't miss, too, the seafood rice!

Davao del Sur: Sta. Cruz fishing boat

Snap of a fishing boat,
Patulangon, Sta. Cruz.

Davao del Sur: hydropower plant

Hedcor's hydropower substation
along the Tudaya River at barangay Astorga
in Sta. Cruz is set to deliver electrical power
early next year.

Ozamiz City: Cotta Fort

When in Ozamiz
you can't miss
Fuerte de la Concepcion y del Triunfo,
built in the 18th century.

Ozamiz City: museum

In the Cotta Fort can be found the city's museum.

Ozamiz City: Plaza de los Jesuitas

Enjoy a breezy air
at the Plaza de los Jesuitas,
a lovely spot!

Ozamiz City: cannon

A 20th century cannon
on a Spanish fort
is anachronistic.