La Hermosa Festival

Zamboanga City
October 1-12

La Hermosa Festival, also known as Fiesta Pilar, is annually held in honor of the miraculous image of Our Lady of the Pillar (known to its locals as Nuestra Señora del Pilar) being housed at the legendary Fort Pilar. Zamboangueños ardently believe that the lady has unified the diverse culture among its people. In observance of her feast day, Asia's Latin City displays its veneration and enthusiasm with a novena procession, fireworks display, ethnical parade, cultural shows, regatta, and the yearly search for Miss Zamboanga. Being named as the country's City of Flowers, Zamboanga also presents a botanical display featuring the different exotic fauna and flora of its abundant land. This festival runs from October 1st to 12th. Truly the feast's name, "Hermosa," (which means "beautiful") appropriately describes the said celebration.

Nine Nights of Procession for Our Lady of the Pillar



The Street Dance: A Contest Joined by Different Schools and LGUs







Zamboanga Regatta Features Colorful Vintas in a Race



Fort Pilar: Home of Zamboanga's Beloved Patroness





The Beauteous Zamboangueñas

Things to Do in Zamboanga

In planning for a trip to Zamboanga--either to enjoy the 12-day-long festivity or to visit on ordinary days, the following activities should not be missed:

1. A weekend getaway to Sta. Cruz Island and take delight in its famous fine-grained pink sand



2. Hear a mass or light a candle at Fort Pilar and pay homage to its patroness



3. Vicita Iglesia (Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, St. Joseph Parish Church in Nuñez St., St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish in Tetuan, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Ayala, Our Lady of Purification Parish in Sta. Maria, Divine Mercy Parish in Divisoria)



4. Enjoy the Pasonanca Park (swimming, water-fun slides, jogging, or find a spot for a quiet moment)







5. Have a taste of some Tausug delicacies: Jimmy's Satti, Pastil Dumpling Soup, Tiola Itum, Baulo, Panyalam, Darel, Lukot-lukot



6. Have a seafood overload at Alavar's Seafood House in Tetuan or Lantaka Hotel Resto (Curacha with Alavar Sauce)



7. Enjoy the nightlife at Catibro Complex

8. Experience some thrill at the Zamboanga Freeport Ecozone (Gamezone and Mar Y Monte Resort)



9. Have some balut at RT Lim Boulevard



10. See a movie at Mindpro Mall at a very low price

11. Have lunch at the Puericulture Food Center (Fresh Imbao, Tanguingue Kilawin, Fresh Lato, Agar-agar Salad)

12. Have a cozy night at the Paseo del Mar Complex



13. Tour the over-a-century-old (established in 1904) sole state university in Region 9, Western Mindanao State University





14. Visit the mosque-looking building(formerly the head office of ARMM) in Catabangan

15. Be amazed at the Badjao kids who would dive without gears for a tossed coin in the Philippine Deep



16. Buy Malong, Sarong, Arafat, Maggi Noodles Chili Flavor, Malaysian ans Indonesian Products at Barter Trade in Canelar



17. Enjoy some laid-back activities at the Woodland Resort in Zambowood

18. Eat a variety of in-season fruits such as lansones, durian, mangosteen, rambotan, mangoes, pineapple, kaimito, santol, papaya, etc.

19. Take a tour at the country's biggest sardines factory, Mega Sardines in Recodo



20. Try the Sizzling Bulalo and pig out at Chow Time Cuisine in Divisoria