WOW Zamboanga City "Asia's Latin City"

Sta. Cruz Island

Lantaka Hotel

Paseo del Mar

Colorful Vintas (from wow Philippines exhibits)

Jambangan Performers

These are just few of the many faces and places in Zamboanga city, from pink sandy beaches, five star hotels, Spanish inspired garden/park to cultural shows and historical places such as the Fort Pilar and the museum.

Another thing that we Zamboangeños are truly proud of is our language, "Chavacano" The Chavacano language is the only Spanish-based creole in Asia. It has survived for more than 400 years, making it one of the oldest creole languages in the world.

Now!" mi Punto de Vista" my point of view, people most likely from Manila and across the globe when they hear the word Zamboanga especially Mindanao a lot of them associated it in terrorism: Bombing, kidnapping, and many other heinous crimes. But they just don't know that a lot of beautiful places in the Philippines can be found in Mindanao.

Here's my "Why list"

1. Why is it Pagadian and Dapitan are quite known now when it comes to eco-tourism?
2. Why Dakak is very known when it comes to resort?
3. Why is it Camiguin is very known too where for sure Camiguin is part of Mindanao?
4. Why is siargao island concidered as the surfing capital of the phils?
5. Why Zamboanga City is a bit discreet to the public?

Let me focus on the number five why

Some of the mentioned places above are well funded by the local government, from infrastructures to publicity. Now, as I grew up in Zamboanga City I saw the changes from my childhood till I graduated college heydays, I was there when the Mindpro mall was born the eco-zone in Labuan the Immaculate Concepcion place in the city was established. After few years when I left Zamboanga City the very beautiful park by the beach the "Paseo Del Mar" right at the back of the Fort Pilar Shrine sparkling the city into new face.

Security reasons? Zamboanga city is a safe place to go I betcha visit Zamboanga city anytime. The city has the same way of life as the Manila has. But the thing is Zamboanga city owned this kind of culture and spot that no other city can give.

So why do tourists both local and international don't know where and what are these parks and places I mentioned? This is because Zamboanga City somehow lacks the effort or they are still working on road map of showing to the public (entire Philippines) what Zamboanga city really is. Part of the publicity is one of the missing puzzle to make Zamboanga City known.

I believe it is now time that Zamboanga city must fly high on its own name ZAMBOANGA CITY ( the Asias Latin City) Kudos! con el mga participantes de zamboanga city for making a great presentation during the WOW Philippines week at Intramuros Manila.


To my Cousin Emily Bucoy-delos Reyes thank you for inviting me, for showing the new faces and places of Asia's Latin City.

The Garden of the Divine World

Miraculous Rose Petals

Ground Area near the entrance

View from the Grotto

Grotto

A grotto in the middle of the city but a silent place where you can meditate and do spiritual thing. That is the Garden of the Divine World located in Quezon city. The garden is open to all who wants to bring their families and friends for free entrance. Aside from that, you can also visit two different kind of cemeteries from a century old cemetery to a modern Japanese inspired columbary. And step up to the approximately 50 metres high grotto of Mama Mary, the hilight of all.

When you're inside the garden don't forget to look for the miraculous rose petals, there you can see the actual image of a woman carrying a child as who happened to be MAMA MARY appears on that rose petals. There is a goose bump story behind that image, a story of a lady gardener who served and took care of the garden many years ago, when MAMA MARY appears to Her. I don't know exactly what's the whole story but the priests of Christ the King can elaborate you the whole "KWENTO" story.

By the way the garden is under the care of Christ The King church in Quezon City. You can visit the garden any time.

How to get there? It's accessible from Cubao take the E-Rod and if you're coming from EDSA kamuning turn left from Tomas Morato down to E-Rod and from Manila area if you're plying the route of Quezon Ave, sway to right from welcome rotonda take E-Rod and you're all down to Christ the King.

Special thanks to my friends WINSTON JIMENEZ and MJ for touring me and for the free transportation. God Bless you guys.

What's with the giant billboard?

Where is this?
• Diyan sa Cebu?

This is my first ever billboard design project, yes! I did the technical or Mechanical design for this, the concept is of Mr. Wally G. my boss (Maverick Communication Inc) thanks to our client "Tourism Authority of Thailand" who gave us their trust to manage part of their publicity. The billboard was posted last year in Cebu City.

I was also in charged for the ads layout that placed in the leading newspapers like the Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin and BusinessWorld. In magazines; Mega, Metro, Lyfestyle Asia, People, Expat Travel and more from year 2007 to 2008.

Cheers for that fruitful years!

Kalesa Life in Intramuros Manila

Intramuros Manila

In front Manila Cathedral

Hari ng kalasada ng Intramuros, Metro Manila. we sited local tourists riding a kalesa in one of the major streets in Manila near Intramuros and they funly say HO! meaning stop and sih! means go! I love the way how Manileños taking care of their heritage and culture.

Colorful Kalesa's from green to yellow to pink catches the attention of every visitors. Not only that, Intamuros owns the scenery of the past, while touring around with the Kalesa and with the horse of course, you can see old edifices from a 4-room house to a number of old buildings built in 1800's.

Intramuros is not only offering good sites but also good food.

Basilica of San Sebastian

The Basilica of San Sebastian is one of the 4 minor basilicas in the Archdiocese of Manila. It is said to be the only church in Asia built of steel. The architect decided to use steel to build the present structure because the church had been completely destroyed by an earthquake twice.

The basilica contains the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Every year the feast of Our Lady is celebrated twice a year. The biggest feast is celebrated on January 31 with a traditional novena ending with a procession all along the parish streets. Her feast on July 16 is also celebrated with a novena but with a shorter religious procession.

San Sebastian was raised to a minor basilica in 1890. The basilica was consecrated in 1891.