Zamboanga I love...

Zamboanga will be my Iloilo of Mindanao.

Three days in Z.C. and I must say that I really, really loved it there. If there was any anxiety that I've felt before going there, it is from the perception and all the news that I've been hearing. And looking at it now, that is unfair not just to the Zamboangueños but I guess to everyone from Mindanao.

Mari O said that it is this perception that is keeping people from extending the assistance to Mindanao, and he is right. And I want to be able to help changing this perception. If this blog post about Zamboanga would make even just one person want to fly to Zambo, I would be most happy.

I liked everything in Zambo. From the people to the local culture to the few tourist spots I got to visit to the food, gawd the food, everything was to be liked.

Even before the plane landed, I saw this island the most beautiful, beautiful sand, just off the coast of the main island. From the plane, I could only imagine how beautiful the island must be. I was later told that the name of the island is Sta. Cruz, and that the sand there is actually pinkish, and not white. And that it's such a fantastic island, but to get there would require one to bring a military escort, just to be sure. It's saddening, because for sure there are several more islands like this in Mindanao but they will for a long time remain to be untouched and unseen by the majority. There's some good in that (environment preservation), but it's also quite sad (for beach-loving people).

Here's a rundown of the trip.

Food: Went to Chinito's for good sizzling food, La Vista del Mar for dessert - mango cobbler and the fruit shakes were really good, John's Seafood Grill in Canelar, Cafe Zambo for cheap but huge servings of grilled seafood, Satti for satti (sate) and the sauce, and there's this restaurant (the name I forgot!!! Grrr!) near Morning Sun Satti that serves yum Muslim food.

Night Life: Yes, night life! Whereas Iloilo has Smallville, Zambo has Catribo. It's way smaller than Smallville but the concept is somewhat similar - a compound of bars, cafes, restaurants. I like it that it's small but very much happening. You've got the Bean's Cafe for some coffee, cakes and cheap SML bucket, then you can go to Halo for some (in our case, a LOT of) dancing. Then there is a videoke bar, a silog restaurant, among others. I don't know about you but as long as there's SML, really great dance music, fantastic buddies, you've got me onboard.

Sights: Went to the Yakan Village to see the traditional weavers, then to La Vista del Mar for a view of the ocean (I swear Zamboanga has the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen) and a view of the Balikatan soldiers... mwehehehe). Also went to Fort Pilar to marvel at the mini-Intramuros, to Lantaka Hotel by the Sea to check out the pearls, then to the barter market for some shopping of Malaysian goods. The City Hall is a must see, as well. Loved the architecture.

Souvenirs: Bought some pieces from the Yakan Village to be framed and hung on a wall. Bought tons of boxes of Apollo and uniquely flavored Maggi and Nescafe from the barter. Went with Michelle and Noel to the Aderes Market where they bought curacha and crabs (the place is seafood heaven, I tell you!) and to the Sta. Cruz bagsakan for cheap, really cheap marang. It's just that I'm not a big fan of bringing raw food back home when on trips. I would probably buy a unique piece of heavy furniture, but not a kilo of crabs.

Accommodations: Was booked at the Grand Astoria Hotel. Nothing really spectacular, but it's a good hotel because of the strategic location (a couple of steps away from the Zambo WC), the really fast Wifi connection (I LOVE!), and the presence of a barter right at the 3F lobby. If you have the money, you may want to check in at the Garden Orchid, La Vista del Mar or Lantaka By the Sea hotel.

Transpo: We had a van on our second day, and the Zambo SMARTees were kind enough to take us around but I did get to try to commute. It wasn't that bad. Almost everyone knows Tagalog, and you wouldn't feel uncomfortable to speak in Tagalog. The tricycles charge like a cab though, so I'm not sure how challenging the haggling could be.

I would be lying if I say that I didn't feel lonely as I boarded PR 128. I like Manila, yeah, but I'm getting too tired of it. Discovering cities like Iloilo, Zamboanga (and Singapore, oh man, Singapore!) makes me want to pack my bags and leave the crazy, chaotic city of Manila. When I think of the traffic, the pollution, the noise, the fear, I feel much of resentment and want to escape the city. There is really no big enough reason for me to stay here, anyway.

Hay, take me back to Zambo, Iloilo or Singapore.